 THE SOUL MUSIC.COM TEAM, FRIENDS & PEERS:
MICHAEL LEWIS, Partner, Soul Music.com:
"Listening to the opening strains of Déjà Vu, with its soft waves crashing, I am transported to the island where Queen Teena rules. What a magical journey she created trough her poetry and her songs. Thinking back to my youth listening to the Wild and Peaceful album in my bedroom, I was amazed by this incredibly expressive vocalist who first funked me up with “I’m Just A Sucker” with Rick James, and then gave me that beautiful sermon Déjà Vu (I’ve Been Here Before). But wait, there was more. On the song “I’m Gonna Have My Cake and Eat It Too” which she co-wrote she revealed her jazzy side, singing (and playing piano) quite convincingly with a quartet. Who is this child?
Vanilla Child, she let me know, on subsequent releases where she indeed embroidered her poetry and music into fantastical people and places, “Portuguese Love,” “Casanova Brown,” and “Dear Lover.” Then there’s “Tune In Tomorrow,” and “You Make Love Like Springtime” and “Out On A Limb.”
While Teena had her hits, her strength shown in those album tracks where she really had the opportunity to stretch the limits and give a fuller expression of her genius. And she continued through her final release Congo Square, every step of the way honoring those who came before her: Sarah Vaughan, Maya Angelou, (both of whom were mentioned in the liner notes of Wild and Peaceful), Billie Holiday and Chaka Khan to name a few.
I am grateful to have experienced Teena Marie’s music in my life. I am also so happy to have witnessed the 2008 Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award ceremony where she was presented an award (with fellow awardees Donny Hathaway, and Chaka). She was humble and gracious in accepting the award and, of course, she gave the performance of a lifetime, which she did every time she graced a stage. Thank You Lady Tee."
DARNELL MEYERS-JOHNSON, Soul Music.com Editorial Coordinator:
"Teena Marie was poetry personified. I'm not sure if the rest of the world will completely understand, but her passing is a great loss for Black America. She was more than just a singer to us. She was sisterhood in a way that words can't express. We created families off of "Fire and Desire". "Square Biz" played at every backyard barbecue. She was such a deep and enriching part of our culture. She wasn't "blue-eyed soul", as she was often labeled. For those of us who not only loved her music but LIVED IT, she WAS soul music...through and through. She was the absolute truth! She wasn't phony nor was her talent. She never tried to be anything other than herself. And it is that authenticity, that kind of realness that connected Teena Marie to Black America and Black America to Teena Marie. We simply loved her. She will be missed but not forgotten. May she peacefully rest."
HOLLY E. FOUNTAIN, Editorial Contributor
"My musical journey with Teena Marie began in 1979, introduced to me in the beginning stages of young love by another Marine stationed with me in North Carolina. On most Saturday evenings, he and I would meet up with a small crew of Marines, who, like us, found themselves stuck in the barracks on weekends. Either it was because they were from states located too far away from base that wouldn’t allow them enough time to go and be back in time for Monday morning formation, or it was because of the unrelenting rigors of rotating work schedules. In my case it was both, so to stave off boredom and loneliness, we all bonded together for fellowship, fun, and good music.
We would meet up in someone’s room that had a great sound system and we’d play cards, sip on our favorite spirits, and listen to the hottest sounds and even dance. One particular night he brought along the Wild & Peaceful LP to get the party started, and being a hardcore Rick James freak, it was only natural that I got my groove on to I’m A Sucker For Your Love. However, it was introspective Déjà Vu, the confident and jazzy I’m Gonna Have My Cake (And Eat It Too), and the swooping I Can’t Love Anymore, that got my full attention. Teena's voice was captivating, and I could relate in many ways to the personal message she was singing about. Add to that, the musicians! As a young writer myself, I was so inspired by her sound and her play-on-words, and I hoped to one day write like that! I remember checking out the album cover and wondering two things: why wasn't her face on the LP jacket, and how long would I have to wait to hear more of this mysterious Teena Marie? I didn’t have to wait long.
