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Tammi Terrell Passed Away at 24 from a Brain Tumor & Marvin Gaye Ensured Her Last Moments Were Happy

Comfort Omovre
Aug 04, 2021
08:40 P.M.

Tammi Terrell was a singer best known for her duets with fellow singer Marvin Gaye. Although she passed away at 24 from a brain tumor, she enjoyed one last memorable moment with her singing partner.

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Tammi Terrell was an American singer and songwriter famously known as a star singer for Motown Records during the 1960s. The icon was a student at the University of Pennsylvania and dropped out to pursue her dream as a singer.

One time, Terrell made it known to an interviewer for Ebony Magazine that she had been in the show business since she was 11. According to the star, her parents started taking her to piano and dance lessons when she was only three.

Motown recording star Tammi Terrell poses for a portrait in New York City circa1967. | Photo: Getty Images

Motown recording star Tammi Terrell poses for a portrait in New York City circa1967. | Photo: Getty Images

TAMMI TERRELL AND MARVIN GAYE

At 11, Terrell already appeared in talent shows at the Earl Theater, and at 15, she signed her first recording contract. Five years later, Terrell was paired with Marvin Gaye by the founder of Motown Records, and they began making music together.

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The fantastic pair released several hits together, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Your Precious Love," amongst others. Apart from sharing a stage with each other at various locations, Terrell and Gaye shared a deep but platonic relationship.

Posed portrait of Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye. | Photo: Getty Images

Posed portrait of Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye. | Photo: Getty Images

TERRELL'S STRUGGLE WITH BRAIN CANCER

Things were going very well for the duo until October 14, 1967, when Terrell collapsed into Gaye's arms while they were performing "Your Precious Love" on stage. She was eventually diagnosed with a malignant tumor on the right side of her brain.

Gaye never got over Terrell's death, which eventually led him to drug abuse and depression.

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Motown recording star Tammi Terrell poses for a portrait in New York City circa1966. | Photo: GettyImages

Motown recording star Tammi Terrell poses for a portrait in New York City circa1966. | Photo: GettyImages

Terrell underwent her first brain surgery in 1968, and after recovering from the surgery, she continued to record and perform live. The singer's brain cancer worsened, and a year later, doctors ordered Terrell to stop live performances.

Despite being too ill to perform, Terrell had one happy last moment with her singing partner, Gaye. During the latter's performance at the Apollo theater in 1969, Gaye saw Terrell in the audience and rushed up to her.

He went to her side, and they began singing "You're All I Need To Get By," and after singing, they got a standing ovation.

Portrait Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell United States, 1967. | Photo: Getty Images

Portrait Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell United States, 1967. | Photo: Getty Images

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TAMMI TERRELL'S LAST DAYS

Terrell suffered more brain complications and underwent further surgeries. She suffered hair loss, blindness, weighed only 93 pounds, and was confined to a wheelchair. Terrell went for her eighth surgery and entered into a coma afterward on January 21, 1970.

March 16, 1970, was a sad day for the world, as she finally died, one month to her 25th birthday. Terrell got a befitting funeral at the Janes Methodist Church in Philadelphia, and Gaye delivered a final eulogy to his fantastic friend.

Terrell's fiancé at the time, Dr. Ernest Garrett, revealed that the icon's mother stopped everyone at Motown from attending the funeral, except Gaye, who was her closest friend. Terrell's death affected a lot of her friends and family negatively, especially Gaye.

LIFE AFTER TAMMI TERRELL'S DEATH

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According to multiple biographers, Gaye never got over Terrell's death, which eventually led him to drug abuse and depression. The singer's mental health was greatly affected, which resulted in him withdrawing from live performances.

Late soul singer Marvin Gaye poses for a portrait circa 1980. | Photo: Getty Images

Late soul singer Marvin Gaye poses for a portrait circa 1980. | Photo: Getty Images

In 1971, Gaye released an album inspired by Terrell's death, and it was titled "What's Going On." Even though Terrell died at 24, she impacted lives with her immense talents and will always be remembered for her heartwarming music and powerful voice.

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