The paring of Motown’s superstar Marvin Gaye with the little known Tammi Terrell during the late 1960s was a stroke of genius. Since their first recording of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” in 1967, nearly every single they recorded was a Top 10 hit on the Pop or R&B charts during the late ’60s. All of those hits are contained in this great, hard-to-find CD, “Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: 20th Century Masters.”

Their vocals are so in sync with each other, steeped with such love, passion and desire, you would swear they truly were in love with each other in real life (though the two always discounted this idea). Terrell had been linked to The Temptations’ David Ruffin and James Brown, and had a history of rocky relationships. But despite ts platonic nature, it’s her artistic partnership with Gaye that’s endured.

Prior to Terrell, Marvin had recorded with singers Kim Weston amd Mary Wells, but none could Tammi's unique vocal gifts. It is not a stretch to say that these two were the best soul-singing duo of the 20th century.

Terrell was discovered by Motown founder Barry Gordy singing in a Detroit club in 1965. Marvin began singing in his father's Pentacostal church when he was four. He was encouraged to pursue music as a career after a performance in a school play. But as a boy he was subjected to “brutal whippings” at the hands of his father, who struck him for any shortcoming. After he got a chance to perform at Berry Gordy’s house during the holiday season in 1960, he was signed to a recording contract. Teased about his surname, with some jokingly asking “Is Marvin Gay?”, Motown added an “e” to his name.

Our favorite song on this set is “Your Precious Love,” which is so sexy and sensual to slow dance to. Also, if you need something to uplift your emotions, “You’re All I Need To Get By’ and “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing” are good choices. The latter was used endlessly as the soundtrack for Coca Cola TV commercials. On some cuts Marvin also demonstrates his three-octave vocal range and later developed a “tough man growl” for some songs.

The uptempo “You Ain’t Livin’ Till You’re Lovin’” is a feel-good testimony to the power of romance. It has a positive vibe and is one of the highlights of this collection.

To Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn, we still love y’all, but Marvin and Tammi’s version of “It This World Were Mine” is an absolute classic.

You won't be disappointed by any song on this collection. They're all great!

It’s so sad that Tammi passed away at the young age of only 24 of a brain tumor. Marvin was hit hard by Terrell’s loss, and reflected sorrowfully, “It was a deep vibe...as though she was dying for everyone who couldn’t find love.” Fourteen years later, Gaye would be reunited with her in soul heaven (having been shot to death by his abusive minister father, who beat the system and never served time for this heinous and unspeakable crime).

The music world lost two great talents but this touching CD makes it possible for us to enjoy their recorded magic again.

To sample some of the tracks, click the speaker icon below to hear them. Then scroll down the page to order today!