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Northern Soul, Northernsoulinoz, Northern, Tammi Terrell, Wigan Casino, Twisted Wheel, Northern Soul in Australia Tammi Terrell This Northern Soul tribute reviews the life and career of one of the world's best female soul singers, the brilliant Tammi Terrell, who has contributed so much to the Northern Soul scene. Tammi had much in common with Kim Weston, not the least of how they both paired with Marvin Gaye and produced many memorable and timeless soul classics, which just get better each time you hear them.
It seems inconceivable that Tammi has not been with us since 1970, when she was tragically taken from this world at only 24 years of age, after bravely fighting, but eventually losing the battle with illness after being diagnosed with and enduring multiple operations to remove a brain tumour. Tammi's grave is located North-West of Philadelphia airport at Mount Lawn Cemetery, not far away from her place of birth in Pennsylvania. In her short life she brought so much pleasure (and still does) to millions of soul lovers. Tammi was not only a great entertainer, but as a young girl was a brilliant student, with her high marks she gained a scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania. Tammi "dropped out" however due to her passion with soul music and singing, a decision obviously well vindicated. Unfortunately; Tammi's short life was not destined to be a completely happy one, and in hindsight it can be seen she was one of the many soul stars who may never have reached their true potential. This quite simply being attributable to nothing more than a matter of timing, for being a soul star in the USA during the 1960s' did not attract the audiences that were truly deserved. Many US soul artists enjoyed more popularity in the North of England than they did in their home country, ironically as Americans were listening to bands such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and other bands from the UK "invasion" of the US popular music scene. Tammi never married and is rumoured to have had several unfortunate relationships with men in which she was physically abused. Tammi was once engaged to and had a short love affair with the lead singer of the Temptations, David Ruffin. According to common belief this was called off when Tammi allegedly found David was already married. It is rumoured David was jealous of Tammi's friendship with Marvin Gaye, which was certainly an extremely strong friendship, but the relationship is believed to have been platonic. Tammi was the daughter of Jennie and Thomas Montgomery, her Mother was an actress and her Father a hair dresser and politician. Entering talent contests with her sister and winning her first at just eleven years of age, put the stars in young Tammi's eyes, she went on to win many more and was so good that she was booked to perform in clubs at the tender age of just thirteen. Her first big break came when she was signed by Wand records at just fifteen years of age. Tammi first recorded in 1961, not as Tammi Terrell, but as Tammi Montgomery and although successful as a performer, in her early years a chart buster she was not. I was led to believe that Tammi's sister Robbie Montgomery went on to be a member of the Ikettes, but I have been recently informed by Vickie Wright, who is writing Tammi's biography, that this is untrue, as Tammi has only the one sister, Ludie. On many songs Tammi was backed by Beverly Lee and the Shirelles and they often recorded each others songs by mutual agreement. Tammi was soon "discovered" by the one and only James Brown, she toured with his famous revue and he produced several songs for her. It is rumoured JB fell head over heels for Tammi, but the relationship was quickly brought to an end by her parents, who felt she was too young. Tammi went on to tour with Jerry Butler, who did a lot to help her rise to stardom, she took on the name Tammi Terrell on the advice of Berry Gordy, who was quick to recognise Tammi's talent after seeing her perform with Jerry Butler in Detroit during 1965. Success quickly followed and her single
"I can't believe you love me" made the charts reaching No 27. Tammi
also solo recorded "Two can have a party" and "This old heart
of mine" (after the Isley Brothers). Her solo recordings were not to be
the pinnacle of her career however and real success followed when she toured
with the Temptations and after Johnny Bristol (then a producer) arranged for her
to team up with Marvin Gaye. The rest is history as they say and the magic of
Tammi and Marvin worked to deliver a string of huge hits, including:
"You're all I need to get by", "The Onion Song", "Ain't no mountain high enough"
and "What you gave me". Valerie
Simpson of "Ashford & Simpson", did however fill in for Tammy when her
illness started to get the better of her. There is still some mystery
as to if it was Tammy or Valerie who sang on a number of the duets with Marvin,
including those on their third album "Easy".
Tammi will never be forgotten and will stay with us forever. The world is a far better place for having Tammi grace it, even though regrettably for such a short time. Her life will be celebrated each time we play her songs and are fortunate enough to hear her sweet and magical voice. Right On Now! Footnote Biography " We have a beautiful
story here and a very positive story
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