Tag Archives: Tammi Terrell

Music Monday: June 9, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Levon Helm was born 85 years ago on May 26, 1940 in Elaine, Arkansas. Best known as the drummer and primary singer for The Band, the multi-instrumentalist eventually branched out into acting. His best known role was as Loretta Lynn’s father in the 1980 film, “Coal Miner’s Daughter”. Helm also appeared in “The Right Stuff” (1983), “Smooth Talk” (1985) and “In The Electric Mist” (2009).

After a bout with throat cancer in 1998, he regained his voice to record his 2007 album, Dirt Farmer. It won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in 2008. Two more Grammy wins soon followed, one in 2010 for Best Americana Album for his 2009 release, Electric Dirt and the other in 2012 in the same category for 2011’s Ramble at the Ryman.

Helm’s autobiography, “This Wheel’s on Fire: Levon Helm and the Story of the Band“, was published in 1993. He died from throat cancer on April 19, 2012 at age 71.

Top: Levon Helm circa 1977. Bottom: Helm (R) with Sissy Spacek in 1980’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Sir Thomas Jones Woodward, better known as Tom Jones, celebrated birthday #85 yesterday. The Welsh superstar was born June 7, 1940 in Wales. He started singing as a child and by 1964 he was signed to Decca Records. Two years later he won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1966. From 1969 to 1971 he hosted his own TV show, “This Is Tom Jones”.

That exposure coupled with his signature powerhouse baritone voice made him one of the leading sex symbols of the 1970’s. He eventually branched out into acting and by the 1980’s started recording country music as well. In 1988 he teamed up with The Art Of Noise for a cover of Prince’s song, “Kiss”. Jones has spent the last 40 years performing, recording music (his last studio album, Surrounded by Time, was released in 2021) and participating in shows like “The Voice”. Jones’ 60 year career remains a part of music & pop culture history.

Top: Tom Jones circa 1970. Bottom: The performer circa 2019. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

April marked the 80th birth anniversary of one of my favorite voices from Motown. Tammi Terrell was born Thomasina Winifred Montgomery on April 29, 1945 in Philadelphia, PA. By the time she was 15, she was discovered by songwriter & record producer, Luther Dixon. A year later she was a backup singer for The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. In 1963, she released a song he co-wrote, “I Cried” on his label, Try Me Records. On Terrell’s 20th birthday in 1965, she was signed to Motown Records. By 1967, she was recording duets with Marvin Gaye. Their songs were successful on both the R&B and the pop charts.

In October 1967 she collapsed on stage and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Terrell fought a brave fight that ended 55 years ago when she died on March 16, 1970 at the age of 24.

Top: Tammi Terrell circa 1968 by Earl Fowler for SOUL Newspaper. Bottom: Terrell (R) with Marvin Gaye (L), circa 1967. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

John Fogerty turned 80 last month. Born John Cameron Fogerty on May 28, 1945 in Berkeley, California, his most successful solo album was released forty years ago in January 1985. It hit the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 for one week on March 23, 1985. Between his years as the lead singer & primary songwriter for Creedence Clearwater Revival and his solo career of 52 years, Fogerty’s voice remains a constant in the classic rock genre.

Top: John Fogerty from his days with Creedence Clearwater Revival circa 1970. Bottom: The singer circa 2015. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Michael James “Mick” Hucknall was born 65 years ago on born June 8, 1960 in Manchester, U.K. He was the lead singer for the band, Simply Red. The group’s undeniable sound was led by the incredibly rich soulful timbre of Hucknall’s voice & the poignancy of his poetic lyrics. The band’s debut album, Picture Book, was released nearly 40 years ago in October 1985.

The third single put the group on the map and garnered them overnight success. Hucknall wrote it when he was 17. It hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week on July 12, 1986.

Another of their songs that I simply adore is from their fourth album which was released in September 1991. It is the title track which was the second single and like every Simply Red song, Hucknall’s incredible voice makes it an experience worth hearing again and again.

Top: Simply Red’s 1985 album. Middle: The band in the 1980’s with Mick Hucknall featured in the center, seated. Bottom: Hucknall circa 2021. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Levon Helm and Sissy Spacek: “Ain’t Got The Time” (1980 appearance on The Midnight Special. Credit(s) unknown. NOTE: The video cuts out just before the song ends, but it is a great performance nonetheless).

Tom Jones: “She’s A Lady” (1971, written by Paul Anka).

Tammi Terrell: “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” (1967, written by Johnny Bristol, Vernon Bullock and Harvey Fuqua).

John Fogerty: “Centerfield” (1985, written by John Fogerty).

Simply Red: “Holding Back the Years” (1985, written by Mick Hucknall and Neil Moss).

