I fell in love with Tammi Terrell in 4th grade when my music teacher played “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” in class. Her voice with Marvin Gaye gave me chills. That moment introduced me to Motown, and not long after, we took a class trip to the Motown Museum on West Grand Boulevard on the west side of Detroit. Walking through that house seeing the cribs, instruments, and clothes made me fall in love with the grind, sound, and hustle of every artist who came through those doors.

Tammi released her first solo album Irresistible with Motown in 1969. But behind her bright smile and beautiful voice was a heartbreaking story. She endured physical abuse from multiple men in her life. She was beaten to the point that some believe her health issues may have stemmed from that trauma. She was later diagnosed with a brain tumor, went through eight surgeries, lost her vision, became wheelchair-bound, and eventually fell into a coma. She passed away at just 24 years old.

It breaks my heart every time I think about it. Today, I just want to give Tammi Terrell her flowers. Her voice, her strength, and her story still matter. Happy heavenly birthday, Tammi. 💐

Stream Ain’t No Mountain High Enough