“She knew who she was at a young age. She was able to pick herself up, dust herself off, and literally keep going no matter what cards were dealt to her.” - Ludie Montgomery, about her big sister Tammi Terrell

She was alive for just 24 years, but Tammi’s voice is immortal in pop music history. Her songs with Marvin Gaye have been sampled by Amy Winehouse, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Method Man and Mary J. Blige, and The Notorious B.I.G. When her fans are the greats, you know she was great herself! Tammi’s irrepressible spirit inspires us all to live life boldly, love openly, and shine brightly. There is no mountain high enough and no river wide enough to hold you back. “Tammi Terrell: Sweetheart of Motown” is available wherever you stream your podcasts 💚 Follow @thedollspod on Instagram to see clips and photos from this episode!

Materials used for this episode:

Ludie Montgomery with Vickie Wright, “My Sister Tommie: The Real Tammi Terrell” (2024 ed.)

David Ritz, “Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye” (1991 ed.)

Unsung Season 3, episode 2, “Tammi Terrrell” (TVONE Network, 2010)

Art Peters, “The Ordeal of Tammi Terrell” Ebony Magazine 11/1969

(episode starts at 4:07)

Songs in this episode:

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - You’re All I Need To Get By (1968)

Mickey and Sylvia - Love Is Strange (1957)

Tammy Montgomery - If You See Bill (1961)

Ella Fitzgerald - Misty (1960)

Tammi Terrell - I Can’t Believe You Love Me (1965)

The Temptations - My Girl (1965)

Marvin Gaye - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) [1965]

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - Ooh, The Simple Things (Coca Cola Jingle) [1967]

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing (1968)

Tammi Terrell - Come On and See Me (1966)

Amy Winehouse - Tears Dry On Their Own (2006)

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (1967)