Soul Fixin'

tammi terrell unsung.

Fans of TV One's wildly popular doc series, Unsung, are in for a special treat on 9.20. Famed Motown vocalist Tammi Terrell's life story becomes the series latest focal point. Adored and admired for her timeless duets with Marvin Gaye, Tammi's life ended at the tender age of 24 but she left behind a great body of music and a story that has yet to be told. Producers of Unsung came across a delightful acapella version of 'If This World Were Mine' featured in the video above. Check it out and tune in to TV One on September 20th.

Soul Fixin'

Ain't Nothing Like Aretha

While browsing through YouTube videos I came across the clip above. The year was 1975. The event was the 17th Grammy Awards. Philly soul architect Thom Bell was recognized as producer of the year and Stevie's brilliant Fulfillingness' First Finale received a Grammy for Album of the Year. The highlight of the night was Aretha's amazing performance of Marvin & Tammi's 'Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing,' which she interpreted on 1974's Let Me In Your Life. While the real thing belonged to Marvin & Tammi, Aretha reconstructed the song into an Aretha classic that night. Influenced by the 'flat-footed' gospel singers of the 50's, Aretha, accompanied by a trio of background singers, took to the stage, stood 'flat-footed' and wore the Ashford & Simpson penned song out. Aretha was the embodiment of black womanhood that night, it's quite obvious that a young Whitney Houston was taking notes. The moments following Aretha's performance show the presentation for 'Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.' Aretha was nominated along with soul sisters Millie Jackson, Etta James, Tina Turner, Shirley Brown, Thelma Houston and Ann Pebbles. Aretha would grab the award for her rendition of 'Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing.' Sister ReRe made history that night, she won the award eight consecutive times starting in 1968 with 'Respect.' Ain't nothing like Aretha.

Payin' Homage

In the spring of 1970, the sweet voice of Tammi Terrell was silenced forever. Terrell, with such a promising career ahead of her, passed away on March 16, 1970 at the tender age of 24. Born Thomasina Winifred Montgomery on April 29, 1945 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Tammi is best known for her sensual duets with Marvin Gaye. However, Tammi's career started long before she signed to Motown Records. At the age of 13, Tammi was the opening act for Gary "U.S" Bonds and Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles. She would go on to record with various labels. She garnered a little attention with the 1963 single "I Cried", released on James Brown's Try Me record label. After joining the Motown family, Tammi released the album Irresistible. In a genius move, Motown paired Tammi with Marvin Gaye. The chemistry was undeniable and the two went on to sing some of the greatest love songs of the soul music era. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was a Top 20 hit, the duo found success atop the R&B charts with "Your Precious Love," "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing," and "You're All I Need To Get By." During a 1967 concert, Tammi collapsed in Marvin's arms and was later diagnosed with a brain tumor. Tammi could no longer perform live but she continued to record with Marvin. After 8 operations, loss of memory, and partial paralysis, 24 year old Tammi Terrell died in Philadelphia. Devastated by her untimely death, Marvin took a 3 year hiatus from performing and went into self isolation. Marvin would emerge from a state of depression with the landmark album What's Going On.