vainandy said:

I was at a party last night and someone told me that Teena Marie was dead and I told them to stop lying. Then another person told me, and another, and another. I still didn't believe them because I know it only takes one person to start a rumor and it will spread like wildfire. I just thought it was a sick rumor that started in our little circle but I made sure to check the org this morning as soon as I woke up and I see it's true.

This is just too unbelievable. What happened? She wasn't old and to the best of my knowledge, I've never heard of her doing any drugs. I just can't imagine how she died out of the blue. She wasn't killed by anyone was she? I mean, I'm just trying to understand how she just suddenly died with no warning.

Not only did she have some wonderful music, especially her earlier Motown albums, but this woman was a huge part of who I am as a person. Prince was someone I looked up to growing up as a role model when dealing with my gay side and absolutely not giving a damn what anyone thought of it, and Teena Marie was my role model dealing with my "black" side. This woman came out in 1979 on the heels of the disco era and when disco "died" the very next year and white artists were abandoning black music and the majority of the white general public was having absolutely nothing to do with black music whatsoever, this bad ass white woman continued throwing down hard, funky, and black. This woman could have been much more successful than she was but she didn't give a damn, she came in through the black door and stayed in it. She crossed over one time in 1984 and I really don't think she purposely tried to crossover, it just happened. You don't find too many black artists with the strength to throw the finger at crossing over but this woman was white and she absolutely didn't give a damn. She was well loved by the black audience and she loved them right back. As many people have said before..."Teena Marie ain't white, she's just light skinned"....that definately was true. She was a HUGE role model for me when I was growing up dealing with whites that didn't understand me and hated me and will always continue to be a role model for me. This is a huge loss and I still can't believe it.

I've happy you received my orgnote.

If I'm not mistaken, Lovergirl was the first and only time Teena had a video on MTV, mostly because it's a rock track. Apart from that, her videos were on BET just like all of Rick's videos!

Teena Marie, a celebrated R&B singer-songwriter, was found dead Sunday at her California home, her manager said.

Born Mary Christine Brockert in Santa Monica, California, the 54-year-old artist famously paired with late funk legend Rick James and was nominated four times for a Grammy Award, according to her official website.

Marie was found dead by her daughter after apparently dying in her sleep, manager Mike Gardner said.

"Teena was a black voice trapped in a white body," said Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One, a broadcasting company that targets African-American and urban listeners. "I would always tell her that she was one of the greatest vocalists of our time."

Among her songs were "Lovergirl," "Portuguese Love," "Ooo La La La," and "I'm a Sucker for Your Love."

While no cause of death has been released, the singer's publicist Lynn Jeter said that Marie suffered a grand mal seizure -- a neurological event, marked by loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions, according to the Mayo Clinic -- a month ago.

I was listening to her version of "Wishing on a Star" last night and was overcome by such deep emotion... The tears were flowing

"I just want to be your lovergirl"

Sing along with Lady T: Lyrics included..

I have lots of fun memories singing and dancing along with her songs.

Love you Teena, I`m from Venice, CA too, saw you rock it with Jesse Johnson and Frankie Beverly and Maze in Oakland CA back in the 80s. You are loved baby you are loved.

If this was posted already, my apologies:

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Teena.”

The singer said Marie took him in when he was 16 years old and living on the street.

“She gave me a bedroom,” he says. “She fed me, she cooked for me, she took care of me. She gave me instruments to play; she took me to all her recording sessions. She took me to concerts, she nurtured me and helped me to become who I am.”

----

Timmy84 said:

If this was posted already, my apologies:

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Teena.”

The singer said Marie took him in when he was 16 years old and living on the street.

“She gave me a bedroom,” he says. “She fed me, she cooked for me, she took care of me. She gave me instruments to play; she took me to all her recording sessions. She took me to concerts, she nurtured me and helped me to become who I am.”

----

Oh my god.

Timmy84 said:

If this was posted already, my apologies:

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Teena.”

The singer said Marie took him in when he was 16 years old and living on the street.

“She gave me a bedroom,” he says. “She fed me, she cooked for me, she took care of me. She gave me instruments to play; she took me to all her recording sessions. She took me to concerts, she nurtured me and helped me to become who I am.”

----

I'm sorry i'm at work so the video or pic you posted is blocked... who's saying that they wouldn't be here if it wasnt for Teena ???

banks said:

Timmy84 said:

If this was posted already, my apologies:

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Teena.”

The singer said Marie took him in when he was 16 years old and living on the street.

“She gave me a bedroom,” he says. “She fed me, she cooked for me, she took care of me. She gave me instruments to play; she took me to all her recording sessions. She took me to concerts, she nurtured me and helped me to become who I am.”

----

I'm sorry i'm at work so the video or pic you posted is blocked... who's saying that they wouldn't be here if it wasnt for Teena ???

