Tamla Claudette Robinson, known as "Tammi Terrell," was an American singer and songwriter. Terrell is best known for her work with Motown Records and her duets with Marvin Gaye, including the hit songs "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need to Get By."
Terrell was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1945. She began singing in church at an early age and later performed in local talent shows. In 1961, she signed with Motown Records and released her debut single, "I Can't Believe You Love Me." The song was a minor hit, but it helped to establish Terrell as a rising star.
In 1967, Terrell teamed up with Marvin Gaye to record the duet "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." The song was a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Terrell and Gaye continued to record duets together throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, including the hit songs "You're All I Need to Get By" and "Your Precious Love."
Terrell's career was cut short by a brain tumor. She died in 1970 at the age of 24. Despite her short career, Terrell left a lasting legacy as one of the most gifted and beloved singers of her generation.
Tamla Claudette Robinson
Tamla Claudette Robinson, known as "Tammi Terrell," was an American singer and songwriter. She is best known for her work with Motown Records and her duets with Marvin Gaye, including the hit songs "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need to Get By."
- Birth Name: Tamla Claudette Robinson
- Born: March 29, 1945, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Died: March 16, 1970, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter
- Genre: Soul, R&B
- Labels: Motown Records
- Known For: Duets with Marvin Gaye, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need to Get By"
- Awards: Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (1968)
Terrell's career was cut short by a brain tumor. She died in 1970 at the age of 24. Despite her short career, Terrell left a lasting legacy as one of the most gifted and beloved singers of her generation.
Birth Name
The birth name of Tamla Claudette Robinson is significant because it provides her with a unique identity and distinguishes her from other individuals with the same or similar stage names. In the entertainment industry, it is common for performers to adopt stage names for various reasons, such as to create a more memorable or marketable persona. However, their birth names remain an important part of their personal and professional identities.
In the case of Tammi Terrell, her birth name, Tamla Claudette Robinson, reflects her family heritage and personal history. It is a reminder of her roots and the experiences that shaped her as a person and an artist. While her stage name, Tammi Terrell, may be more recognizable to the public, her birth name holds a special significance for those who knew her personally and for those who appreciate the authenticity and individuality of her music.
Understanding the connection between Tamla Claudette Robinson and her stage name, Tammi Terrell, is important for several reasons. First, it helps us to appreciate the artist's full identity and the journey that she took to achieve success in the music industry. Second, it allows us to connect with her on a more personal level and to understand the motivations and experiences that inspired her music. Finally, it reminds us of the importance of authenticity and individuality in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Born
The date and place of Tamla Claudette Robinson's birth are significant because they provide context for her life and career. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., on March 29, 1945. This information is important for several reasons:
- Historical Context: Robinson was born during a time of great social and cultural change in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, and the country was experiencing a period of economic growth and prosperity. Robinson's birthplace and time of birth provide insights into the environment in which she grew up and the influences that shaped her life.
- Cultural Heritage: Philadelphia is a city with a rich musical history. It is the birthplace of many famous musicians, including John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and The Roots. Robinson's birthplace suggests that she was exposed to a diverse range of musical influences from an early age.
- Personal Identity: The place of one's birth can have a profound impact on one's personal identity. For Robinson, being born in Philadelphia may have instilled in her a sense of pride and connection to her hometown. It may also have influenced her musical style and her choice of subject matter.
Overall, the date and place of Tamla Claudette Robinson's birth are important factors to consider when exploring her life and career. They provide context for her musical development, her cultural heritage, and her personal identity.
Died
The date and place of Tamla Claudette Robinson's death are significant because they mark the end of her life and career and provide insights into her legacy and impact on the music industry.
- Cause of Death: Robinson died of a brain tumor at the age of 24. Her untimely death cut short a promising career and left a void in the music industry.
- Location of Death: Robinson died in Detroit, Michigan, which is a city with a rich musical history. It is the home of Motown Records, the label that Robinson signed with in 1961. Robinson's death in Detroit is a reminder of the city's importance in the development of soul music and the impact that Robinson had on the city's musical legacy.
- Legacy: Robinson's death at such a young age had a profound impact on the music industry. She was a rising star with a unique voice and a promising future. Her death left a void in the music industry and inspired many artists to pay tribute to her work.
Overall, the date and place of Tamla Claudette Robinson's death are important factors to consider when exploring her life and career. They provide insights into her untimely death, her legacy, and her impact on the music industry.
Occupation
Tamla Claudette Robinson, known professionally as Tammi Terrell, was both a singer and a songwriter. These occupations were central to her life and career, and they shaped her identity as an artist.
- Singer
As a singer, Robinson possessed a unique and powerful voice that was both soulful and expressive. She was known for her ability to convey emotion through her singing, and her performances were often described as being passionate and heartfelt.
- Songwriter
In addition to her singing talents, Robinson was also a gifted songwriter. She co-wrote many of her own songs, including some of her biggest hits, such as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need to Get By." Her songwriting skills allowed her to express her own personal experiences and emotions, and her songs often resonated with listeners on a deep level.
Robinson's dual roles as a singer and songwriter were essential to her success as an artist. Her ability to both write and perform her own songs gave her a unique level of control over her music, and it allowed her to create a body of work that was both personal and authentic.
Genre
Tamla Claudette Robinson, known professionally as Tammi Terrell, was a singer and songwriter who is best known for her work in the soul and R&B genres. Soul music is a genre of popular music that originated in the African-American community in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. It is characterized by its focus on emotion and personal experience, and it often incorporates elements of gospel, blues, and jazz. R&B (rhythm and blues) is a genre of popular music that originated in the African-American community in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. It is characterized by its strong, driving rhythms and its focus on dance and entertainment.
Robinson's music is often classified as soul, R&B, or a combination of the two. Her songs typically feature soulful vocals, passionate lyrics, and strong rhythms. Her music is often described as being uplifting and inspiring, and it has been praised for its ability to connect with listeners on a deep level.
The genre of soul and R&B was essential to Robinson's success as an artist. It allowed her to express her own personal experiences and emotions, and it resonated with listeners who were going through similar experiences. Her music helped to define the sound of soul and R&B in the 1960s and 1970s, and it continues to be enjoyed by listeners around the world today.
Labels
Tamla Claudette Robinson, known professionally as Tammi Terrell, was signed to Motown Records, a record label founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959. Motown Records played a significant role in Robinson's career and helped to shape her sound and image.
- Artist Development: Motown Records was known for its rigorous artist development program, which helped to transform Robinson from a talented singer into a polished and marketable star. The label provided her with vocal coaching, dance lessons, and a team of songwriters and producers who helped her to develop her unique sound.
- Marketing and Promotion: Motown Records was also a pioneer in the field of marketing and promotion. The label invested heavily in promoting its artists, and Robinson was no exception. She was featured in magazine articles, television appearances, and concert tours, which helped to raise her profile and build a loyal fan base.
- Creative Control: Despite Motown's reputation for being a tightly controlled label, Robinson was given a relatively high degree of creative control over her music. She was able to co-write many of her own songs, and she had a say in the production of her records. This allowed her to express her own personal style and vision.
- Legacy: Motown Records played a major role in Robinson's success, and her music continues to be associated with the label's legacy. She is considered to be one of Motown's most iconic artists, and her songs continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Overall, the connection between "Labels: Motown Records" and "tamla claudette robinson" is significant because it highlights the important role that the label played in her career. Motown Records helped to develop Robinson's talent, promote her music, and give her a platform to express her own unique style. As a result, Robinson became one of the most successful and influential singers of her generation.
Known For
Tamla Claudette Robinson, known professionally as Tammi Terrell, is best known for her duets with Marvin Gaye, including the hit songs "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need to Get By."
- Rise to Fame
Robinson's duets with Gaye helped to launch her career and establish her as a solo artist. Prior to her collaboration with Gaye, Robinson had released several singles, but none of them had achieved significant commercial success. Her duets with Gaye, however, were instant hits and helped to introduce her to a wider audience.
- Musical Chemistry
Robinson and Gaye had a unique musical chemistry that was evident in their duets. Their voices complemented each other perfectly, and they were able to create a sound that was both soulful and uplifting. Their duets were often described as being "magical" and "timeless."
- Impact on Soul Music
Robinson's duets with Gaye had a significant impact on the development of soul music. Their songs helped to define the sound of soul music in the 1960s and 1970s, and they continue to be popular today. Robinson's duets with Gaye are considered to be some of the greatest soul recordings of all time.
- Legacy
Robinson's legacy is forever linked to her duets with Marvin Gaye. These songs helped to make her a star, and they continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world. Robinson's duets with Gaye are a testament to her talent and her ability to create timeless music.
Overall, "Known For: Duets with Marvin Gaye, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need to Get By"" is a significant and defining aspect of "tamla claudette robinson". These duets helped to launch her career, establish her as a solo artist, and make a lasting impact on the development of soul music.
Awards
The Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance is a prestigious award given to female artists in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the R&B genre. Tamla Claudette Robinson, known professionally as Tammi Terrell, received this award in 1968 for her performance on the song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," a duet with Marvin Gaye.
- Recognition of Talent: The Grammy Award is a significant recognition of Robinson's vocal abilities and her contribution to the R&B genre. It is a testament to her vocal prowess and her ability to connect with audiences through her music.
