Remembering Teena Marie: A few choice jams from the '80s funk singer-songwriter-producer [Updated]

CNN is reporting that Grammy-nominated  singer and Rick James protegée Teena Marie has died at age 54.

The multi-talented vocalist, who was born in Santa Monica, got her break at Motown Records in 1979, and went on to be one of the most prominent R&B  female vocalists of the 1980s, a white singer who, somewhat improbably, managed to cross over to black radio and retail through songs such as "Lovergirl," "It Must Be Magic," "I'm a Sucker for Your Love" and "Square Biz."

Pop & Hiss will update as we learn more.

[Updated 8:37 p.m. Twitter is alive with remembrances and 140-word-or-less kudos to Marie, who, though she'd been out of the spotlight for many years, continued to have a remarkably devoted fanbase.

Chicago rapper Common tweeted: "R.I.P. Lady T! Your rhyme in Square Biz is and will always be classic material!"

Singer Mary J. Blige, who has long cited Marie as an influence, has been writing heartfelt notes for the last half-hour: "Tina Mari inspired me vocally as a child. Her songs I sang in the mirror with a hair brush. I'm so hurt."

She continued: "I'll love u forever Tina Mari. Portuguese Love, Casanova Brown, Square Biz, I need your lovin, all of your music."

And DJ and Stones Throw records kingpin Peanut Butter Wolf gave her a shout-out, as well: "RIP Teena Marie. Can't believe it and don't wanna hear it," he wrote, followed by: "Remembering how good I felt when I heard @Spindeezy play Square Biz & Gigolette back to back."

Missy Elliott just posted: "My Prayers go out to Teena Marie family. Teena created music that is Timeless! Songs sung with soul and conviction a True LEGEND!"

Alicia Keys was nearly speechless: "Teena Marie??????Why???? how??? ;-("

Questlove, drummer of the Roots: "again the mark of a TRUE ARTIST is when their album cuts get more love than the hits. Marie's magic was defined by her album cuts."

More tributes as they arrive.

-- Randall Roberts

Comments

[Robert]

Chi-town will miss you Teena.

[chill]

I am sure that I have listened to a Teena Marie song at least every week since 1979. She was my soundtrack, my escape. What will I do without you. Rest in peace angel. I always looked to you in bad times and good. I dropped to my knees when I heard. My heart is broken beyond words.

[renee]

May you rest in peace Teena Marie. Your music will always stay with me in my heart. You are the one and only diva.

[Pat Alexander]

Tina R.I.P i will miss ur music and seeing u in the music world. I would always say the white girl know she can sing black. What ever color u were i love ur music.Tina u were the "Bomb".My favorite are Lover Girl it was so many.

[Rebecca DeLeon]

I think i could be her biggest fan, from the time i heard Young Love. OMG! if you never heard of her, you need to start with Iron's in the Fire album. My husband called her his lady lucky, cuz he knew whenever she played he was gonna get lucky. Boy did he ever...lol. There wasn't one song i didn't love and her writing...well no one can match her. God made only one Lady T. but she always said her Daughter born Christmas day..i believe will carry on where Teena left off. I pray that is true. I hope her music will relieve my sadness i feel over her loss. Teena, I truly need your Lovin today. My heart is broken. Rest in Peace, Teena Marie...Rebecca D.

[Karen]

This morning I was singing along to Out on a Limb. Teena Marie HAD A VOICE like no other. She surely will be missed.

[Quintes Lewis]

I already miss you Tina!!

[jleary]

Wild And Peaceful;Her first LP 1979.
My favorite song;Deja Vu (I Been Here Before)

[DENISE513]

It started with that Wild and Peaceful Album while stationed in Germany that one and Lady T and Irons in the Fire I played religiously her music was one full of heart and soul and spirituality Matter of fact i Loved all her music May the legacy continue it is still hard to believe i saw her in Pontiac MI in the 90's my old time and it was one of the best you know she sang all the songs too I was in heaven and still remember Many Blessings!

[Chaka Trammel]

Folks of the world, you have definitely slept on Teena Marie, she is one of the all time greats. There is not a singer today that compares. From my eyes I saw a conductor, a soloist, a guitarist, and a percussionist, she also can lead a choir. Tell me people who compares to her vocally? You are all sleeping. She is in the hall of fame category with Aretha, as well as Diana Ross. These singers of today are made of flesh and not voice. Standing alone are only Alicia Keys, Faith, and Mary J. But those artist will tell you Teena was one of the best. Credit is do to Teena, being a white R &B singer. To those that was born in the 60's and 70's, she sure fooled you huh? To those that don't really know music, dig in the crates and do your homework. you probably would not listen to any other female artist. Her music is everlasting. She needs her props tenfold. Give it up for Teena all ye naive folks. She is the best. I'll miss u "Young love" Chaka T.

[delepps]

Iloved Teena Marie and have been a big fan of hers for years.My heart goes out to family and friends and I know that she will be remembered forever.Rest in Peace Teena

[LauraRL]

I met Teena on one occasion through a mutual friend who invited me to one of her recording sessions. I was 19 and crazy about R&B and Teena. I spent countless hours singing to her records-feeling every lyric and every note, and there I was sitting next to her at the piano! She shared with me a story of having just met her own idol, Sarah Vaughn, and her face lit up explaining how excited she was when Sarah asked her to hold her shoes for her backstage while she performed. I couldn't believe Teena was describing my own feelings in that very moment and I knew she understood what meeting her meant to me. She began to play and it was then that I heard the gorgeous "Casanova Brown" for the 1st time. By the time she finished I could barely breathe-it was so beautiful. For many years I thought about writing her to thank her for that day, for sharing her story and for her music but I never did. Perhaps I was afraid she wouldn't remember me. I often wondered if she was bold enough to let Sarah know just how much she loved her, and I hoped she did. Thank you, Lady T, for the gift you shared with me and with all those who will forever love you as you were-Wild and Peaceful. We will keep you and your music in our hearts forever.

[Anthony Brown]

All I can say is first Rick James and now Teena Marie. The two of them were my favorite singers. I will truly miss you Teena. I was in the process of helping her get that star on Hollywood Blvd. We all know she deserved it. May the lord bless her family and friends.

Love you Teena and will always play your music.

Below is a list of studio albums, all 13.

Wild and Peaceful (1979)
Lady T (1980)
Irons in the Fire (1980)
It Must Be Magic (1981)
Robbery (1983)
Starchild (1984)
Emerald City (1986)
Naked to the World (1988)
Ivory (1990)
Passion Play (1994)
La Doña (2004)
Sapphire (2006)
Congo Square (2009)

[Michael Harrison]

I love teena all my life and I will miss her. She will be in my heart the rest of my life. I know that GOD have her. I like who she is and what she brought to the music world.