Episode #245 | 8.12.25

The Temptations Pt 2: The Tammi Terrell Tragedy

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In this episode

When Motown singer Tammi Terrell died at the age of 24, Marvin Gaye was the only one from her label allowed at her funeral. The rest –especially her former boyfriend, the Tempations’ David Ruffin – were banned. So what happened between them? The answer lies in a story of fame, furs, cocaine, and a scandal that still casts a shadow over soul music.

This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including domestic violence.

Sources

Ain’t Too Proud to Beg: The Troubled Lives and Enduring Soul of the Temptations, by Mark Ribowsky

Where Did Our Love Go? The Rise and Fall of the Motown Sound, by Nelson George

Unsung: Tammi Terrell

Unsung: David Ruffin

'My Girl' (NPR)

The Ordeal of Tammi Terrell (Ebony magazine, 1969)

Thousands Attend Last Rites for Tammi Terrell (Jet)

Credits

Hosted by Jake Brennan.

Written by Zeth Lundy.

Mixed by Matt Beaudoin.

DISGRACELAND theme song, “Crenshaw Space Boogie,” written and produced by Jake Brennan. Performed by Jake Brennan, Bryce Kanzer, Jay Cannava, and Evan Kenney. Mixed and engineered by Adam Taylor.

*illustrations by Avi Spivak @avispivak