Simply Red: “Stars” (1991, written by Mick Hucknall).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: April 1, 2024

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today we celebrate a man I adore and love who I have worshipped nearly all of my life. And I miss him every time I breathe. Marvin Gaye was born 85 years ago on April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C. He began singing in church at just four years old. Later he joined a few high school vocal groups before he enlisted in the United States Air Force when he was 17.

The future “Prince of Soul” learned to play piano, drums and to write songs. He joined a few doo-wop groups before he ended up in Detroit at the start of the 1960’s just as Motown was being developed. After some time as a musician & backup singer, he had his first hit with “Stubborn Kind Of Fellow” in 1963. And for the next 10 years, he earned another nickname, “The Prince Of Motown”, thanks to a string of hits including three #1 songs, several duets and a thought-provoking seminal album, “What’s Going On”, in 1971.

A decade later, he had a #3 smash with “Sexual Healing” which earned him his first Grammy Awards. But despite his career resurgence, Gaye’s life ended exactly 40 years ago when he was killed on April 1, 1984. He was not only one of the greatest voices ever in music history but one of the most prolific to come out of the Motor City. He spoke his conscience through his songs as well which provided the label with some social awareness and perspective.

In honor of this beautiful extraordinary man’s life, I am sharing my top three favorite tracks of his. Two are solo songs and the other is my favorite duet of his with Tammi Terrell, Gaye’s dear friend whom he recorded a majority of duets with before she died from a brain tumor on March 16, 1970 at age 24. If you believe in heaven, you have your own version of what it looks and sounds like. For me, I envision these two incredible souls singing together in harmony and happiness for all of eternity. And I have a front row seat.

Thank you for your heart, soul & voice, Marvin. You are still missed and beloved every moment of every day. Sending love & peace to you always.

Marvin young
Marvin hat
Marvin Tammi

Top: Marvin Gaye in the early 1960’s. Middle: Marvin Gaye circa 1971. Bottom: Tammi Terrell and Gaye circa 1967. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Marvin Gaye: “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” (1967, written by Johnny Bristol, Vernon Bullock and Harvey Fuqua).

Marvin Gaye: “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (1968, written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield).

Marvin Gaye: “That’s The Way Love Is” (1969, written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: April 3, 2023

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Yesterday marked what would have been Marvin Gaye’s 84th birthday. Motown’s “Prince Of Soul” was born April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C. His voice was one of the strongest, one of the most recognizeable, one of the most powerful & one of the most beautiful to come out of the Motor City. He was also a musician, a songwriter and a producer.

He started with the Motown label in 1960 and by 1962 he had his first hit, “Stubborn Kind Of Fellow”. He spent the next 20 years of his career at the label, and despite incredible highs with hit songs like “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, duets with Tammi Terrell and seminal albums like “What’s Going On”, Gaye also experienced incredible lows including the end of his first marriage, the death of Terrell and struggles with depression and addiction. He left Motown for CBS Records in 1982.

That same year Gaye enjoyed a career resurgence with the release of Midnight Love. The lead single, “Sexual Healing”, hit #3 by January 1983. It won him the first Grammy Award of his career, Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male (the instrumental version earned him Grammy #2 the same year). But it was what he did next that gave him another career defining moment that is still revered and celebrated 40 years later.

On February 13th, 1983, the NBA’s best gathered at the Los Angeles arena for the 33rd All-Star Game between Eastern and Western Conferences. Gaye was chosen to sing the National Anthem and went on to make history with his suave, soulful and utterly sensational interpretation of the song. The Star Spangled Banner would never sound the same from that point on. It was like watching what Ray Charles did for “America The Beautiful” all over again.

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Marvin Gaye at the 1983 NBA All Star Game. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I miss this man every single day. I fell in love with his voice before I knew what soul music was but I knew Gaye’s voice was the definition of it, even when I was a young child. He was just that good, just that talented and just that powerful. And every time I hear one of his songs, I remember the first time I heard his voice all over again. But his legacy is best summed up on his website: “His greatness rests in his genius for transforming spiritual energy into songs that both inspire and delight.” Amen.

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Gaye circa 1982. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marvin Gaye: “National Anthem” (1983, Live at the NBA All Star Game, lyrics by Francis Scott Key and music by John Stafford Smith).

Marving Gaye: “That’s The Way Love Is” (1969, written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield).

Stay safe & well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 485

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Tom Petty music quote

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Time for another mid-week Motown break. Today’s song was released on July 9, 1968. It was written by the husband & wife songwriting team of Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson. They started writing for the label two years earlier and wrote several other songs recorded by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell including “Ain’t’ No Mountain High Enough”, “Your Precious Love” and “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing”. Today’s pick was a Top Ten hit on the main chart & #1 on the R&B chart in 1968. It was also the last song the beautiful Terrell ever sang in public due to her illness & subsequent death in 1970.

