Motown's Teena Marie Gone

It is sad to report Teena Marie, one of the staples of 80s R&B and a unique singer, has died at age 54. Teena reportedly had a major seizure about a month ago that led to her death.

A protege of Rick James, Teena Marie became one of the biggest stars of her generation, particularly among urban audiences, with monster hits like "Lover Girl," "I Need Your Lovin'" and "Square Biz."  After years away from recording, Teena made a big comeback over the last half decade and re-established herself as a formidable singer and songwriter.  Last year she scored a big hit with her album Congo Square.  She will be missed.

A few years ago, longtime soul music writer David Nathan wrote a short bio and interview with Teena, which he shared with us:

She is quite simply, one of a kind, a phenomenon of sorts in the world of soul music.  For an amazing twenty-five years - since her Motown debut "Wild And Peaceful" - hit the streets, Teena Marie has been delivering her own brand of classic R&B to a loyal, steadfast (and primarily black) audience.  Even though she hasn't had a new release since her "Passion Play" on her own Sarai label in 1994, Teena hasn't stopped working, touring constantly and offering those die-hard fans the kind of hardcore, intense emotionally-driven vocalizing that has made her a serious fixture on the music scene.

HOUSTON - Rhythm and blues singer Teena Marie, who was one of the first non-African American female performers marketed to the African American music buying community, has died at the age of 54, TMZ.com has learned from Lynn Jeter, a representative for the musician.

A cause of death for Teena Marie has not been released pending an autopsy by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, but she died in her sleep, TMZ reports. Police in Pasadena, Calif. tell TMZ they do not suspect foul play in her death.

Teena Marie's career was launched by Motown funk musician Rick James and the two later had an intimate relationship. James died in 2005.

Born Mary Christine Brockert in Santa Monica, Calif., Teena Marie signed with Motown when she was 19 years old, according to the biography written on her official website . She has been nominated for Grammy awards on four occasions.

Teena Marie is survived by her daughter, Alia Rose, who is credited on the singer's website as a performer on the 2006 album "Sapphire."

In 1985, Teena Marie's song "Lovergirl" peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, her most successful single to date.
With help from hip-hop record label Cash Money Records (as part of Cash Money Classics/Universal Records, under the Motown umbrella), Teena Marie released "La Dona" in 2004, ten years after her 1994 CD, "Passion Play." "La Dona" yielded the track "Still in Love," which reached #70 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Following news of Teena Marie's death, several celebrities shared their thoughts about the singer on Twitter.

Actor/singer Tyrese Gibson tweeted, "Teena Marie was one of the GREATEST to ever do it.. "RIMH" Rest In Music Heaven .."
Rapper Snoop Dogg simply tweeted, "Rest in Peace Teena Marie."
Former NBA player and sports talk show host John Salley tweeted, "R.I.P Teena marie.. 54 years on this planet.. And she used her GOD given gift of Music so well.. She will be missed."