Teena Marie called herself "a black artist with white skin", as well as the "Ivory Queen of Soul". In the early morning hours of December 27th, 2010, Marie, at the age of 54, died in her sleep. So far, authorities have concluded the death to be of natural causes.
I’ve listened to and adored Marie’s music my whole life. My favorite was "I Need Your Lovin", while my husband James’ fave was "Square Biz". As the DJ at the North Tower Circle, James and I have an ongoing joke when he visits me in the booth. If I’m having a frustrated moment I’ll say to him, "I don’t know what to play next,"…"Play some Teena Marie", he tells me.
Teena was a groundbreaking and unique singer, teaming up early in her career, and often, with Rick James. She was funky and charged as a performer, and reached not just a club or urban audience, but garnered national and international success as a singer. Long before rapping became mainstream, Marie was one of the first female artists to include a rap in her songs.
We’ll miss you Teena…