When the Lady T album dropped, I immediately understood what was up with the seascape and clouds! (Lol) The fact that she was white really didn’t bother me - I actually thought it cool - and after buying the record, I was psyched to find that it was even better than the last! I loved the polished and funky, Behind The Groove, the longing of Aladdin’s Lamp, and the lovely Dick Rudolph produced, Now That I Have You, that had the spirit of Minnie Riperton (whose loss I was still mourning) sprinkled sweetly all over it. Interestingly enough, by this time, my relationship with Mr. Marine had ended, but my relationship with the music of Teena Marie would not only remain, but also continue to touch my life for many years to come. Yet of all the music that she would release over the years, it would be Irons In The Fire, that would touch me in the most profound way. It remains my all-time favorite album by her.
I was going through a difficult time around the time the album dropped. The long working hours and being away from home began to take their toll - add to that a failed relationship, and you have all of the disastrous ingredients of exhaustion and depression. I didn’t know who I could trust to discuss how sad and disconnected I felt inside, and after a few weeks of that, I attempted to shake my depressed mood myself by going on one of my shopping excursions for clothes, shoes and music. Interestingly enough, I didn’t find any clothes or shoes I liked, but I had found the medicine my soul needed, only I didn’t know it at the time. I was excited when I saw the album sitting on the rack and I immediately grabbed it up, thinking to myself how beautiful Teena looked on the cover.
When I finally got around to listening to it one evening, I was blown away by the slick, lone, opening bass line and orchestration on I Need Your Lovin, and at how I understood all too well, the tears in her voice in Young Love. It was also interesting at how in spite of my blues, I still somehow managed to find my two-step (solo), to the sensual, You Make Love Like Springtime. I waved my arms in the air in agreement with her story as she crooned, Tune In Tomorrow, my admiration and respect for her musicianship overflowing when near the end of the song, the band swings out hard and James Jamerson, Jr. walks the HELL out of his upright bass line as Teena scats it on out, right into the jammin’ reprise of Springtime. Take that daddy! Nevertheless, it was the song – or prayer, as I like to refer to it – Irons In The Fire that hit me like a lead balloon, exposing all of the pain I was carrying around inside me and brought me to my knees.
While the beauty of the harp, strings, melodic bass line, piano and guitar drew me in, her voice worked me over - her spiritual and pleading words burrowing deep into my troubled soul, “Here I am, I'm just a fragment of my God/Heavenly Father, hear me, sometimes life gets so hard/with you as my desire, your Spirits gonna build me higher/I’ve got to keep my irons in the fire”. Just like that, my burden lifted and the damn broke as the tears flowed uncontrollably. Thankfully, I was alone in the room all that evening, and I listened to that song repeatedly until I finally fell asleep. By morning, the chains that bound my mind were broken. I couldn’t remember a time before that, where I felt so free - and it wouldn't be the last time that her words would get me through some trial.
By the time It Must Be Magic came out in 1981, I had spent time on leave, and my trials were a distant memory. It was time to party! The first time I heard the song, Square Biz, I was driving alone --in a friend's car --down the road just outside the base when it came on the radio. I was feeling the groove so much, that I forgot I was driving for a hot minute and drifted off toward the side of the road! Of course, I recovered quickly. The last thing I needed was to be pulled over. (Officer, I was dancing too hard behind the wheel and I forgot I drifted, honest! lol) Everything about that song felt good, and it doesn't surprise me how that song has stood the test of time. I've been to countless parties over the years, and there's nothing like seeing a bunch of old heads lose it when that song comes on. Of course, I fell totally in love with the entire album, especially Revolution with its bouncy bass line, nasty guitar licks and sobering lyrics; Where's California, 365, It Must Be Magic, and most of all, the scrumptious Portuguese Love. I had never before heard anyone sing about a steamy rendezvous quite like that and it be so beautifully done.
Her genius shone through for me when she took her love celebration a little higher in the song with a, "WHEEEY", and kicks up the tempo, letting her band and orchestra work out like crazy, then with the sound of the crashing cymbal, she brings it right back down, slow, sexy and saxy - ad libbing right to the end. Aye-Yi-Yi! I played it repeatedly, volume WAY up! Another personal favorite is Yes Indeed, a masterpiece I'd also play repeatedly, by now with earphones that I borrowed from a friend. In that same year, Rick James dropped the Street Songs LP, and there was my girl Teena yet again, teaming up with her protégé for the one of the sizzling hot duets of all time, Fire and Desire.
In early 1983, I made my transition from military back to civilian life, while Teena had gone through a transition of her own, moving from Motown to Epic and making a little history too along the way, with the Brockert Initiative. I so admired her courage, and because of the music, she was like an old friend by now, so of course I followed her to Epic in support, and beyond. But whenever I think back on my days in the military, those memories will always include Teena Marie and her Motown years with so much love and respect. Her music was such an important part of my young, military life, and it sustained me during the dark days and made me dance until the sweat poured. She made me sing until I was breathless, be still and think through my sorrows and pain in the darkness – and free my mind from their sinister grip by the morning.
Losing this woman is difficult because there is, nor will there ever be anyone like her. It’s too sad for me to think on sometimes. Nevertheless, I’m so grateful for a 30+ years catalog of music she left in her place for me to run to for comfort, or simply enjoy - for it is through her music that she lives, speaks, and continues to enrich my life. If there were a lyric that could "ex-press" what I've been going through, it would be, "I close my eyes and still somehow I feel you're here with me/and you are such a blessing in my life." Thank you, Mary Christine Brockert for the privilege of knowing you through your music, and for touching my spirit with your light. You will never be forgotten."
VIOLET BROWN, Longtime friend:
I was a long-time music buyer for a major retail chain of music stores in the U.S. I was also a record collector and a club DJ for 26 years. I was also a HUGE fan of Teena Marie and Rick James. Many years ago on a hot 4th of July I was having a little party at my house. The phone rang & then someone said to me that my friend Annalisa was on the phone. I went to talk to her & she asked if I had time to speak to Teena Marie. Working in music and with artists my entire life I was never one to be star struck but suddenly I became giddy and very nervous. I was about to talk to someone that touched my soul deeply with her music. I never had to spend money on concert tickets because of my buying job but when it came to Rick and Teena shows I would buy scalped tickets for hundreds of dollars just to be front and center.
As I started to talk to Teena she asked me if I could give her some guidance and advice on her [then] new release. She was very interested in shopping her music to new labels and also going the indie route. She asked me to come to her home to meet her. I went to her beautiful home in Pasadena, California and she proceeded to play me her new music as she sang live along with the recordings. It was magical for me. Teena really took a liking to myself and partner Carla and through the years we remained friends. With every album we went to Teena's house for a preview & for her to get our thoughts on the new music. She would always say "This song is for you, this is one that I know you will like". She always knew exactly which songs Carla would LOVE. She was always happy to tell us about each song that was written for Alia (her daughter) or which songs Alia actually sang on. She was so proud of her daughter Alia who was born on Christmas day. She said she was a Christmas gift from God. Through the years I always offered my feelings and help whenever I could.
Many rappers approached me about working with Teena but she was careful about only working with rappers she admired. I remember connecting her with Common which she loved and they recorded together. Teena also loved Ice T and Snoop and they were at many of her shows. In fact just three weeks ago Teena mentioned getting Snoop on one of her new songs. Teena loved that Snoop is such a good family man & father. I loved sharing new music and artists with Teena through the years. I would ask her who she was feeling and I would tell her about new artists that I liked. Teena was a huge fan of Minnie Riperton and she was the Godmother of Minnie's child Maya Rudolph from Saturday Night Live. She also loved Smokey Robinson, Aretha, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Chaka, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Ella. Michael Jackson and many others. Teena was really worried about Aretha and just days before the announcement of Aretha’s recent surgery, Teena had sent her a massive arrangement of flowers for no reason at all.
She actually has giant paintings of her music idols in her home. The paintings are right beside the MANY plaques and awards that Teena received over her amazing career. Her favorite guitars also line the walls. She was very proud of her brand new studio that she just finished in her home. Teena was an incredible poet and loved poetry, movies, interesting books and art. Teena had been working on a book of her own life story for quite some time. She mentioned it often and I am hoping it actually is printed someday. I am not sure if things were written or she just had the ideas in her head. Teena was very proud of her time on Motown even though it ended & she moved on to new labels several years ago. She loved the Motown sound, Clarence Avant and Mr. Gordy very much.
On December 9th of this year I was asked to come to her house once again to hear her new work. When she came to the door we were both happy to see that each one of us, including Carla had lost a lot of weight. I was so happy to see Teena thin again. She had been working on her body, mind, spirituality and health. She mentioned that she had a seizure a short while ago. She said it scared her & Alia so she was really taking good care of herself. It really showed, she was happy, calm and looking GREAT. We sat and caught up for a long time and then she proceeded to play every song on the album for us. She always would say to Carla before playing certain songs, this one is for you Carla...this is your song, this is one of the Carla songs" She knew exactly what Carla liked & was always watching the both of us as she played each song. The real treat was having her sing along with each song. At the end of the evening she gave us a copy of the new album and asked us to tell her what we thought. We listened to it all the way home. I told Teena that the only change I would make was to change the order of the track listing. I would also like to say that on her new album that will be release next year Teena did a tribute song to her idol, Smokey Robinson. She also as a tribute to Michael and a song inspired by her love of Aretha. Her daughter Alia also appears on the album.
On Christmas evening Carla and I did not make any plans for the day or dinner. We went to the Arclight in Hollywood for a movie. Driving all the way from Long Beach to Hollywood. This theatre is not close by and is very out of the way. We got out of the movie around 9:00 and we were hungry on Christmas night. Not knowing what was open I decided to give Benihana in Hollywood a call and they said just get here before we close at 10:00. We got there about 9:15 and they took us to one of the tables. About five minutes later they sat Teena, Alia (her daughter), Raven and her boyfriend at the adjoining table. Keep in mind that we live in Long Beach and Teena lived in Pasadena, yet we both ended up in Hollywood for some odd reason.
I now know it was God that brought me there. This was so weird because after the movie Teena was on my mind very strongly and I almost called her. That means I would have called her as we were both driving to the same place. When she walked in we both just laughed and hugged. We were both so happy to see each other. Teena said that Alia loves Benihana so she took her there for her birthday meal. Her daughter Alia was born on Christmas day. She turned nineteen this year and was celebrating at Benihana's. Carla almost took pics but we thought it would be weird to draw attention to Teena since no one was bothering her. She came and sat in the seat right next to me. We talked about the album and Christmas. She told me Thanks because due to my advice she changed the order of the songs on her album. She said it was much better that way and she was happy with it. Of course that made me happy too. We left her laughing, hugging and kissing goodbye.
The next day we went back to the Arclight for another movie. When we came out and turned on the car and the radio announced her passing. I got out of the car, screaming, running through the parking lot, just sick to my stomach. I can not believe this has happened. My heart cries for her baby girl Alia. Teena basically left the world on the date of Alia's birth. The one thing Teena would not want was to leave her daughter or see her sad.
I want to leave you with my favorite Teena memory, although I have many....One cold night in the wee hours of the morning we were sitting outside of a recording studio where she had been recording with a friend. She was sitting in the back seat of our car. One of her classic songs and a personal favorites came on the radio, “Deja Vu.” Teena was sitting with her head up between the front seats with her arms on the back of our seats. She started singing along with the radio. Carla and I just sat there listening and trying to contain ourselves, trying very hard to just act normal. She sang the entire song with the radio right into our ears. When the song ended she just sat back and said "I always loved that song" – an AMAZING MEMORY, that I will cherish for life.
KENNY LATTIMORE, Recording Artist & Performer
She was prolific, multitalented, a humble soul who has left us before what we would consider her time. I often ask the Lord why so soon. But I am left in silence to understand that she lived her purpose. She touched millions of lives including my own. I thank Teena for personally encouraging me in my purpose and leaving behind a legacy of music that will be shared until the end of time. A few days before she went home to be with God, I was having a Teena Marie musical moment playing her songs that touched my heart through the years. It was so strange to hear the news after she had been on my mind. I was following her tweets expressing her thoughts and emotions, then suddenly everything stopped. But her music keeps speaking to me, Kenny you've got to keep our Irons In The Fire. Keep moving and sending love to the world through song.
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to experience the beauty of Teena Marie!
LEON WARE, Former Motown Recording Artist, Producer and Songwriter and his wife CAROL WARE:
She is a spirit I have worked with - a dear friend to Carol and I - we share in her transition and are here to comfort her beautiful daughter and friends - Living and giving in life's journey - our love and prayers for strength and light...our "starchild" has returned to the heavens!
MAYSA, Recording Artist & Performer:
Teena Marie was one of my virtual voice teachers. She taught me about writing from your soul and about how not to be afraid to use my full vocal range. She taught me how to connect with the audience and I always felt her love for the world through her performances. The last time I saw her was at the Capital Jazz Cruise in October 2010. I gave her a hug and she said "hey Maysa"! That was a huge thrill for me because I figured she remembered our first meeting at a taping of the Michael Baisden show a few years back and I told her I used to sing Cassanova Brown and Out on a Limb at my high school talent shows. Thank you Teena.
NATALIE 'THE FLOACIST' STEWART, Recording Artist & Performer:
I am some what lost for words with the transition of the amazing Teena Marie. I have honored her transition with meditations to guide her through swiftly and I am celebrating her in my heart.
Teena Marie was one of the first the 'great ones' that I was blessed to meet upon return to America in the summer of 2000. Her aura shone as I had thought it would.
De JaVu is one of my absolute all time favorites. Her artistry is a representation of divine feminine power. Her pen speaks the truth, and her voice delivers that truth directly into our senses.
I wish her peace in rest...xx
TOBY WALKER of Soul Walking:
I spoke to Teena on her visit to London in January this year. Sat for an hour with her and Charles Waring (Blues and Soul, Mojo magazine). Took her some chocolates and talked about her music, likes and dislikes, downloading music from the Net, and she told me her favourite singer was Sarah Vaughan. Her daughter filled her iPod with the newer music around, to keep her up to speed on the new singers on the block. It was her daughter, Rose, who found her. She must be devastated. I am sure all our thoughts are with her and the family.
When I spoke to Teena, I said to her that she was a woman in a very small group of White singers (which includes the likes of Dusty Springfield), who have been completely embraced into Soul Music by Black audiences. Definitely a one off singer, instantly recognisble vocally, leaving in her wake a huge contribution to Black music. A very lovely person.
FROM THE SOUL MUSIC.COM COMMUNITY:
Tom Conroy: This is a terribly sad loss to the family and friends of Teena, to the legions of her fans worldwide, and to the entire music industry, for there will never be another one like her. Who hasn't danced to "Lovergirl", "Square Biz", or "Behind the Groove"? Or did a slow drag to "Fire and Desire", "If I Were A Bell" or "Ooo La La la"? Half the baby girls born in the 80's should be named Teena. Her voice and poetry were clear and beautiful and powerful and if you were lucky enough to see her in concert as I did 5-6 years ago, you fully experienced all of that. Teena worked that stage with the energy of a 20 year old and showered that audience with the awesome power of her voice and her message. The crowd hardly sat in their seats the entire evening. I will never forget it. For her daughter: please know that your mom's fans loved her greatly and are mourning right beside you all over the world. Rest easy, Lady T
Larry D. Caras: What can one say? She was a true original and never waivered from her passion, soul music. I am saddened today to think that she won’t create new music and am sad for her family and friends. A pioneer, most definitely.
Ashley Scott: I have many great memories of Teena Marie especially of her performing at The Dell East in Philadelphia every summer for the past 16 years. She was a very humble and personable woman. She was also very professional. She loved people and touching people through her music. I can say that she is not one to forget a face and every time I was in her presence I was greeted with a hug. My best memory of her was years ago at WDAS FM Unity Day event she happened to be in the audience watching Patti Labelle perform and on "Somebody Love You" I happened to be one of the selected guys out the audience to sing with Ms. Labelle and she also brought Teena on. The two of them brought the house down trading riffs as well as their mutual admiration of love and respectfor one another. After walking off the stage she gave me compliments on my singing and encouraged me to follow my dreams and I will always appreciate that from her. I will always love her music especially "Dear Lover." I send my condolences to her daughter, family, and musicians who have toured with her for many years. Rest in peaceTeena. God Bless.
NowBV@aol.com: Still in shock at the news. Can't get her songs out of my head. Teena was a trailblazer, a true legend, and a great artist. God Bless her soul. My prayers to her daughter, her mother, and the rest of her family and friends. Without a doubt, she will not be forgotten and her work will always be held in high esteem by all her fans, myself included.
FROM THE SOUL MUSIC.COM FACEBOOK PAGE:
Michelle Aldridge Cook: I had the privelige to work at Motown where I met Teena Marie and Rick James who where unknown at the time. Teena was 19 or 20 years old and she was so tiny and when this hugh voice came out of her that was so soulful I had to take a second look to see if I was seeing right. She was always so down to earth even after she was successful. I remember meeting her at a party at Michael Paulo's home and we had a jam session with various people chaming in... she would always remember me and the times we had at Motown when she was just singing her heart out in the halls of Motown.
Judy Winfree: I can see her there now...on an island by the sea...with rainbow colored people... happy as can be. She's not comin' back no more... Call it "Deja Vu' "...
Rob Shrock: I knew Teena Marie in passing... she was a Motown artist at the time I was working there at Hitsville in LA. I played keyboards on a couple of demos for her that ultimately didn't go anywhere; but she was extremely nice to us all during the process and seemed open to us bringing to the table whatever we thought was best for the tracks.
I also remember she played GREAT guitar... even though in her video performances she always handed the solo off to a bandmate, I'm quite certain she was more than capable of playing it herself (did she play the recorded solo on "Lovergirl"?). She was a funky rhythm player for sure.
Greg Ayala Porras: I was so looking forward to seeing her next year in concert again. Words cannot express what her music means to me - it has been the soundtrack to my life! Her legacy and music will live on!
Lisa Zure: Blessings to the Beautiful Spirit of Teena Marie.... Her Music inspired a generation of singers and songwriters.... on many different levels. We give thanks for her time with us and wish the world had held her up EVEN HIGHER during her lifetime.... RIP... God Bless Your Soul
Carmen Balentine: Teena Marie is a musical legend and genius. We in America are in shock and saddened too. I have followed you for years Mr. Nathan and I know you have personal relations with many great artists. My heart goes out to you. You are one of the few people that revere our "soul" legends and I know you two would have created something wonderful for her supporters. I grew up on her music and cherish it to this day. RIP Lady T.
Junior Hamer: She was the best white R&B singer the US has ever produced.We have loss a lot of good soul artists this year.Still the music they have left us will live on forever in our hearts.Thank you for the music
Brian Alexander Morgan: Wow. what an amazing spirit and talent. Thank you Teena for blessing all our lives with yours words, melodies, and SWAG! ALL your work lives on in our hearts, whether it was was Behind The Groove, or you talking Square Biz, or Need (ing) Your Loving- We were warmed by all your Irons On The Fire!
Brenda Purnell: She had a beautiful voice. I was sad to hear about her demise. My thoughts and prayers aew with her family and friends who loved her. My favorite song was Fire and Desire with Rick James. She was a soul sister.:)
Kenny Beck: Very sad and very tragic. Teena had managed to cross that divide that two few performers ever achieve. Black Music or Soul Music is very particular about who we let in the very exclusive club of "soul singers and like the privileged Daryl Hall, Teena was readily accepted with open arms because of her exceptional gift to be able to touch lives as only a singer of Soul can do.
You all know what I'm talking about. As blustery and outstanding a voice as let's say Michael Bolton has, is he an accepted Soul singer? As trendy as it is these days to attach the moniker of Hip Hop to every kind of artists or group that comes out, so has it been with the regal title of "Soul Singer". Teena Marie was a Soul Singer of epic proportions who never really was able to show us all that she was capable of. Like the great Soul Singer Janis Joplin (yes, her too), it is a painful tragedy to lose one so blessed. Our only hope is that her brilliance lives on in supreme memories that only the real magnitude of will be felt eons upon eons from now. Rest well dear heart, we all love you. We'll all miss you....