Lenny Kravitz.

Timmy84 said:

banks said:

I'm sorry i'm at work so the video or pic you posted is blocked... who's saying that they wouldn't be here if it wasnt for Teena ???

Lenny Kravitz.

oh wow... thanks Timmy

that message from Lenny is just too much to take

Timmy84 said:

If this was posted already, my apologies:

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Teena.”

The singer said Marie took him in when he was 16 years old and living on the street.

“She gave me a bedroom,” he says. “She fed me, she cooked for me, she took care of me. She gave me instruments to play; she took me to all her recording sessions. She took me to concerts, she nurtured me and helped me to become who I am.”

----

I remember he did this cut with her from her excellent yet out-of-print 1994 album, Passion Play:

Everyone from the music industry is responding to her passing. She made such a major mark in the game as we know it. I feel sorry for her family and close friends.

Timmy84 said:

If this was posted already, my apologies:

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Teena.”

The singer said Marie took him in when he was 16 years old and living on the street.

“She gave me a bedroom,” he says. “She fed me, she cooked for me, she took care of me. She gave me instruments to play; she took me to all her recording sessions. She took me to concerts, she nurtured me and helped me to become who I am.”

----

Just beautiful.

ChocolateBox777 said:

[img:$uid]http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2084/9118410/23615037/394259870.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2084/9118410/23615037/394260237.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2084/9118410/23615037/394260235.jpg[/img:$uid]

Glad I was able to meet U Lady Tee and tell U that U was my favorite female singer of all time & tell U I loved U on Twitter last Sunday Dec 19 & U responded back. "Thanx for the love"...R.I.P. TEENA MARIE....I will never forget U. Your daughter will carry the past torch. She has your beauty and talent....

[Edited 12/27/10 3:27am]

Her daughter is beautiful.

banks said:

Timmy84 said:

Lenny Kravitz.

oh wow... thanks Timmy

Welcome. Just shows you the impact this woman had on so many people even if she wasn't a bigger household name.

Just reading this morning how Rick died-he died in his sleep also He was 56 and she was 54-I hope they are together again

Remembering Teena Marie

Since her debut in 1979, Teena Marie has earned the love, respect and admiration of a plethora of entertainers. The soul singer's burst on the scene with a breakout duet with Rick James called 'Fire and Desire' and fought for her release from Motown Records, which resulted in the 'Teena Marie Law' mandating a label cannot keep an artist under contract without releasing his or her music. Some of today's biggest artists and actors went to the World Wide Web to express their love and sadness with the loss of the 'Square Biz' songstress. Here are their thoughts on this influential music figure.

Taraji P. Henson
"OMG!!!! RIP Teena Marie…speechless…shocked."

Questlove
"Educate.Learn.Absorb.Share. She was an amazing work of art. Most believed [Rick] James produced all her records. Truth is she produced these on her own…the mark of a true artist is when their album cuts get more love than the hits. Marie's magic was defined by her album cuts."

Kimora Lee Simmons
"RIP to the legendary Ms Teena Marie. Luv u always! We'll celebrate & sing in your memory!"

Common
"R.I.P. Lady T! Your rhyme in Square Biz is and will always be classic material…Teena and I are both Pisces and we believe that we've been here before. Thats why De Ja Vu is my favorite song."

Gamble & Huff
"We're shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Teena Marie. She was one of the most memorable, soulful and unique R&B vocalists to come out of Motown. We send or condolences to Teena's family, the entire Motown family and of course, our dear friend Berry Gordy."

nursev said:

that message from Lenny is just too much to take

Indeed. What an honest and loving message.

Remembering Teena Marie

Hill Harper
"RIP Teena Marie – an amazing songstress and trailblazer with so much soul and that's 'Square Biz.' We love you"

Holly Robinson Peete
"My heart is broken. Teena Marie was an R&B pioneer. She was also a beautiful authentic friend who I'll miss forever. RIP Lady T."

Kandi Burruss
"In memory of Teena Marie @thedjaone is playing her songs on our ride back to atl. An amazing artist"

Alicia Keys
"God bless Teena Marie and her family. Sending blessings and prayers I was just saing that 'Fire and Desire' is one of the most beautifully performed songs. Once a beautiful song, always a beautiful song. Certain songs just have that 'thing.' What a sangin lady."

Kim Whitley
"I spoke with her yesterday…Teena has passed. I just found out my friend is gone."

Q-Tip
"Some folks don't know who Teena Marie is…wow. You can run my mini Teena Marie playlist back to the top then do it again, hopefully a young singer can take this blueprint she left. RIP."

