I've been searching through some old threads and I'm really interested about the drama that was going on in the sixties. I wanna know about all that Drama. What happened to those Supremes? Why is Diana Ross considered a diva? the temptations, Berry Gordy, MArvelletes, etc etc. c'mon timmy84 DOn't hold out on me mang

Yeah, Timmy is the human Motown encyclopedia

carlcranshaw said:

What? you actually mean Berry said no to his pal Smokey????

carlcranshaw said:

What? you actually mean Berry said no to his pal Smokey????

missfee said:

Publishing income is kind of deep. Apparently it will make a person slap their Mama.

I think later they worked something out but Berry told Smokey "Berry never did nothing wrong. we were all like a family." Robinson NO!

carlcranshaw said:

Smokey's covering lol

WHere to begin, it's so many stories, which artist .. LOL. Which era ...

Timmy84 said:

That's not all Smokey is doing

missfee said:

Ain't it funny how Smokey wouldn't even help his "brother" Marvin when he was going through HIS drug ordeal and come to find out he was smoking the same shit Marvin was smoking. smh

Timmy84 said:

That's why Smokey is such a two faced crook.

missfee said:

I know, right? Instead of just dissing Marvin when he was looking for more money to get drugs, he could've been the bigger man and say "no man you're destroying yourself". He was getting high at the same time Marvin died too. smh

Timmy84 said:

That gatdamn Smokey. Asshole.

missfee said:

When I heard that he was on crack, my whole opinion of him changed. I still love his music and respect his musical contributions because without him Motown wouldn't be but he was wrong...WRONG! He should've been there for Rick too. What's up with that? I thought Marvin and Rick were his buds?

missfee said:

When I heard that he was on crack, my whole opinion of him changed. I still love his music and respect his musical contributions because without him Motown wouldn't be but he was wrong...WRONG! He should've been there for Rick too. What's up with that? I thought Marvin and Rick were his buds?

I believe it was Timmy84 who used to post some Motown Stories here. He needs to repost them again. They were very interesting.

Timmy84 said:

Guess that was "hollywood talk".

missfee said:

Yep. Just like Jermaine's "our family sticks together" rants.

The original 1967 version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," was the first song recorded by the greatest duo of all-time, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. According to Marvin Gaye, Terrell was nervous and intimidated during the recording session because she hadn't rehearsed the lyrics. During her first verse, she looked at the lyrics, almost missing her cue, then she blurted out, "no matter where you are," but eventually she followed Gaye's lead and became comfortable.

Due to the abuse she suffered in her personal life, Terrell began to drink heavy. Motown's Artist Development division stepped in quickly and erased the problem.

The night she collapsed in Gaye's arms onstage, earlier that day, she said she wasn't feeling well. She stayed in her dressing room, laying her head on a table with the light out. She told the promoter, after some rest, she would be okay, she just had a severe headache (brain tumor).

After Diana Ross left the Supremes in 1970, Tammy was being considered to replace her but due to her illness and her preference to remain a solo artist, Motown abandoned the idea.

A former Motown employee wrote a critical portrait of Tammi in a little known book. Before the book could reach a mainstream audience, Motown stepped in and purchased the rights. They eventually canned the book.

Despite their volatile relationship, Tammi was the love of David Ruffin's life. This doesn't sit too well with Ruffin's white "common-law," wife. She bashed Tammi in a memoir on Ruffin.

After Tammi died, despite Marvin Gaye being married to Anna Gordy, he told close friends and confidant's that Tammi's memory inspired his classic 1971 album, "What's Going On." He credited her with being the sole inspiration for this masterpiece.

She had an effect on everyone she met or came in contact with.

Despite the constant rumors of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell having a relationship. The rumor is false. They were never involved. They had a brother-sister type of relationship.

(TAMMI TERRELL & JAMES BROWN'S ABUSIVE ROMANCE)

According to Tammi Terrell's sister Ludie, during one weekend, "Our mother received a distressing telephone call. Mother was horrified to learn that a 17-year-old Tammi had encountered some trouble on the road and was coming home. James Brown had beaten her mercilessly and Tammi wanted out."

Singer Gene Chandler was also on the tour and said Tammi was in a tumultuous relationship with James Brown. He adds, "I witnessed the situation and she came to me for help, then I called her parents."

