Berry Gordy Jr., Memorial
Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. embraces Lynn Allen Jeter as he arrives at a memorial service for singer Teena Marie at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles Monday. Jan. 10, 2011. In a statement, Gordy said “I am horrified by the sudden death of my darling Teena Marie.” Gordy also said, “The only thing white about her was her skin.”
AP Photo/Reed Saxon
It’s been almost three weeks since the loss of music legend Teena Marie, and her devoted fans are still mourning. On Sunday, a special memorial service was held to remember this beloved singer-songwriter—and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From heartfelt tributes to powerful performances, the celebration truly captured the spirit of Teena Marie. Let’s take a look back at what made this special event so moving and memorable.
The day began with an emotional tribute from some of today’s top R&B stars such as Mary J Blige and Jill Scott who sang in remembrance of their friend and mentor. There were also touching words shared by members of Teena Marie’s family and closest friends that brought tears to many eyes. It was clear just how much love they all had for this amazing artist—and how deeply she will be missed by them all.
But it wasn’t all sadness; there were plenty of moments throughout the ceremony where we could feel Teena Marie’s presence in the room as performers took turns jamming out on stage and paying homage to her legacy through song. We heard classic hits like “Lovergirl,” “Square Biz” and even some never before released songs that left everyone feeling inspired by her unique sound. In one word: magical!
Biography Of Teena Marie
Teena Marie, born Mary Christine Brockert in Santa Monica, California on March 5th 1956, was known for her funk and soul music that fused elements of jazz, R&B and pop. She began singing at the age of five and by the time she was a teenager had already recorded two albums with Motown Records. Teena went on to work with Rick James throughout her career and released several solo albums including Wild & Peaceful (1979), It Must Be Magic (1981) and Emerald City (1984).
Her success across multiple genres earned her accolades such as being nominated for four Grammy Awards over the course of her career. In addition to music, Teena also wrote books about songwriting which have been used to teach aspiring musicians how to write their own music. Her influence extended beyond just music – she has inspired many female artists who have gone on to achieve great things in the industry.
In December 2010, Teena passed away due to natural causes but left behind an incredible legacy that will live on forever. This memorial service is dedicated to celebrating this amazing woman’s life and achievements and honoring her memory.
Tribute To A Musical Icon
As we reflect on the life and career of Teena Marie, it’s impossible not to be moved by her incredible talent. She was a true pioneer in the music industry and left behind an impressive body of work that has shaped generations of artists. Her unique sound combined elements from multiple genres, creating something truly special for fans around the world.
It is no surprise that she achieved such great success throughout her career – her passion for music shone through every song she created. In addition to being a talented musician, Teena also wrote books about songwriting which have been used to teach aspiring musicians how to write their own music. This shows just how much she cared about helping others achieve their dreams in the industry.
Teena will always remain one of the most influential figures in music history whose legacy lives on today and will continue to inspire future generations of musicians. We are proud to pay tribute to this musical icon who gave us so many years of joy with her amazing work.
Conclusion
I, along with hundreds of other fans, had the honor of attending Teena Marie’s memorial service. It was a fitting tribute to someone who left an indelible mark on music and inspired so many people. Tears were shed, laughter was shared, and love filled the air as we paid homage to this legend.
At the end of the ceremony, her daughter Alia Rose spoke about how much her mother meant to her and thanked everyone for their support in remembering her mom. We all felt connected by our love for Teena Marie; she truly brought us together during this difficult time.
Teena Marie will be remembered for generations to come for her unforgettable music, passion for life, and warm spirit. Her legacy will live on through those that continue to listen to her classic songs and pass them down from generation to generation. She may have gone but she is still very much alive in our hearts!
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