R&B singer Teena Marie has passed away at the tender 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.
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