R&B Star and 'Lovergirl' Singer Teena Marie Dead at 54

By PopEater / Wire Services Posted Dec 26th 2010 11:23PM

Teena Marie is Dead. Teena Marie Died at 54 Years of Age

R&B songstress Teena Marie has died at the age of 54. Details of the singer's death are scarce but she reportedly passed away in her sleep. The confirmation came from a publicist, Jasmine Vega, who worked with Teena Marie on her last album. Her manager, Mike Gardner, also confirmed her death to CNN.

Born Marie Christine Brockert, Teena Marie -- famously known as Rick James' protegee as well as her nickname 'The Ivory Queen of Soul' -- rose to fame in the late 70s and 80s. The Grammy nominated singer-songwriter released her debut 'Wild and Peaceful' via Motown Records in 1979. The album featured 'I'm a Sucker for Your Love,' Marie's first Top Ten hit, but Marie would go on to have many more hits, including 'Square Biz,' 'Lovergirl' and 'Ooo La La La.'

The cover of 'Wild and Peaceful' did not feature her image, with Motown apparently fearing backlash by audiences if they found out the songstress with the dynamic voice was white.

Teena Marie's official Web site pays respect to the departed star. Credit: IvoryQueenofSoul.com

Marie's career spanned four decades. During her tenure with Motown, the singer-songwriter and musician produced passionate love songs and funk jam songs like 'Need Your Lovin',' and 'Behind the Groove.' She released 13 albums, including 2009's 'Congo Square.' 'Congo Square' was a nod to an area in the Treme section of New Orleans where slaves would gather in the 18th century to perform. Marie collaborated with her daughter Alia Rose on the project and also teamed with Faith Evans, MC Lyte and Shirley Murdock.

Marie had a daughter and had toured in recent years after overcoming an addiction to prescription drugs. Get More About Teena at The Boombox

Teena Marie's 'Lovergirl'

Tags: Teena Marie

Comments

(36)

Monday 27 December

By Jessy

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Wow I can't believe it.I remember when they did unsung and last year when she was at the Essence music festival. Very sad.

My prayers go out to her family and daughter, May god give them strength at this difficult time. Rest in peace.

By megjjm

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we are sick of hearing about this person childhood, she needs help, it is award season and now the bull is being sold, for attention.oh great article ,My boyfriend and i both think so ...He is almost 11year older than me .i met him via uniform'edmeet.c 'oma nice place for s'ee'king Army, Navy, Mari'nes, Air Force, Police Force and their admires.just love it

By Nico Toscani

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I hope this is a lesson to everybody that prescription meds are even more deadly than street drugs when abused. She clearly damaged her heart beyond repair. Too bad.

By ki9i87ft

You will be missed.

Wanna know where people go to snag an interracial relationship, say, Just for future reference? “interracial Central”? “San Carlos” ? or “San Francisco”?*** Blackwhite Cupid C /om *** is the real place that is packed with them. ;)

Wanna know where people go to snag an i-nter-racial rel-ations-hip, say, Just for future reference? “i-nterr-acial Central”? “San Carlos” ? or “San Francisco”?*** BlackWhite Cupid C 0/om *** is the real place that is packed with them. ;)

By Althea Hart

I would like to express my sympathy to the family. It is always a sad time when someone looses a love one. She was a brilliant artist. May GOD be with the family and give them strength during this time of grief.

By Tiffany

I always loved the her song Lovergirl as a child. R.I.P Teena

By JoseLizetteSoulmate06

i love her. i feel she has her place in heaven waitin for her as i am sure she was not ready yet to die. this is sad way too young
way more soul in her than any other white chick ever,she is not sum wanna be like most WHITE CHICKS ARE NOW A DAYS lookin stupid tryin to be black or latino,teena,your amazing always was so real about you and i love that most about you and your incredible singing pipes,what a voice!
better than the rest,RIP so sad i hear this happen day after her 19 year old half black daughter this is very sad wow a shock after i c her on UNSUNG,so sad rip

By Bev

That is really sad news. She was greatly loved and respected by black music lovers everywhere. We will miss you lady T.

By Cindy

omg, omg
cannot believe it... she just played a show in Las Vegas this past year... She looked so healthy.. Wow... I wonder if her crazy brother had anything to do with it...

By The_HD_One

R.I.P. Miss Marie. Such an amazing voice.

By soapvixen

I can't believe this I just found out by watching E and I saw the caption just 20 min ago. I grew up listening to her music, and one of my favorit songs is Black Rain. Now that she's gone their really is a black rain on the music industry. May her soul music live on, long live the ivory queen of soul.

By sdfsfs

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