**Why No Motown Artist Attended Tammi Terrell’s Funeral**

Tammi Terrell is remembered as one of Motown’s brightest stars, her voice immortalized in timeless duets like *Ain’t No Mountain High Enough* and *You’re All I Need to Get By* with Marvin Gaye. However, her life, marked by immense talent, was also overshadowed by tragedy.

When Tammi passed away at just 24 years old on March 16, 1970, her funeral became a point of controversy. Her mother, Jenny Montgomery, made the shocking decision to bar all Motown artists from attending—except for Marvin Gaye. This decision raised questions about the hidden pain behind Tammi’s short life and her relationship with the label.

Jenny Montgomery’s decision stemmed from her belief that Motown had failed to protect Tammi, both as an artist and as a person. While Marvin Gaye, Tammi’s duet partner and close friend, was allowed to attend, the rest of the Motown family was not welcome.

Jenny reportedly held deep resentment toward the label, blaming it for prioritizing profits and public image over Tammi’s well-being. This sentiment was fueled by Tammi’s tumultuous personal life, including her abusive relationships and the grueling demands of her career.

Tammi’s relationship with David Ruffin, the lead singer of The Temptations, was one of the most toxic chapters of her life. While their romance initially seemed glamorous, it quickly turned into a nightmare. Ruffin’s struggles with addiction and erratic behavior took a toll on Tammi, leading to constant arguments and emotional distress.

Allegations of physical abuse further darkened their relationship, with one horrifying incident reportedly involving Ruffin hitting Tammi on the head with a motorcycle helmet. Friends and family noticed that Tammi’s migraines, which had plagued her for years, worsened during this period. The stress and trauma she endured left lasting scars, both emotionally and physically.

But Ruffin wasn’t the first man in Tammi’s life to cause her pain. Earlier, she had been in a relationship with James Brown, who discovered her when she was just 17 years old. While Brown initially lavished Tammi with gifts and attention, their relationship turned abusive.

Reports suggest that Brown’s violent behavior left Tammi physically and emotionally damaged. One particularly chilling incident involved her returning home with a blood-stained dress after an assault.

Despite these personal struggles, Tammi’s professional life flourished. Her partnership with Marvin Gaye became legendary, producing hits that remain iconic to this day. Their chemistry, both on and off stage, was undeniable, and many fans speculated about a romantic connection between them.

However, Marvin later clarified that their bond was built on mutual respect and friendship. When Tammi collapsed in Marvin’s arms during a performance in 1967, it marked the beginning of her health decline. Diagnosed with a brain tumor, she underwent multiple surgeries but never fully recovered.

By the time of her death, Tammi’s family had grown disillusioned with Motown. They felt the label had failed to protect her from the pressures of fame and the abusive relationships she endured. Jenny Montgomery’s decision to exclude Motown artists from the funeral was a way to take back control and shield her daughter’s memory from further exploitation.

Though her life was tragically short, Tammi Terrell’s legacy endures through her music. Her story is a poignant reminder of the darker side of fame and the importance of protecting artists beyond their public personas.