On Sunday December 26th, twitter went into a frenzy as a number of fans and friends tweeted about the untimely death of Soul singer Teena Marie. I originaly posted information that I knew to be facts but I felt compelled to post a more personal message.
Those who know me are well aware of my first love…..music! The passing of anyone is sad to hear about but musicians have a way of outlining our lives through song. It’s only natural that we will mourn for artists since we listen to them on a daily basis. Who cares if we’ve never met them before.
Growing up in the 80′s, I have so many memories of Teena Marie’s music. She broke color and genre barriers with her crossover appeal. If there was no Teena Marie, there would be no Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke or any other artist who may not fit the mold of what some may consider “Soul/R&B artists” to be. After hearing her perform (live or on television) you threw rules out of the window. Teena Marie proved that soul music doesn’t have a face, is not a certain color nor is it from a certain community. Soul music is the voice within you that needs to be heard.
One thing each of us can learn from her musical legacy is not to judge a book by it’s cover. While cliche’, many of us underestimate the power in this saying. Rick James saw past the obvious differences when he introduced her to the world. He knew something was special about her and he was right. Teena’s popularity grew during the 70′s and 80′s following a string of hits including duets with longtime friend and label mate Rick James.
Over the years, it appeared that Teena fell off the radar but smooth R & B stations kept her music in rotation even when she didn’t have any new music.
Although the details are a bit sketchy, several sources have reported that she suffered from seizures and her daughter found her in her bedroom. I pray for her family and the millions of fans that are affected by her passing.
Below is her exit interview after performing on The View a little over a year ago. You really get to see how much she enjoyed performing.
What is your favorite Teena Marie song?
Daily Venus Diva -- Daily Venus Diva.
She was only middle age what a shame may god bless her moruning family
WE HAVE TRULY LOST A LEGEND. RIP TEENA MARIE………
LOVE THIS LADY LIKE A SISTER, WILL TRULY BE MISSED. MY HEART & PRAYERS GOES OUT TO HER DAUGHTER AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY!!! R.I.P MY SISTER.. PEACE
Sawher perform last year at the San Dimas Jazz Fest – Awesome performe and a geninue person who loved her fans and gave us each her undivided attention. She will be missed by all her fans.
Wow, what a terrible shock! Lady T, you will be truly missed, but never forgotten. May you RIP and God forever bless your soul as well as bless those who hearts are hurting at this moment as a result of your premature departure…… In you, we have lost a true legend as stated by “Anonymous”, but not just a legend in musice, but a legend in the big picture of life. You showed many of us how to open our eyes and embrace diversity. For which a lot of us did…… What a woman! Again, you will be truly missed and may you RIP.
I loved her music. This is crazy!!! R.I.P Teena!!!
I’ve only heard about that when I woke up this morning!! So sad!!! My parents grew up with her music!!!
RIP Teena.
I miss you forever.
RIP Lady T
It’s sad to see someone died unexpectedly in such cases like this one. RIP Teena Marie. Your music and albums was played in my household growing up as child. Your music will live on forever.