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Teena Marie Obituary
The confirmation came from a publicist, Jasmine Vega, who worked with Teena Marie on her last album. Her manager, Mike Gardner, also confirmed her death to CNN.
Teena Marie, known as the "Ivory Queen of Soul," was certainly not the first white act to sing soul music, but she was arguably among the most gifted and respected, and was thoroughly embraced by the black audience.
She was first signed to the legendary Motown label back in 1979 at age 19, working with James, with whom she would have long, turbulent but musically magical relationship.
The cover of her album, "Wild and Peaceful," did not feature her image, with Motown apparently fearing backlash by audiences if they found out the songstress with the dynamic voice was white.
But Marie notched her first hit, "I'm A Sucker for Your Love," and was on her way to becoming one of R&B's most revered queens. During her tenure with Motown, the singer-songwriter and musician produced passionate love songs and funk jam songs like "Need Your Lovin'," "Behind the Groove" and "Ooh La La La."
Marie had a daughter and had toured in recent years after overcoming an addiction to prescription drugs.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
2814 Entries
Elsie Jones
June 21, 2025
I loved her music she was great condolences to her family
Liss
April 27, 2024
I miss you Teena Marie love your song Mr Gaye and many others rip love.
Carson Loveless
March 31, 2024
Condolences to her family and her friends
Claudette Henry
November 30, 2023
Been listening to her music all day at my desk today, she was my all time favorite female artist, such a beautiful voice gone too soon. I will never forget her!!!
How you can show support
Nancy Jacks
October 26, 2023
My favorite soul singer of all time. A gift given by God. Continue to rest with our heavenly Father.❤.
Dr. Mike
September 18, 2023
This still hits my heart so deeply. She was not just "embraced" by the Black community, she was beloved. She put it all on the line during her Rick James tribute on the BET awards.
Marygma
July 25, 2023
Gone but not forgotten. There will never be another.
DreKeyz - Composer
January 5, 2023
I realized God was working through Mary...Teena... I was raised on her music by my cousin... But Never dove into the lyrics... I knew there was something... I am finally older and I feel like I was supposed to get it ( Her deep lyrics, beyond the divine musical arrangements, Harmony background mos def included..).. at this point in my life... There are not enough Thank U's t give... Thank you God, for putting Teena in my Generation!
A RODRIGUEZ-RICH
May 3, 2021
STARCHILD.
Marygold
February 19, 2021
RIP LADY
Regina
December 26, 2020
Your spirit and music lives on forever!! Sadly I remember this day ten years ago. Safe in His Arms...RIP
Tina
September 6, 2020
Wow!! I love her music still today. Rick James ( our hometown of Buffalo, NY hero) was a great musical duo! RIP Lady T❤
November 21, 2019
My heartfelt sympathy to the family's...So sorry for your lost and God is a God of all Comfort...
Regina
March 5, 2019
Happy Heavenly Birthday !!! You will forever be missed !!!
Sean
February 17, 2019
It's so wonderful to know that in the near future tears of joy will be replaced by peace and happiness forever!
Margaret A Barron
January 2, 2019
Rip in peace Teena Marie
Lisa Murrey Ransom
December 21, 2018
T.ALENTED
E.XCEPTIONAL
E.NLIGHTENING
N.OBLE
A.UTHENTIC
M.AJESTIC
A.MAZING
R.AVISHING
I.RREPLACEABLE
E.NTERTAINING
THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE YOU, YOU PAVED THE WAY FOR SO MANY,AND YOU HAD A HEART OF COMPASSION , AND LOVE. MAY YOU REST IN GOD'S LOVING ARMS IN THAT BEAUTIFUL PLACE UP ABOVE.
NEVER GONE, NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN.
REST IN GOD'S LOVING ARMS DEAR ONE.
Micki Nichoolas
October 29, 2018
Thank you for your music, it has brought me through many things in life. May God Rest Your Soul, Lady T..
Your music will live on for many generations.
Teena Marie
October 9, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Dorothy Lemons
September 15, 2018
Miss you Teena Marie!Your voice, your beauty, personality, all your
songs and talent will never be
forgotten. I am listening to your
songs now. WHAT A GIFT AND
TALENT AND YOUR MUSIC WILL LIVE ON!!
James Noel
June 22, 2018
Tina always loved you and your music another beautiful soul gone you will be greatly missed RSTNP
Cassius Thompson
May 10, 2018
I always loved you Teena. I didnt hear until 2012 that you had died..I'm your biggest fan. Seen you in concert in 86 at the jazz festival in Cincinnati. You're always in my heart and thank you for your service in the music industry. Much love
March 5, 2018
Missing You Lady Tee!Never forgotten
Michell aka Michelle Ayers Bennett-Ayers
February 23, 2018
I met Teena Marie in Newark NJ, we were both performing at the Unity Festival in Weequahic Park. We clicked immediately and she we extremely friendly and very nice to me. We both complimented each other's performance and it was an honor for her to enjoy my performance. I miss you Teena. Rest on!
TABBY ROBERTS
January 6, 2018
NO ONE BEFORE YOU AND NO ONE SINCE YOU! YOU ARE SURELY MISSED LADY T, BUT THANKS TO YOUR MUSIC YOU WILL LIVE ON IN THE HEARTS OF ALL YOUR MANY FANS! SUCKER FOR YOUR LOVE PLAYING RIGHT NOW!
Lynne
December 31, 2017
One fantastic lady! Your music still lives on Lady Tee xxx
Regina
December 27, 2017
Another year gone by as Lady Tee remains sorely missed !!!!
Rhenae Crawford
December 20, 2017
Here it is 2017....i watched one of your videos and my high school days filled my head...and your music was there .
.i just forgot to thank you for your music you are missed to your daughter I personally am sorry for your loss.
Neecy Brown
October 18, 2017
Thanks for the great music and beautiful voice Lady T maybe wherever you are you will see Rick James and sing fire and desire! That's a great song R.I.P
Denise Brown
October 1, 2017
You are surely missed nobody makes music or has a voice like you our loss is god's gain you're really an angel now! See you when I get there
October 1, 2017
You are surely missed nobody makes music or has a voice like you our loss is god's gain you're really an angel now! See you when I get there
Latisha Simmons
September 29, 2017
Lady T, your music was amazing and so soulful. You touched many with your soulful voice around the world, R&B music will never be the same. R.I.P you will be greatly missed. Love Latisha.
Dr Pepper
September 28, 2017
Thanks your music&voice were and always will be amazing!! Thanks for the memories I still listen to your music and I always will
Kyann Requena
September 23, 2017
You are truly missed my angel.
Kathy
August 23, 2017
Beautiful angel R.I.P
diana vargas
July 23, 2017
You are certainly an angel because your music depicts what was in your soul. I listen to your music all the time. Your voice and spirit will live forever in people's heart. Simply, amazing.
July 16, 2017
you were the best singer ever with Rick James & without him. you captured the hearts of many for your extraordinary talent in music.having one hit after another. RIP! Lady T.
Eddie Jones
June 26, 2017
Eddie Jones
What a beautiful gift from God.
Thank you so much!
R.I.P. Teena Marie
St.Louis, MO
Bonnie Jamerson
May 24, 2017
Gone but Never forgotten! R.I.P.
Ronald E Supinger
April 22, 2017
will always be in our heats.
Stacy McKenzie
March 26, 2017
Never forgotten..
Regina
March 5, 2017
A precious flower in God's beautiful garden.
March 5, 2017
A precious flower in God's beautiful garden.
Kim Anderson
February 27, 2017
You are missed. You always gave God the glory. Such a class act!
