Tammi Terrell   “Irresistible”   Motown Records (1969)   “Irresistible” is a collection of Tammi’s solo releases including “I Cried,” “I Can’t Believe You Love Me” and “Come On And See Me.” “All I Do” which is my favorite Tammi Terrell solo recording, wasn’t released until 2002 in the UK (in the compilation A Cellarful of Motown!).

The song was written for her in 1966 by a sixteen year-old Stevie Wonder (with Clarence Paul and Morris Broadnax), and was recorded that year by Tammi and also by Brenda Holloway (also not released until 2005).   Stevie Wonder finally released his own version on the 1980 album “Hotter Than July.”   (Michael Jackson, Eddie Levert and Walter Williams of the O’Jays, Charie and Ronnie Wilson of The Gap Band and Betty Wright all provided background vocals!)

Tammi began her singing career in 1960.   In 1967, she met Marvin Gaye.   Their eternally beautiful and romantic duets include “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “Your Precious Love”, “You’re All I Need To Get By”, “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You”, “If This World Were Mine” and “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” !

In late 1967, she collapsed on stage with Marvin and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.   After eight surgeries failed to save her, Tammi passed away in March of 1970, causing Marvin Gaye to sequester himself from the studio until he returned with “What’s Goin’ On” in 1971.   Worse yet, her illness and death at just 24 years-old prevented her from realizing her potential as a solo artist.   “All I Do” is nice way to remember her.

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