“Darling in you I found
Strength where I was torn down
Don’t know what’s in store but
Together we can open any door“.

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Tammi Terrell (L) and Marvin Gaye (R) circa 1967. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: “You’re All I Need To Get By” (1968, written by Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 149

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Charlie Brown No Music No Life

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Time for another mid-week Motown break.  As much as Marvin Gaye gained popularity on his own, he also found it as part of a duo.  He recorded one album of duets with Mary Wells (1964’s “Together”) and another with Kim Weston (1966’s “Take Two” which included the top 20 hit, “It Takes Two”).  But when both women left the label after the release of these albums due to business reasons, Gaye found his most successful pairing with Tammi Terrell.  She was 20 years old when she signed with Motown in 1965, after two years as a member of James Brown’s Revue.  Her pairing with Gaye was magic right from the start.  They had three hits in 1967:  “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “Your Precious Love” and today’s song.

But it was also in October of the same year that Terrell would collapse onstage in Gaye’s arms due to the discovery of a malignant brain tumor shortly thereafter.  She fought the illness through eight unsuccessful surgeries over the next two and a half years but sadly lost her fight to it on March 16, 1970 at age 24.  According to many friends and several Motown history biographers, Gaye never recovered from losing her.  Shortly after her death his fight with depression and addiction began.  He also entered the studio to write and record a more introspective album.  It became his career defining “What’s Going On” album released May 21, 1971.

In 1983 I was lucky enough to see Gaye in concert at Radio City Music Hall in NYC.  He performed today’s song by himself in a slower tempo while pictures of him & Terrell flashed on a giant screen behind him.  It was one of the most poignant moments I have ever witnessed at a concert.  A year later, almost 14 years exactly after he lost his dear friend, Gaye died, too.  It is no secret that too many of the performers at Motown had such sad endings to their stories.  It breaks my heart that today’s two singers, the ones I adore most of all from that label, had their stories end the same way.  I believe people who bring the world so much happiness with their music should find it themselves.  My heart tells me they have it together now.

“If I could build my whole world around you
I’d make your eyes the morning sun
I’d put so much love where there is sorrow
I’d put joy where there’s never been none“.

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Tammi Terrell & Marvin Gaye circa 1967.  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell:  “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” (1967, written by Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol and Vernon Bullock).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 17

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today’s marks what would have been Marvin Gaye’s 81st birthday.  He sang some of the greatest songs to come out of the Motor City including today’s pick.  It was his first career number one record, and for a while it was the best selling hit on the Motown label, spending seven weeks in the top spot.

I can still remember the first time I heard this song.  I was sitting in the back seat of my parent’s car and from the second it came on the radio, I felt something inside of me tremble.  Like a part of me I did not even know I had suddenly woke up and made its presence known.  It was strong, and steady and felt so familiar yet so new at the same time.  It was as if I suddenly had an internal voice that was singing all on its own without any help from my real voice. Years later I would hear the phrase “soul music” and I realized that is why they call it that-because it is music that hits you in the deepest place.  And that is what I felt in the car that day.

Gaye had one of the greatest voices ever, not just in the soul genre.  He was also a talented musician playing piano, synthesizers and drums.  Despite being a solo artist he performed several duets during his career, most notably with Tammi Terrell.  He also wrote and/or co-wrote several hits for other artists including Martha & the Vandellas (“Dancing In The Street”), the Marvelettes (“Beechwood 4-5789″) and the Originals (“Baby, I’m For Real”).  He wrote many of his own songs as well, and as the turbulence of the 1960’s became too hard for him to ignore, he channeled his feelings into songs about the war (“What’s Going On”), social injustice (“Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”) and the state of the environment (“Mercy Mercy Me”), amongst others.  

Gaye took some time off in the late 1970’s for personal reasons including his exit from the Motown label.  He signed with CBS Records and came back stronger than ever in 1982 with his album “Midnight Love” which included another number one hit, “Sexual Healing”.  That song earned him his first two Grammy Awards after over 20 years as a recording artist.  Also in 1983, he sang an incredibly soulful rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the NBA All Star Game.  While he was in the middle of his enormous comeback tour, I was lucky enough to see him give a magnetic performance at Radio City Music Hall.  It was one of the greatest nights of my life.

So many singers have died tragically young either by drugs, plane crashes, car accidents or suicide.  But Gaye was the third of my musical heroes to be shot to death-first Sam Cooke (one of Gaye’s idols) in 1964 and then John Lennon in 1980.  In those two tragedies both men died by a stranger’s hand.  Gaye was killed by his own father 36 years ago yesterday.  I have never fully recovered from the senselessness of that act.  I wonder almost daily what else this unbelievably talented man would have accomplished in his career.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye circa 1977 (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marvin Gaye:  “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (1968, written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.