Ludie adds, "My father was especially hurt because he knew James and he trusted him with Tammi since she was only 17 and he was 30."

"When Tammi returned home she looked disheveled, tired and just worn out. I learned that night that she had been trying to get away for some time but was worried about breach of contract repercussions."

"While mother and I were unpacking Tammi's things in the basement my mother discovered a blue, silk oriental dress. It was called a Kimono and James had bought it for Tammi. This dress had particular significance! There was blood all over it. We learned that Tammi's abuse was extensive and that this tragic incident involved an umbrella with horrific results.

According to Tammi Terrell's sister (Ludie), James Brown enticed the impressionable 17-year-old Tammi with lavish gifts and luxuries when she toured with the James Brown Review.

When Tammi's mother and sister visited her in New York. Her suite was beautiful and spacious with a sitting area and bedroom. The space was adorned with an array of flowers that complimented the colors of the decor.

James Brown spoiled Tammi. He even had cosmetologists who took care of all Tammi's needs. She had professional hair weaves, daily facials, manicures and pedicures.

James also bought her many presents which included furs, jewelry and gorgeous ensembles; the next outfit was more beautiful than the last.

Tammi took us shopping and bought us expensive gifts at Saks Fifth Avenue. When we returned, we entered Tammi's room, we saw that James Brown was sleeping in Tammi's bed. He woke up abruptly, greeted us politely and left. Mother seemed awfully worried and confused but Brown's assistant-Gertie assured her that she kept a watchful eye out for Tammi on the road.

A short while later, the brutal beatings started.

Marvin Gaye would become Tammi Terrell's most trusted friend, play big brother and confidant later in life-when she signed with Motown. After her death, allegedly, Gaye never forgot Brown's rumored treatment of Terrell. When he encountered Brown at industry events, he was civil but distant.

(PATTI LABELLE & TAMMI TERRELL FRIENDSHIP)

One year, Tammi Terrell toured with Patti LaBelle & The Blue Bells. Tammi often hung out with Patti, Cindy, Nona and our girl Sarah Dash (special shout-out).

One afternoon, the girls were sitting at the table looking sad and gloomy. Cindy Birdsong's cheeks were tear stained because her mother had passed away but the management would not let her out of her contract to attend her mother's funeral.

According to LaBelle, "We all just sat there in disbelief." "The lesson of this day stayed with me forever about the cruelties of show business. My heart wept with her."

Patti LaBelle recalls those times spent with Tammi. "Tammi and I were buddies. We were so young back then, so young. I remember what a beautiful girl she was, pretty as can be. She had a beautiful spirit and was so fun loving and just loved life. Tammi was always making everyone laugh and feel good."

"Tammi was also bold, vivacious and daring on stage. Her voice was beautiful and nobody could sing like Tammi, nobody. She was free on stage, not stiff. She was a natural and unafraid. You felt her and her words hit your emotions when she sung."

"She was one of the purest souls I ever knew and one of the most generous people in this business. She held others in high regard. Tammi was a honest person in this business and it came through in everything she did.

The friendship that begun that summer with Tammi meant so much to us (Myself, Cindy, Nona and Sarah).

On January 6, 1966, Tammi Terrell recorded her vocals for a song written by Ashford & Simpson, according to her sister, Ludie. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," would become the beginning of something magical, a union that transcended time and space. Marvin Gaye would dub his vocals later in the month.

Valerie Simpson says, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," was just written as a song and then we realized that it would be a great song for the two of them. Nick adds, "It was not a duet from the beginning; it turned into a duet. Marvin always told us that Tammi was his favorite to sing with. She would cuddle up to him like she belonged to him, it was a beautiful friendship they had."

Valerie Simpson remembers, "There was something very sexy about the way they did another one of our songs, "Your Precious Love." That song was more intended for them when it was written. Tammi gave a lot of input. Ad-libs came from her directly, whatever you hear in ad-libs is all her, just as Marvin did. That's why it was so great to have them in the studio together because they would bounce off each other."

Nick Ashford says, "Val and I would usually make a demo and send it to them, so by the time we got our part together they would be well rehearsed on what they were going to do with the song."

