Our Story

Terry & Debra Luna were recently inducted into the International Country Gospel Music Association (ICGMA) Hall of Fame during the annual ICGMA Convention and Awards Show in West Plains, Missouri.

Mention The Bakersfield Sound and names like Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Tommy Collins, or Joe and Rose Lee Maphis often come to mind. Add to that list Terry & Debra Luna with their own unique style of West Coast Country Gospel. This husband-and-wife team of singer-songwriters primarily performs original material—songs that are inspirational, encouraging, uplifting, sometimes fun, and often poignant and reflective—all delivered with that unmistakable Bakersfield Sound.

“All of our songs come from real-life experiences,” says Debra. “We're honored that God allows us to share those life lessons and words of encouragement with others.”

Terry was born in Bakersfield and grew up during an exciting time in West Coast country music history, deeply influenced by local legends. His love for guitars was sparked by living just blocks away from the Mosrite Guitar factory, founded by Semi Mosley. Terry knew from a young age that God was calling him into the ministry of music, drawing inspiration from groups like The Christian Troubadours, The Gospel III, The Countrymen, The Goodmans, The Hinsons, and The Rambos.

Debra comes from a rich family heritage of preachers, evangelists, pastors, singers, and musicians in Central California. She recalls singing in her grandparents’ church at a very young age—often being lifted up so she could see over the pulpit. Inspired by listening to her mother and aunt play the piano, Debra learned to play and was accompanying worship at church and youth camps by her early teens.

Terry and Debra met as teenagers while singing in a Southern Gospel group in the Sacramento area. Their shared love for Gospel music and desire to serve the Lord brought them together, and they eventually married. Over the years, they have served as music ministers, worship leaders, and choir directors in their local church while also traveling and singing part-time.

“I’ve enjoyed the journey so far,” says Terry. “And I’m convinced it’s not quite finished yet. I’m grateful and blessed to write and sing songs with my best friend.”

“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”
— Psalm 104:33
“That’s one of my favorite scriptures,” Debra shares. “I’ve been singing in churches, concerts, and conventions since I was very young. God blessed me with a Christian home and parents who were very active in our church. If the doors were open, we were there! I’m thankful for my strong Christian heritage—and for a wonderful husband, father, friend, and fellow musician. Our desire, with God’s direction, is to sing unto the Lord as long as we live!”

In 2011, Terry received a call from a woman in Mississippi who had survived a devastating tornado. She shared how, while sifting through the remains of her home, she found her copy of Terry & Debra’s “Look Up” CD—miraculously undamaged, lying in the yard. The title track reminded her to look beyond her present circumstances, to seek the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and to trust that God had her in His hands. She called to say thank you, explaining how the song helped her through many dark days after the storm.

“Stories like these—of which there are many—are confirmation that we’re in God’s will,” Terry says. “Every song has a story, and we’re often asked to share the story behind the song during our ministry.”

Now based in Middle Tennessee, Terry & Debra travel the country sharing their music and continue writing and recording Country Gospel and Christian Country songs.

They are blessed with three grown children, eight beautiful grandchildren who love to sing and play instruments, and recently welcomed their first great-granddaughter.

“Yes, God is good!” Debra smiles. “Our pastor used to say, ‘It feels like God bent down and kissed the earth—and we’re right in the middle of the smack!’ We are truly blessed!”

Music & Ministry Highlights

Terry & Debra have recorded several projects featuring mostly original songs.
They’ve released twelve singles that reached the Top 10 on national Country Gospel charts, with four reaching #1:

• “How Big God Is” – #1 in May 2024 (Cross Country USA and GTE Music Magazine)
• “Highest Hill” – #1 in September 2020 (Cross Country USA)
• “He Is Here” – #1 in July 2019 on four national Country Gospel charts (Cashbox, Christian Voice Magazine, Country for the Good Life, Gospel Music Tour)
• “Don’t Tell Me He Can’t (I Know He Can)” – Debuted at #1 in August 2014 (Christian Music Weekly)

Their latest project, “Goin’ Down to the Church House”, was released in May 2024 and features new songs by Terry & Debra as well as tracks written by Marvin Morrow, Del Way, Mike Owens, James Payne, Don Stiles, Mark Ford, Mark Collie, and Ronnie Bowman.

They have previously contributed as writers for Christian Servant Magazine, a quarterly publication serving the Gospel music community. Terry & Debra also hosted “The Country Gospel Corral”, a weekly radio show on Camp Meeting Radio, along with a monthly countdown program.

Experience the Music

Spend an evening in concert with Terry & Debra Luna and you’ll experience their joy, their love for one another, and the genuine anointing of God through their songs.

For tour dates, music, and more, visit:
www.thelunasonline.com

Proud Members Of:

• International Country Gospel Music Association (ICGMA)
• Music City Christian Fellowship (MCCF)
• American Christian Country Music Association (ACCMA)
• United States Association of Gospel Entertainers and Musicians (USAGEM)
• Country Gospel Music Association (CGMA)
• International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA)