If icons -like Marvin Gaye, Elvis Presley, or James Brown- lived in today’s #MeToo social media era, they would be royally screwed and joining the likes of R. Kelly. Why? Because all of them were known to date and/or marry underaged girls when they were grown men at the height of their careers.
As truth diggers, here at ILOSM, we understand there’s a lot we can all learn from the lives and legacies of Old School celebs- regardless of if the details are good, bad, or ugly. With that said, let us share with y’all Motown singer, Tammie Terrell’s, sister’s details about the reportedly tumultuous relationship between Tammi and James Brown.
Brown Was 30 and Terrell was 17?
Tammi Terrell was best known for her duet with Marvin Gaye, “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing,” You’re All I Need To Get By,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” But before she made the move to Motown, she was Brown’s backup singer. It was during that time that Tammi reportedly began dating Brown when he was 30 and she was 17 years old.
According to Tammi’s sister, Ludie Montgomery, when their Mother found out that her teen daughter was dating a 30 year old cat, she nearly lost it.
Here’s What Tammi’s Mother Reportedly Caught James Brown Doing In Her Bed
Here’s what was reported regarding Ludie’s recollection of the time their Mother busted Tammi Terrell and James Brown:
According to Tammi Terrell’s sister (Ludie), James Brown enticed the impressionable 17-year-old Tammi with lavish gifts and luxuries when she toured with the James Brown Review.
When Tammi’s mother and sister visited her in New York. Her suite was beautiful and spacious with a sitting area and bedroom. The space was adorned with an array of flowers that complimented the colors of the decor. …
James also bought her many presents which included furs, jewelry and gorgeous ensembles; the next outfit was more beautiful than the last.
“Tammi took us shopping and bought us expensive gifts at Saks Fifth Avenue. When we returned, we entered Tammi’s room, we saw that James Brown was sleeping in Tammi’s bed. He woke up abruptly, greeted us politely and left. Mother seemed awfully worried and confused but Brown’s assistant-Gertie assured her that she kept a watchful eye out for Tammi on the road.” -via PanacheReport
Sister Then Described Severe Abuse Tammi Reportedly Suffered From James Brown
While on the road with James Brown, Tammi Terrell was reportedly beaten severely. The last time was when she went to singer, Gene Chandler, for help: “I witnessed the situation and she came to me for help, then I called her parents,” said Chandler.
According to PR, here’s what Ludie wrote in her biography, My Sister Tommie, The Real Life Tammi Terrell:
“Our mother received a distressing telephone call. Mother was horrified to learn that a 17-year-old Tammi had encountered some trouble on the road and was coming home. James Brown had beaten her mercilessly and Tammi wanted out. My father was especially hurt because he knew James and he trusted him with Tammi since she was only 17 and he was 30.
When Tammi returned home she looked disheveled, tired and just worn out. I learned that night that she had been trying to get away for some time but was worried about breach of contract repercussions.
While mother and I were unpacking Tammi’s things in the basement my mother discovered a blue, silk oriental dress. It was called a Kimono and James had bought it for Tammi. This dress had particular significance! There was blood all over it. We learned that Tammi’s abuse was extensive and that this tragic incident involved an umbrella with horrific results.”
After her reportedly brutal relationship with James Brown, Tammi moved on to a reportedly equally brutal relationship with Temptations lead singer, David Ruffin.
Thankfully, at the end of her short life- which was sadly claimed by brain cancer in when she was 24- Tammi Terrell felt what real love was from the doctor she was happily engaged to at the time of her passing.
