An event which foretold of tragedy for Tammi Terrell took place on October 14, 1967, when she collapsed on stage into Marvin Gaye's arms. Tammi Terrell’s voice became a symbol of R&B and soul in the 1960s, immortalized through her unforgettable duets with Marvin Gaye. But behind her powerful music was a life marked by hardship, abuse, and health issues that would lead to her untimely death at just 24 years old. On October 14, 1967, while performing 'Your Precious Love' with Marvin Gaye at Hampden–Sydney College, Virginia, she collapsed into Gaye's arms onstage. Doctors soon diagnosed a malignant tumour on the right side of her brain. She underwent brain surgery in.
On October 14, 1967, while performing 'Your Precious Love' with Marvin Gaye at Hampden–Sydney College, Virginia, she collapsed into Gaye's arms onstage. Doctors soon diagnosed a malignant tumour on the right side of her brain. She underwent brain surgery in. Terrell’s death took a major toll on Marvin Gaye and drove him into a deep depression. He ended up not performing for two entire years after her passing and he reportedly revealed this to a friend about Tammi’s death: PHILADELPHIA, March 16— Tammi Terrell, a 24‐year‐old rhythm and blues singer who survived six brain operations over a period of 18 months and returned to recording last year, died this morning... Following her eighth brain surgery, Terrell slipped into a coma and died on March 16, 1970. She was 24. Terrell was as boisterous and filled with life offstage as she was on. Her relationship with Marvin Gaye was close, but platonic. March 16, 1970, was a sad day for the world, as she finally died, one month to her 25th birthday. Terrell got a befitting funeral at the Janes Methodist Church in Philadelphia, and Gaye delivered a final eulogy to his fantastic friend.
PHILADELPHIA, March 16— Tammi Terrell, a 24‐year‐old rhythm and blues singer who survived six brain operations over a period of 18 months and returned to recording last year, died this morning... Following her eighth brain surgery, Terrell slipped into a coma and died on March 16, 1970. She was 24. Terrell was as boisterous and filled with life offstage as she was on. Her relationship with Marvin Gaye was close, but platonic. March 16, 1970, was a sad day for the world, as she finally died, one month to her 25th birthday. Terrell got a befitting funeral at the Janes Methodist Church in Philadelphia, and Gaye delivered a final eulogy to his fantastic friend. Terrell told her sister one day that she didn't think she could hold on any longer and shortly after went into a coma. Two days later, Tammi Terrell passed away on March 16, 1970 at the age of 24. At the time of Terrell's death, she was engaged to Doctor Ernest "Ernie" Garrett.