In the annals of music history, few duos have touched so many hearts in such little time as Motown’s team of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. In just three years (1967-69) the two created a string of now iconic songs that not only shot to the top of charts, but have lived on both in their original form and in remakes for over a half century.
This incredible duo had their time cut short by Terrell’s tragic illness (brain cancer) and death at only age 24. Her passing was devastating to the entire Motown family, but especially Gaye.
More than a decade after Terrell’s passing, Gaye would routinely include a tribute to her in his live shows. And for our latest SoulTracks Lost Gem we take a look at a rare clip of a 1981 Gaye concert in Belgium where he performed a “Tammi Terrell Medley,” with parts of two of their biggest hits, “If This World Were Mine” and “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing.” The tribute is both touching and beautifully performed. Check it out below.
By Chris Rizik