Roxanne Shante
"Ms. Teena taught me how to handle my 'Square Biz' Stop going 'Out on a Limb.' She also said I could not have made more noise even if 'I was a bell.' To never lose my 'Fire and Desire' because 'a Rose' by any other name is still a rose. That one day I would find my 'Portuguese Lover' and to keep my eyes open for 'Cassanova Brown,' but if you ever need me Shante just call out for 'Lady T.' RIP TEENA MARIE I LOVE YOU ROXANNE SHANTE"

Sheila E
"I will miss my girl Teena Marie. Real music by real people. God bless my sistah and her family. You will be missed."

Remembering Teena Marie

Shirley Murdock
"R.I.P. Teena Marie! Father, Thank You for the gift you gave Teena Marie and for the Lady herself! 'Absent from the body...present with the Lord!' It's with this knowledge and knowing she loved you, we have peace and joy and the ability to celebrate her life! We lift up her family. Send your angels to strengthen and comfort them! In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!"

Teedra Moses
"I truly loved Teena Marie's music…her attitude on rec[ords] raised me as a woman [and] artist. RIP Teena Marie tru[e] blue eyed soul."

Tichina Arnold
"OMG! Sadly it is true. We lost a great one…please, please, please pray for the family and friends. My heart is so heavy right now."

Mary J. Blige
"Teena Marie inspired me vocally as a child. Her songs I sang in the mirror with a hair brush. I'm so hurt.I'll love you forever Teena Marie…in my heart she's Teena. So rest in peace Teena. I love you. Every girl that grew up in the hood with her blasting through the windows, cars and radio waves can feel me."

banks said:

Remembering Teena Marie

Shirley Murdock
"R.I.P. Teena Marie! Father, Thank You for the gift you gave Teena Marie and for the Lady herself! 'Absent from the body...present with the Lord!' It's with this knowledge and knowing she loved you, we have peace and joy and the ability to celebrate her life! We lift up her family. Send your angels to strengthen and comfort them! In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!"

Teedra Moses
"I truly loved Teena Marie's music…her attitude on rec[ords] raised me as a woman [and] artist. RIP Teena Marie tru[e] blue eyed soul."

Tichina Arnold
"OMG! Sadly it is true. We lost a great one…please, please, please pray for the family and friends. My heart is so heavy right now."

Mary J. Blige
"Teena Marie inspired me vocally as a child. Her songs I sang in the mirror with a hair brush. I'm so hurt.I'll love you forever Teena Marie…in my heart she's Teena. So rest in peace Teena. I love you. Every girl that grew up in the hood with her blasting through the windows, cars and radio waves can feel me."

All very heartfelt, but especially Shirley's-beautiful.

UCantHavaDaMango said:

nursev said:

that message from Lenny is just too much to take

Indeed. What an honest and loving message.

By far the most touching sentiment Wonder if any of these folks besides Lenny let Lady T know their love for her in her life

man, this is shockingly sad. I just saw the news on nypost.com, then again on yahoo.com.

I have always been an admirer of Teena Marie & her music. people love her & her music because she has soul.. but she also sings from her soul. you can hear that, you can feel that from her.

portugese love

young love

I need your lovin

sqaure biz

she's made SO MANY good songs.

other than her relationship with Rick, & her getting out of her (original?) Motown contract, she didn't have that much drama in her life. way too young to go. I'm praying for her daughter - I know this has got to be hard on her. maybe 1 day she'll carry on her mother's legacy. Lord knows the "music business" today needs more real singers who can really sing..

the choir in heaven just got a MAJOR upgrade.

thank you Teena for all the BEAUTIFUL music you blessed the world to have.

Teena is my favourite female singer/songwriter of all time and I was listening to Sapphire yesterday, thinking about how much I just couldn't wait to see her again at the Indig02 on the 26th Feb next year - I STILL can't believe this is true!

My heart goes out to Alia Rose so much and I just pray that she be granted strength to cope with the loss of her mother

R.I.P Lady T...now one of the Brightest Stars in the sky!

Hey Mods! Can we get a sticky for "Lady Tee"?

^^^

Agreed. This thread should be a sticky.

I am sitting here listening to "Square Biz" and the tears are flowing. Damn. I'm so sad right now. I can't believe this. I loved Teena since I was like 12 or something. I always wanted to see her in concert. I just can't believe this .

This is a huge loss man. People don't understand how great this woman is. She never got the recognition she deserved. So unfair. I feel so bad for her loved ones. I can't even imagine what they're going through especially her daughter who she seemed to be very close too.

[Edited 12/27/10 11:30am]

benjaminira said:

Hey Mods! Can we get a sticky for "Lady Tee"?

I've asked for a sticky via orgnotes already.

The mods must REALLY be vacationing. That's the one thing I kinda hate about the holidays.

Anyways, the woman had a real beautiful spirit and it showed in her recordings and performances and just the way she carried herself in interviews. As long as we remember that, she'll live forever.