Nick and Val each have favorite memories of their time spent with Tammi and Marvin. Nick says, "I loved when we would all get together after a session and just hang out together, Marvin would start to tell jokes that were not funny and Tammi would wave her hand at him and playfully ask him to be quiet and we would all bust out laughing."

"We were all so young then, it was always fun just being together and talking. We were full of life and everything. Tammi was a person who really loved life itself. She never argued with people. That was the beautiful thing about her. "

Val shares, "When the magic is there in the studio like it was between the two of them, you just sit back and watch some wonderful musical moments taking place, moments that have lasted over 40 years."

According to Ludie Montgomery (Tammi Terrell's sister) David Ruffin made a good impression when she met him. "When I arrived in Detroit, Ruffin was at the airport to pick me up. He led me to a waiting limousine. He was the perfect gentleman as he held the door opened."

"Later, the three of us (myself, Tammi and David) ate steak, salad and baked potato's David had prepared for dinner. Later, we laughed and joked for hours, David seemed like a nice guy, very funny and with a definite charm."

"I knew little of Tammi's relationship with David Ruffin prior to this visit. They began dating and living together fairly soon after she arrived in Detroit. I would soon learn that he meant everything to her. She was always saying, "David this, or "David that." Our parents did not know of this live-in situation."

"David Ruffin was a very significant part of Tammi's life. She was deeply in love with him and he seemed to be deeply in love with her." Only later, would she would learn that David was married to another woman in another state.

"The next night, Tammi and David had a small get together attended by Stevie Wonder and Florence Ballard." The next day, Tammi and I went to Aretha Franklin's house to visit Aretha and her sisters.

"A few nights later, we went to go see a Temptations show, David was definitely a great entertainer. On that night, I remember they gave me my first and only joint. I never smoked marijuana before and I did not like how it made me feel. I remember David laughing and feeling good and just being ridiculous."

"I enjoyed the week I spent in Detroit with my sister."

"Something that went unnoticed at this time by our family were Tammi's headaches." This was the first sign of something tragic to come."

According to the late Marvin Gaye, "Tammi Terrell was the kind of chick who couldn't be controlled by men." "That can drive a man crazy-trying to deal with a woman who won't be dominated by anyone.

"I loved that about Tammi. I knew we could be friends but never lovers. Independent women hold no romantic interest for me."

"James Brown and David Ruffin both had stormy relationships with Tammi but mine was completely creative. Because she was fun and funny and totally unpredictable, I loved her."

"Her singing style was also perfectly suited to mine. What we chiefly accomplished, was to create two characters, two lovers that might have been taken from a play or novel and let them sing to each other."

"While we were singing, we were in love. The vibe was incredible. The emotions were heartfelt and real. But, when the music ended, we kissed each other on the cheek and said good-bye."

Source: "Divided Soul," by David Ritz

Tammi Terrell's sister Ludie Montgomery reveals the following in her book:

The entire Montgomery family made arrangements to see Tammi perform at a out of town engagement. By this time, she was living with David Ruffin.

Apparently, while the family was out sightseeing, Tammi and David got into a big argument.

There had been a ongoing feud between them for a few months ever since Tammi had announced their engagement to a packed house in another state.

David was angry, because, unbeknownst to Tammi, he was still married with a family.

Before she found this out, on many occasions, she flaunted the ring he gave her and expressed to everyone that it was an engagement ring.

David was furious.

According to our Aunt Doris (who stayed behind), they argued very loudly in the hotel room.

Aunt Doris went and banged on the door and David finally opened it.

Tammi was lying on the bed and David was applying ice to the side of her face. When David went to get more ice, Tammi confessed to our Aunt that David had hit her viciously on the side of her face with his motorcycle helmet.

When we arrived a few hours after the incident, David put on his motorcycle helmet and jumped over the balcony.

It's a good thing that Daddy didn't find David that night, because I'm sure daddy would have ended up in prison.

This was the beginning of the end of their relationship.

Sam Cooke was very attracted to Tammi Terrell. The reason they didn't hook up is because the timing was off. He was married but separated and she was living with David Ruffin. Cooke even autographed a photo to Tammi, which read: "A message to Tammi, Sammy's in Love." They would have made a stunning couple. Sadly, Cooke was killed the following year. His death left Tammi devastated.

