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Teena Marie
Photos: Notable Deaths in 2010 | Guestbook: Share memories, express your condolences
The world has lost a legend.
Teena “Lady T” Marie has died at the age of 54.
I saw Teena perform two months ago during the Capital Jazz Supercruise. She was by far the best act of the entire week hands down.
Teena’s was the first album I ever played back to back, over and over. I was in middle school when I first heard “Portuguese Love” and Square Biz.” I’ve been hooked ever since.
When I interviewed Teena earlier this year before her appearance at the Jazz in the Gardens show I just assumed that she would be blessing her audiences for years to come. Read that interview here: R&B queens Mary J. Blige, Teena Marie light up Jazz at the Gardens
We talked about her relationship with Rick James. He was her mentor, her friend, and her lover. Only she refused to put up with the fact that she wasn’t his only lover. Their tumultuous relationship would last until his untimely death in 2004.
Teena said he was her best friend. She revamped her show to pay him tribute, noting that after his passing she no longer represented just herself, but Rick, too. She felt that it was her responsibility to carry on his legacy.
She told me that she still performed because she loved it. And because she needed the money. She took time off from the business to raise her daughter Rose Lebeau, a talented singer in her own right. And she had some rough times as a single mother. Rough enough that she had to sell one of her guitars to get money to make ends meet.
But raising Rose was her number one priority.
Teena’s talent was undeniable. And her music was timeless. That she continued to wow audiences with songs from a generation ago and with a voice that sounded the same today as it did then is testament to that fact.
She will without a doubt be sorely missed.
Read previous stories about Teena Marie:
- R&B queens Mary J. Blige, Teena Marie light up Jazz at the Gardens
- Motown artist Teena Marie shows her true colors
- Q&A: Teena Marie, the Ivory Queen of Soul
Read the Associated Press story about her death: Teena Marie, known as ‘Ivory Queen of Soul,’ dies
I can still see her (in my mind) as she sang “Lover Girl” on MTV…she was simply awesome. Rest in Peace Tina Marie.
I can’t believe it! I just seen her at the Nokia Theatre! I love her so much! When I hear her voice it just gives me chills. I love her music! I just cant get enough of it! I was just telling my daughter a few days ago how special It was to see her daughter come out and perform with her! I loves that moment! I had such a good time to see her perform. I have always wanted to see her and finally had the oportunity to see her and I had a good time the whole concert. I didnt even sit down! I feel so fortunate to have seen her perform and My heart goes out to her daughter and her family! To her daughter ” My father passed away 3 years ago and I can say that it hasent gotten any better!I will die with this pain in my heart! Again, I am so sorry for your loss! I truly am I didnt know her but I loved her too!!!!!! :(
I am in shock and so sad…she was a pioneer and i listen to her all the time. Her music and what she did for the industry will never be duplicated. Her music has helped soo many people and will continue to do so. We LOVE YOU Lady T
RIP Teena….You were one the greats…My prayers go out to the family…..One day @ a time….God Bless….
RIP Teena Marie, you were amazing and will be missed. We Love You girl
Tina Marie was truly a legend. Her music was the most powerful ever and her voice was one that can never be matched. There is no other music that soothed my soul like hers. To hear her and Rick together was just as powerful and I hope they have a happy reunion together and continue to make joyful music. Rest in peace Ivory Queen! I know you have many #1 fans, so chalk me up as #1 also.
Teena Marie was by far my favorite female performer not only was her voice unforgettable and compared to no other she put on one hell of a show. I’m so glad I got to catch her act..She’s just one in a gazillion and will be missed. I have all of her music but this world will never be the same without her such a legend in her own time.So talented….Rip Teena….
Teena Marie was by far my favorite female performer,not only was her voice unforgettable but she was a legend in her own time..I did have the pleasure to watch her in concert and she put on one hell of a show she will be sadly missed…so talented in all musical aspects…I love you girl…RIP Teena
WHERE’S CALIFORNIA(Don’t it make you wanna break down and cry)
For the family of the Late, Teena Marie: I am sorry to hear
about Ms. Teena Marie`s passing. She was a beautiful and
talented woman. Her music and spirit will live on. Remember
God, watches over you always. And God, has her now, in HIS
care. May God Continue To Bless You during this difficult
time & Keeps You In HIS care. God Bless.
*Now, Rick and Lady T, are in Heaven singing together again. R.I.P.
Teena Marie was hit in head when a picture in a hotel fell off the wall, and also a sub zero refrigerator fell on her……..I think these both happened in 2006 when she was in New Orleans around Katrina………I am sure this could have something to do with her body taking a major hit………If that picture was big enough it could have been the beginning of headaches or seizures……..she is also a very petite lady……..a small body can only take so much…………So sad.I feel she and Rick James never quite got the acclaim they deserve…….Teena was a lyrical genius, her lyrics were deep.
WHEN THEY DONT SAY HOW SHE DIED ,IT IS PROBABLY NOT A GOOD WAY..DRUGS,SUICIDE..
A TRUE LEGEND. I love you Teena and, will miss your beautiful singing voice. I hope your daughter carry on your talent that was passed to her, She sounds exactly like you when i heard her sing with faith evans, i thought it was you. Your daughter is the ONLY person that could possibly even come close to you.
First off,” Kevin” if you don’t have anything respectful to say shut up. Teena Marie was and still is the greatest lyricist ever. As one blogger said her songs were powerful and she will be missed immensely. Never heard her live but collected all of her songs and they are priceless. My condolences reach out to her daughter and her family A tremendous vaccum has been left with her demise, but she’s in music heaven “Square Bizzing” with Rick. I guarantee that
RIP Lady T.
who’s rick or lady t?