Legendary R&B singer-songwriter Teena Marieâs velvet vocals have been responsible for giving us classics like âFire and Desireâ, âSquare Bizâ, and âPortuguese Loveâ. In an unexpected turn of events, manager, Mike Gardner, has just confirmed Marieâs death to CNN. Marie was found by her daughter in their California home on Sunday. As of now, no cause of death has been released to the public. Aptly nicknamed the âIvory Queen of Soulâ, this diva was Motownâs first white act. While she was not the first woman of her race to sing soul music, she is easily considered the most vocally talented and respected amongst all audiences. Marie was signed to Motown in 1979, where she began her musically talented but widely criticized relationship with fellow artist, Rick James. When news of Marieâs death hit the headlines, her peers flooded Twitter to give their condolences and express the impact she had on their lives. Mary J. Blige says, âTeena Marie inspired me vocally as a childâ. She went on to say she would sing Marieâs songs in the mirror with her hair brush. Tyrese remembers her as âone of the greatest to ever do it.â âThank you for your hugs, your words of encouragement, your music and thank you for being you. You gave us so much. You opened so many doors,â was singer Ledisiâs heartfelt response to the breaking news. âRemembering how sweet of a person she was the first time meeting,â says Deborah Cox, while Teedra Moses declares âher attitude on records raised me as a women.â Tamia called her âa super talented and humble woman,â stating âshe was always so kind,â while Tweet thanked her for âthe voice and the classical music. Motown maven Teena Marie leaves behind her impressive legacy through song. This revolutionary artist has resided on the forefront of soul music for decades. This is a sad day for the R&B culture as we say goodbye to this legendary songstress.