- Career Milestone: Receiving the Grammy Award was a major milestone in Robinson's career. It marked her as one of the leading female R&B singers of her time and helped to establish her as a force in the music industry.
- Legacy and Impact: Robinson's Grammy Award win has had a lasting impact on the music industry. It has inspired other female R&B singers to strive for excellence and has helped to shape the sound of contemporary R&B.
Overall, the connection between "Awards: Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (1968)" and "tamla claudette robinson" is significant because it highlights her talent as a vocalist and her contributions to the R&B genre. Her Grammy Award win is a testament to her legacy as one of the most influential female R&B singers of all time.
FAQs about Tamla Claudette Robinson
Here are some frequently asked questions about Tamla Claudette Robinson, known professionally as Tammi Terrell, along with brief answers.
Question 1: What was Tammi Terrell's birth name?
Answer: Tamla Claudette Robinson
Question 2: When and where was Tammi Terrell born?
Answer: March 29, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Question 3: When and where did Tammi Terrell die?
Answer: March 16, 1970, in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Question 4: What was Tammi Terrell's cause of death?
Answer: Brain tumor
Question 5: What genre of music did Tammi Terrell sing?
Answer: Soul, R&B
Question 6: What is Tammi Terrell best known for?
Answer: Her duets with Marvin Gaye, including the hit songs "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need to Get By"
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Tammi Terrell. Her life and career were full of memorable moments and achievements, and her music continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
Proceed to the next section for more in-depth information about Tammi Terrell.
Tips Related to Tamla Claudette Robinson
The life and career of Tamla Claudette Robinson, known professionally as Tammi Terrell, offer valuable lessons and insights for aspiring musicians, performers, and anyone seeking personal growth.
Tip 1: Embrace Your Unique Voice: Tammi Terrell's distinctive vocal style set her apart and contributed to her success. Embrace your own unique qualities and don't try to imitate others.
Tip 2: Collaborate with Others: Terrell's duets with Marvin Gaye showcased the power of collaboration. Seek out opportunities to work with other talented individuals to enhance your creativity and broaden your horizons.
Tip 3: Persevere Through Challenges: Despite facing personal and professional setbacks, Terrell remained determined to pursue her dreams. Don't let obstacles discourage you; view them as opportunities for growth and resilience.
Tip 4: Connect with Your Audience: Terrell's performances were known for their emotional depth and connection with the audience. Strive to create a genuine connection with your audience through your music or other endeavors.
Tip 5: Stay True to Yourself: Throughout her career, Terrell maintained her authenticity and artistic integrity. Stay true to your values and beliefs, even amidst external pressures or expectations.
Summary: Tammi Terrell's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing your unique talents, collaborating with others, persevering through challenges, connecting with your audience, and staying true to yourself. By incorporating these principles into your own life and career, you can unlock your full potential and achieve your goals.
Explore the article below for more in-depth information about Tammi Terrell's life and contributions.
Conclusion
The exploration of Tamla Claudette Robinson, known professionally as Tammi Terrell, reveals the enduring impact of her artistry and personal journey. Her distinctive vocal style, soulful performances, and collaborations with Marvin Gaye left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Terrell's legacy extends beyond her chart-topping hits. Her unwavering determination to pursue her dreams, despite facing personal and professional challenges, serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and performers. Her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level highlights the power of music to transcend boundaries and touch hearts.
Tammi Terrell's story reminds us of the importance of embracing our unique talents, collaborating with others, persevering through challenges, and staying true to ourselves. By embodying these principles, we can unlock our own potential and make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Detail Author:
- Name : Eliezer Cassin
- Username : dmurray
- Email : chris01@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 2001-06-21
- Address : 5841 Ledner Trafficway Apt. 173 Lake Rhettton, CT 41413
- Phone : +15709481714
- Company : Trantow-Rath
- Job : Locksmith
- Bio : Quas qui est nostrum incidunt non temporibus. Omnis illo quaerat laudantium. Aut quas voluptatem dignissimos.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/bauch1984
- username : bauch1984
- bio : Eos voluptatem iusto possimus quo omnis laudantium.
- followers : 6013
- following : 1408
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/parker5269
- username : parker5269
- bio : Et enim aliquam qui quibusdam. Vel minima et et qui.
- followers : 1885
- following : 808
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@parker601
- username : parker601
- bio : Necessitatibus impedit qui assumenda et saepe.
- followers : 6396
- following : 2877
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/pbauch
- username : pbauch
- bio : Nihil cum atque provident qui ut at veritatis.
- followers : 5194
- following : 1042
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/parkerbauch
- username : parkerbauch
- bio : Est voluptatem qui veniam dolores sed. Eum impedit facilis molestiae. Aut rerum quibusdam omnis eum enim.
- followers : 2538
- following : 295