Teena Marie, an award-winning singer-songwriter known for her R&B
performances, has died, her manager said Sunday. The performer was 54. Marie was found dead by her daughter after apparently dying in her sleep,
manager Mike Gardner said. (CNN)
Teena Marie and daughter Alia Rose. Teena, who says she is Portuguese, Italian, Irish and American Indian, notes, “I’ve always been accepted by the Black community and I think that’s a beautiful thing. I wanted to sing R&B. I’ve just been doing music that I like to do. I only had one big crossover record, which was Lover Girl, but basically my music has always been geared to a Black audience.” Alia is not the daughter of Rick James, the great love of Teena’s life, “her dad is a postman.” (Source)
I’ve only seen Teena Marie in concert twice. One time was with Sheryl Lee Ralph for an AIDS benefit in Washington DC about 15 years ago.
Teena Marie and her daughter Alia. Alia found her mother dead in her bed after Teena passed away in her sleep the day after Christmas, which was also Alia’s 19th birthday.
One reply on “TEENA MARIE AT THE PIONEER AWARDS IN PHILADELPHIA 9/9/08 – An Appreciation”
I've loved Teena Marie since the beginning. I last saw her at the R & B Foundation Anniversary Gala a few years back, and prior to that in a concert with Rick James in AC right before he passed.
I am in shock. And in grief.