In the mid-60s, Terrell released a series of minor R&B chart hits, among them "I Can't Believe You Love Me", "Come On and See Me", and "This Old Heart of Mine" (putting on her own spin on The Isley Brothers' classic). In 1967, she was selected to replace Kim Weston as Marvin Gaye's recording partner, with Gaye being one of Motown's biggest singer-songwriters and being hungry to try more. This teaming produced Gaye's most successful duets, and the pair issued a stream of hit singles between 1967 and 1969. Tracks such as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need To Get By" epitomized their style, as Gaye and Terrell wove around each other's voices, creating an aura of romance and eroticism that led to persistent (yet false) rumors that they were in a secret relationship.
Being such close friends and strong admirers of each other's talents, the partnership's non-singles and b-side releases have attracted critical praise as well, with many commenting that both of them sing like passionate actors on a stage totally into their roles. Most of the Gaye/Terrell duets were crafted by two songwriting/production teams: Ashford & Simpson and Harvey Fuqua & Johnny Bristol. Though productions could be intense, given the number of talented musicians in one space at one time, the duo recorded track after track. Yet it all would come to a sudden end soon.
While on tour with Gaye in Virginia during the summer of 1967, Terrell fainted onstage. She was diagnosed as suffering from a brain tumor, much to the shock of her and her friends. Despite a series of major operations over the next three years, her health steadily weakened to the point that she could barely sing. By 1969, Terrell was too weak to perform in public or in the studio, and the duo's co-producer, Valerie Simpson, subbed for Terrell on many of the duo's final recordings. Ironically, one of these tracks, called "The Onion Song", proved to be the most successful of the Gaye/Terrell singles in the U.K.
Tammi Terrell died on March 16, 1970. Her burial service attracting thousands of mourners, including many of her Motown colleagues, numerous musicians in Motown and elsewhere felt shocked. Over the years since, her work with Gaye has proved deeply influential on many later soul and rnb artists. As well, Marvin Gaye's spiritual wanderings and self-reflection upon the passing of such a beloved friend proved a significant life event, and he would soon release his critically acclaimed 'What's Going On' album soon afterward.
Official Motown artist page: http://classic.motown.com/artist_pages/marvin-gaye-tammi-terrell/
California Soul
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That lingers in your ear
You can't forget
From sunrise to sunset
It's all in the air
You hear it everywhere
No matter what you do
California soul
California soul
They say the sun
Comes up every morning
And if you listen carefully
The winds that ride
On the high tide
Whistle a melody
So the people started to sing
And that's how the
Surf gave birth untold to
California soul
California soul
When you hear the beat
You wanna pat your feet
And you've gotta move cause
It's really such a groove
Puts a brand new kind of
Thinking in your mind
And you can't go wrong
'Cause you're happy all day long
California soul
California soul
They had the melody and the beat
But it still didn't seem complete
Until they saw two lovers kissing
They knew just what was missing
So happy they were
Rocking and reeling
Because they added
That loving feeling
To California soul
California soul
California soul
Now if they move you
Will it move you
It can groove, you, baby
California soul
California soul, yeah
California soul
Satisfaction, darling
The lyrics to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's song California Soul describe the captivating feeling of the Californian lifestyle. The opening lines set the tone for the song, as it says that the sound of California's music and rhythm are so infectious that it will linger in one's ears and that one cannot forget it. The lyrics go on to say that the California soul is all in the air, and it is everywhere, and one cannot escape its hold no matter what one does. The chorus talks about how people say the sun comes up every morning, and if one listens closely, the winds that ride on the high tide whistle a melody which gave birth untold to California soul. The song then goes on to describe how the rhythm and melody of California can move one's body and soul to the point that it puts a brand new kind of thinking in one's mind, making them happy all day long.
The lyrics of California Soul have an uplifting and moving tune, capturing the unique flavor of California. It praises the region for its infectious music, rhythm, melody, and lifestyle that people can not help but embrace. The song talks about the happy and elated feeling the Californian lifestyle can bring to one's life, bringing satisfaction and joy. Overall, the lyrics of California Soul convey the infectious optimism and vibrancy that characterizes the Californian way of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a sound you hear
Just like a sound that makes an impression and remains in your consciousness
That lingers in your ear
Just like a sound that remains in your ear and keeps drawing your attention
You can't forget
Impossible to forget
From sunrise to sunset
From morning to evening
It's all in the air
It's everywhere around you
You hear it everywhere
It's being heard from all around you
No matter what you do
Regardless of what you're doing
It's gonna get a hold on you
It's going to hold your attention
California soul
Refers to the unique vibe and energy found in the state of California
California soul
Refers to the unique vibe and energy found in the state of California
They say the sun
It is said that the sun
Comes up every morning
Rises every day in the morning
And if you listen carefully
And if you pay close attention
The winds that ride
The winds that blow
On the high tide
During high tide
Whistle a melody
Sing a tune that resonates with people
So the people started to sing
This led the people to start singing
And that's how the
This is how
Surf gave birth untold to
The surfing culture led to
California soul
A distinct and unique feeling associated with the state of California
California soul
A distinct and unique feeling associated with the state of California
When you hear the beat
When you feel the rhythm or tempo of the music
You wanna pat your feet
Motivates you to dance along and move your feet
And you've gotta move cause
You have to dance because
It's really such a groove
It is a unique and captivating style of music or vibe
Puts a brand new kind of
Gives rise to a new way of
Thinking in your mind
A new kind of thought process
And you can't go wrong
Wouldn't go wrong with this new way of thinking
'Cause you're happy all day long
Leaves you feeling happy and content for the whole day
California soul
The energy and vibe of California
California soul
The energy and vibe of California
They had the melody and the beat
They had got the tune and rhythm right
But it still didn't seem complete
It still felt incomplete
Until they saw two lovers kissing
Until they witnessed lovers sharing a romantic moment
They knew just what was missing
This moment of love was what was needed to complete the picture
So happy they were
They were really overjoyed and content
Rocking and reeling
Dancing and swaying to the music
Because they added
This addition provided
That loving feeling
The feeling of love
To California soul
To the vibe and energy of California
California soul
The unique energy and vibe of California
California soul
The unique energy and vibe of California
Now if they move you
If the music or vibe resonates with you
Will it move you
And make you want to move along with it?
It can groove, you, baby
It can make you dance and move to the music
California soul
The energy and vibe of California
California soul, yeah
The unique energy and vibe of California
California soul
The vibe and energy of California
Satisfaction, darling
Brings complete satisfaction and joy to the heart
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NICKOLAS ASHFORD, VALERIE SIMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind