Teena Marie, known as 'Ivory Queen of Soul,' dies

[Allhallowsday]

Teena Marie, known as 'Ivory Queen of Soul,' dies 
Teena Marie's last album, "Congo Square," was titled after a historical meeting place for slaves in New Orleans, featured a tribute to Martin Luther King's widow and also song "Black Cool," written for President Barack Obama.

No matter that Marie, 54, was white. The R&B legend revered and fully immersed herself in black culture — and in turn was respected and adored by black audiences, not only for her immense soulful talents, but for her inner soul as well.

"Overall my race hasn't been a problem. I'm a Black artist with White skin. At the end of the day you have to sing what's in your own soul," she told Essence.com in an interview last year while promoting "Congo Square." That album would turn out to be her last.

The self-proclaimed "Ivory Queen of Soul," whose many classic hits included "Lovergirl," Square Biz" and the scorching duet "Fire and Desire" with mentor Rick James, was found dead in her Pasadena home on Sunday at the age of 54. Authorities said her death appeared to be of natural causes... 

http://new.music.yahoo.com/various-artists/news/teena-marie-known-as-ivory-queen-of-soul-dies--62008336

[claws]

Yeah, this is pretty sad. I own most of her 80s and 90s albums on CD. Always been a fan. R.I.P. Teena.

[Warp Ninja X]

She was one beautiful and talented R&B artist. I had a big crush on Tina Marie since the 70's. My big sister still got her two albums Square Biz, and Starchild she use to play them over and over and over. R.I.P. Lady T.

[lester1/2jr]

I watched the tvone special on her a while back. It was fascinating. RIP

[Mr. DS]

I've enjoyed her music over the years, RIP. 

[RCMerchant]

Very sad-I recall hearing her music when I was in NYC on the radio alla time back in the 80's....my favorite song was" Lovergirl". People may say "who's Teena Marie?" nowadays-but back in thee day-this song was on the radio alla time.....Dang...too young too die.... God bless her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4CpxewjKl8

Dam. So Talented. So great.