One night, Muhammad Ali attended one of Tammi's show with dashing actor, Calvin Lockhart in tow. Lockhart commented on how beautiful Tammi was throughout the show. Tammi's sister describes Lockhart as a deep, dark, velvety, gorgeous chocolate man.

Tammi grew up with Lola Falana. They were best friends and inseparable during childhood. They even did talent shows together. The crowds went wild when the two of them performed. Lola's family lived one block from Tammi's family.

Source: "My sister Tommie," by Ludie Montgomery

According to Tammi Terrell's sister Ludie Montgomery, few people know that Tammi was raped and severely beaten by three boys when she was a teenager.

She was on her way home from the "Wissahickon Boys And Girls Club." She was coming from a show rehearsal when it happened to her. Although she was completely distraught, she was able to get herself to the police station and make a positive identification of the boys who did this.

This incident changed her and made her a little rough around the edges.

That night, I saw Tammi's bloody clothing in the bathroom. I put it all together and was devastated for my sister. I felt so horrible about what she must have gone through.

It was solemn around our house for many weeks. I could do little to make Tammi feel better. Tammi would stay in her room crying, sulking and staring into space.

I hated those boys for what they did to her.

Thankfully, they were caught and punished for their actions.

During these years, most families, not just ours, swept any topics of this nature under the rug. Our family never discussed sex at all with Tammi or me. I learned the hard way and Tammi learned the horrific way.

Eventually, Tammi tucked her pain deep inside and, as always, she pulled herself up, dusted herself off, and snapped back to what seemed to be normal for Tammi.

I never told anyone outside of my family these details.

This event is the catalyst for my sister's complexities with relationships, choices in men. She was highly misunderstood by those who did not know her.

Tammi was often unfairly judged and even after her death, the things that were said about her were not accurate.

Source: "My Sister Tommie." Tammi Terrell photo: Courtesy of Tammiterrell.com

At the time of Tammi Terrell's death, she was engaged to be married. The man was one of the most prominent black doctors in the world, based in Philadelphia. Marvin Gaye was thrilled that Tammi had finally found happiness and was finally in a non-abusive relationship. Sadly, she would never see her wedding day.

She could always count on Marvin. According to her sister, Ludie, Marvin was her best friend and confidant. He knew her better than anyone.

At Tammi's funeral, Marvin approached Tammi's parents and thanked them for creating a beautiful human being whom he had the pleasure of knowing.

Ludie confirms, Tammi and Marvin were "never" romantically involved and her death nearly destroyed him because he lost his best friend.

Ludie also reveals, Tammi encouraged her first puppy love relationship. Ludie's first childhood boyfriend was Stevie Wonder, whom she often referred to as her "little sweetheart."

Tony Turner reveals the following in his book, "Deliver Us From Temptation."

"When my godfather David Ruffin was high, he'd fly off the handle and then he'd calm down and for a while he would be perfectly coherent. He talked about all his drug treatment programs, "You can't cure no motherfucker like me in thirty days, I need to be locked up."

"He also talked a lot about Tammi Terrell: How he had really loved her and how sorry he was about the way things turned out. "Because...because of the way I treated her. How she died, what could have been-that's why I'm so messed up man."

He believed Tammi could have been the next Diana Ross. According to David, Berry had ruined her career, he had put her on the back burner. "Motown was using Tammi at that time to help propel Marvin Gaye's career because Marvin was married to Berry's sister Anna and Marvin needed some hits so Anna could have gobs of money."

"They couldn't have Tammi going solo, you couldn't have another girl getting big hits. What the hell would happen? Diana Ross would no longer be the top dog at Motown but as long as Tammi was hooked up with Marvin Gaye it was fine. It was a duo, it was safe and Diana could be top diva without any competition."

David said it wasn't true that he had hit Tammi in the head. People told that story, he said, trying to blame him for Tammi's death-people who didn't like him, who felt that Tammi was too good for him, that she was forsaking a solo career by running around in a mink-lined Cadillac with a crazy no-good-drug addict like David.

That was certainly not what Gordy had in mind for her when he put Motown to work cleaning up her image.

"Gordy wanted to keep her away from me. He was trying to break my spirit because I refused to kiss his little short ass."

Timmy84 said:

Ya'll really tear Jermaine down on this site.

Timmy84 said:

Ya'll really tear Jermaine down on this site.