Best known for her 7 hit collaborations with Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell had an earlier successful solo career in her own right. This song was recorded when she was still a teenager under her earlier stage name of Tammy Montgomery.
Born Thomasina Montgomery in Philadelphia, she was named after her father Thomas, a barbershop owner and local politician. Her mother Jennie was an actress.
After years suffering from headaches, one evening in 1967 she actually collapsed on stage into Marvin's arms and after 8 unsuccessful operations for a diagnosed brain tumour, passed away in 1970 aged only 24.
There have often been rumours that in the latter days she was so ill that her vocals had to be touched up by using Valerie Simpson (of Ashford and Simpson - Solid fame) to help out.
Marvin, who was totally besotted with her although insisted their relationship was no more than platonic, never got over her passing and his legendary "What's Going On?" album of 1971 was in part a reaction to her death.
At her funeral her mother banned all Motown personnel from attending in protest at their ignorance towards her treatment by Temptations singer David Ruffin, who abused her while in a relationship. All except Marvin that was.
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