“James Madison is Born” and “Tammi Terrell Dies” - This Day in History – Mar 16th

Future Fourth President of U.S, James Madison is born

Back in 1751, future fourth President of the U.S., James Madison was born in Port Conway, VA.  Mr. Madison is considered, “The Father of the Constitution,” due to his help in drafting no only the “U.S. Constitution,” but also the “Bill of Rights.” 

History.com stated that, “Madison served as president for two terms between 1809 and 1817, during which he attempted to keep America out of conflicts, but was stymied by the outbreak of the War of 1812. During Jefferson's administration, Britain, desperate for sailors in its ongoing war with France, began blockading and confiscating American ships, and impressing, or involuntary drafting, American sailors to serve on British warships. President Madison asked Congress for a declaration of war against Britain in 1812 for its continued affronts to U.S. autonomy. In 1814, British troops captured the city of Washington, D.C., and burned the White House, but not before Madison's plucky wife, Dolley, saved George Washington's portrait from looters. America emerged victorious in this second war of independence against Britain and as a result gained a stronger sense of national identity. After the war, Madison returned his attention to domestic matters, working to balance a strong federal government with respect for states' rights.” 

James Madison continued to be active in politics after his term as president ended; he retired to his estate in Virginia and would later succeed Thomas Jefferson as the president of the University of Virginia.  He died at the age of 85 in 1836.

Special Note:  According to Genealogy Archives of James Madison, "One notable and famous collateral descendant is Barack Obama, our 44th President who is related on his wife Dolley's side of the family."

Singer, Tammi Terrell Dead at Age 24

Back in 1970, Motown Records, friends, family and fans of 24-year-old singer, mourned the death of singer Tammi Terrell who died due to a malignant brain tumor.  Ms. Terrell was known for her duets with singer, Marvin Gaye in popular hits, “Ain't No Mountain High Enough.”  

This singer’s real name was Tammy Montgomery; she used the stage name of “Tammi Terrell” during her short-lived career that started when she was only 13-years-old. 

Ms. Terrell’s had been suffering from this brain malignancy three years prior to her death.  She was diagnosed with this condition after her collapse during a live performance at the Hampton-Sydney College in Virginia. 

According to history.com, “Terrell's illness was at first downplayed by the Motown Records publicity machine while new material by the duo of Gaye and Terrell was still being released. Many of the singles released under their names were created by laying Marvin Gaye's vocals over existing recordings of Terrell made prior to her illness. Gaye scored one of his biggest solo hits ever during this period with "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," but following Terrell's death in 1970, he stopped performing live for the next three years.”

All History facts provided from the link below:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/baseball-owners-give-veeck-cold-shoulder?catId=10