Terrell, Tammi (1946–1970)

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Terrell, Tammi (1946–1970)

African-American singer. Name variations: Thomasina Montgomery. Born Thomasina Montgomery, Jan 24, 1946, in Philadelphia, PA; died Mar 16, 1970, in Philadelphia; studied psychology at University of Pennsylvania (early 1960s).

At 15, recorded 1st single, "If You See Bill" (1961), followed by "The Voice of Experience" (1962); joined James Brown revue; reached R&B Top 30 with "I Can't Believe You Love Me" (1965); with Marvin Gaye, had numerous hits, including "Your Precious Love" (1967), "You're All I Need to Get By" (1968), and "What You Gave Me" (1969); diagnosed with brain tumor (1967); released solo album, Irresistible Tammi Terrell (1969); albums with Gaye include United (1967), You're All I Need (1968), and Easy (1969); stopped touring because of illness, but continued to record with Gaye, though he revealed years later that most songs on Easy, including "Good Lovin' Ain't Easy to Come By" and "What You Gave Me," had been sung by Valerie Simpson.