Today singer, Teena Marie, a.k.a Lady Tee a.k.a. The Ivory Queen of Soul, was found dead in her home by daughter. No word yet on cause of death from coroner.
The blue-eyed white girl’s incredible soulful voice was one of the few to be able to break into black music with such legitimacy and passion. Marie was the first Great White Hype at Motown Records. For over 30 years Teena Marie has defied musical labels and boundaries. She has recorded 13 studio albums, of which six albums went platinum. Teena’s biggest hits were “Square Biz”, “Portuguese Love”, and “I Need Your Loving”. Most notable musical collaborations was with her late great mentor Rick James which garnered classics “I’m A Sucker For Your Love” and “Fire and Desire“.
Lady T’s music influenced many singers like Mary J. Blige and Lauryn Hill. The Fugees even sampled Teena Marie’s “Ooh La La La” on “Fu-Gee-La”.
One thing for sure, all young singers who didn’t know who Teena was, are about to see and hear of her greatness through the press these next few days. And I predict posthumous lifetime achievement awards will be given out at several music award shows. If there is a heaven, I know Lady T is looking down on us with Rick James beeyitch RIP Lady T.
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