Dwayne E. Patterson: That little woman was an amazing vocalist who made you feel the energy & power of herself through her music & style. She is one of those rare greats that come along once in a life time. One of the purest and powerful voice's I've ever heard. Such great range. She has had a profound impact or a good majority of female songstress of today and will be missed dearly. R.I.P. Teena, A Job well done. Now you'll get em' all Behind The Groove in Heaven.......
Tony Riley: Another great life has gone on to GLORY....R.I.P. Teena your legacy will not be forgotten!!!!
Kandee MusicLvr: First of all, I just want to say that Teena Marie was my 2nd favorite female vocalist of all time! Anyone that knows me . . . knows I loved me some Teena Marie! I fell completely in love with her voice when I heard her singing "Fire and Desire" with Rick James! Then, I found out she was a white girl saaaanging like that! I was hooked from that day. I am totally devastated by her loss! I cried like I did when Michael Jackson died! My heart breaks for her daughter, Alia Rose. To have your mom die on your birthday and she was the one that found her mother dead . . . is just heartbreaking! My favorite songs by Teena are: Sunny Skies(extended version), Miracles Need Wings to Fly, Tune in Tomorrow, The Air I Breathe, Deja Vu, Aladdin's Lamp, Where's California, My Dear Mr. Gaye, Out on a Limb, You Blow Me Away, etc. I could go on and on, but I will stop at the ones I've listed. I last saw her in Hampton, VA in concert in Aug. 2007. She turned it out! She play the hell outta that guitar! It was Teena, Lyfe Jennings and Kindred the Family Soul! It was a great concert! All I can say . . . is THANK YOU TEENA FOR THE MUSIC! Good music! Tasteful music! We need more lyrics like that these days. I will truly miss you, but I still have your music and that is a GIFT FROM GOD! Teena and Rick are together again. I will never forget how at the end of "You Blow Me Away" she said . . . I LOVE YOU RICK . . . THERE, I'VE SAID IT." I love that part of the song. We already knew she loved him! LOL That song is all about him! All I can say is . . . THANKS TEENA MARIE for the music! It will never die! My thoughts and prayers go out to her daughter and to the entire Brockert family! God bless them all! Wrap your loving arms around them during their time of loss! RIP Mary Christine Brockert aka Teena Marie! Gone too soon! I love you . . . Oooh la la la . . . ? ? ?
David Preiser: I never had the chance to see Teena perform live,Yet I have spent years with her music in my heart....She was more than just a soul/funk goddess....Her lyrics & liner notes were pure poetry!! She shared her heart & soul with her fans, She knew how to teach us, reach us and groove us ? My one regret is that I never had the chance to truly thank Her....To truly show my appreciation for all she gave to me & the world!! I am forever in her debt as she helped find poetry inside myself....In my heart, soul & life!! Thank You Lady T.....Your Music Will Live On Through Those You've Touched ?
Scott Taylor: I was fortunate enough to be in Philadelphia two years ago and caught her live at the R&B Foundation 20th Anniversary awards at the Kimmel Centre. She performed "Deja Vu" and, in my opinion, blew everyone else off stage. A true talent and I'll pay tribute to Lady T on my Hidden Gems show on Thursday 6th January.
LJ Johnson: Teena Marie was a true and genuine talented lady."Portuguese Love," is my personal favorite. I'll never forget the first time I saw her in concert with Rick James. Madison Square Garden erupted when they sang, "Fire and Desire." It was pure magic and The Garden felt the fire. That was 1981 and if you listen closely, you can still hear their echoes and the hook every time you go inside of The Garden.
Bryan Scholfield: Vanilla Chile- Lady Tee- whatever you called her you loved her
Kevin Logan: I saw Teena Marie back in February in Pa. She was great. I danced to many of her tunes at all of the clubs back in the day - she will definitely be missed. R.I.P Teena. Thank you for the great music and memories
Sheila-Marie Brown: I loved her voice. When I got home, I pulled out the "Sinbad sounds of the 70s"VHS tape, and watched her wail on that guitar! I remember when she spoke of Rick: She was full of fire and love for that man. The skies are getting brighter, people. There are so many stars leaving...I hope she is resting...
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