Tammi Terrell
- Born:
- April 29, 1945, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Died:
- March 16, 1970, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Singer
Early Life and Education
- Born Thomasina Winifred Montgomery.
- Began singing at a young age, performing in talent shows.
- Attended Germantown High School in Philadelphia.
- Briefly attended the University of Pennsylvania, pre-med.
Career and Major Achievements
- Discovered by Luther Dixon at age 15.
- Signed to Scepter/Wand Records and released her first singles under the name Tammy Montgomery.
- Briefly sang with James Brown's Revue.
- Signed with Motown Records in 1965 and changed her stage name to Tammi Terrell.
- Achieved major success through duets with Marvin Gaye, beginning in 1967.
- Collaborated with Marvin Gaye on numerous hit singles and albums.
- Collapsed on stage during a performance with Marvin Gaye in 1967, later diagnosed with a brain tumor.
- Continued to record despite her illness.
Notable Works
Discography
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Irresistible | Motown |
| 1967 | United (with Marvin Gaye) | Motown |
| 1968 | You're All I Need (with Marvin Gaye) | Motown |
| 1969 | Easy (with Marvin Gaye) | Motown |
Notable Singles (with Marvin Gaye)
- "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
- "Your Precious Love"
- "You're All I Need to Get By"
- "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing"
Legacy and Impact
Tammi Terrell's short but impactful career cemented her as a pivotal figure in soul music history. Her duets with Marvin Gaye remain iconic and influential, and although the singer Tammi Terrell biography highlights her untimely passing, her vocal performances and songs are timeless and continue to inspire generations of artists and listeners.