Nii Banfro
January 13, 2017
Truly one of the greatest singers of all time and will be missed! Rest in paradise
Susie Cuevas
December 29, 2016
The passing of Teena Marie was very heartbreaking to me. This beautiful soul took me through many different times in life. Ups and Downs, Good and Bad, Teena's music pulled through the darkness. I have yet to take flowers to her. I plan on going for my bday in January,,I have looked high and low for a memorablia tshirt of Teena and have yet to find one....Till I see you again, I know you are singing in HEAVEN with all the beautiful angels...Love you Miss Teena Marie....
Regina
December 26, 2016
Lady Tee, six years ago you transitioned to a higher place. Still cannot believe you're gone !!!! My joy is that I was in attendance at the Dell East in Philadelphia on August 7th,2010 naturally you tore the house down !!!! "RIP PRECIOUS ONE"
Cleo Carson
October 18, 2016
I would like to say that Teena Marie was the most precious singer in her own catagory, because she was her own singer, her own audience, her own everything! The world was more happy around her more than she realized. May god allow her sing in heaven for ever more....., as we all go on missing her, we still have her music, but MOST OF ALL WE HAVE HER VISITING SPIRIT, whenever we listen to her sing the music that she left for us!! And may God bless all of her family she left behind. PEACE. LOVE AND ANGELS !!!!
brian boone
August 18, 2016
iloveyou.i,missedyou/ill,be.thinking,of.you.lady,t.teenamarie,everynight.ill.be.praying.for.daughter.brother,family.to.teena,marie.you.are.my.angel.may.god.bless.you.mary,christine,brocket.,keep,singing,up.theremarch,5.1956.december,26.2010,happy.birthday.lady.aka.t.teena,marie
brian boone
August 18, 2016
ilove.firedesire,wishing.on.a.star,ill.be.prayingfor.alia.rose.andbrother,toand.family.to.i,missed.you.lady.t.teena.marie.thinking.of.you.every.night.iloveyou.mary,christine.brocket,one,more.thinghappy,birthday.march.51956.december.26.2010,may,god.bless,you,teenamarie.keep,singing.up.there.teena.marie.you.are.my.angel,thankyou.good,bye.rest.in.peace
brian boone
July 19, 2016
hi.brian.boone.mrs,t.teena.marie,i.love.wishing.on.a.star.and.fire.desire..i.do.miss.you..i.will.put.a.prayer.list.for.you.and.alia.rose..family.and.teena.marie.you.are.my.angel.and.i.watch.teena.marie.on.youtube.that.brian,cry.and.i.heard.you.passed.away.and.teena.marie.happy.brithday.lady.t.and.one.day.i.willlove.to.see,teena.marie.i.love.her.mother.to.just.keep.singing.dewitt.and.i.heard.on.the.radio.i.will.get.a.cd.and.picture.to.just.because.i.love.you.peace.be.with.you.may.god.bless.you.andi.willthinking.about.you.at.night.and,rick.james.is.singing,to,i.saw.the,newest.tv,raleigh.that.was.shocking.icrying.i.rember.at.animazment.2010.i,can.feel.your.breathing.teena.marie.sprit.and,teena.mariei.love.you.to.im.goning.to.say.lady.t.teena.marie.im.asking.mrs.johson.sing.to.wishing..on.a.star.for.brian.farmington.heights.wilson.for.you.teena.marie.singing.for.you.and.again.and.a.good.night.for.ever.and.thank.you
Valenda Newell
June 26, 2016
Petite lady of soul, your vocals were dynamite, a blessing from the DIVINE. You sang every song straight from your heart. I miss you....MUCH MUCH LOVE
Sonya Rael
June 11, 2016
I light this candle in memory of The greatest vocalist I've ever heard. Your music has taken me places in love I never imagined. I continue to listen to your music today simply because "YOUR THE BOMB"!! LOL!! and always will be. Thank you Lady T. Peace and Blessings
Sonya Rael
June 11, 2016
R.I.P Lady Teena. You are unequivocally the IVORY QUEEN of R.B. Your voice so angelic. I've been an admirer and fan since 1979. I actually fell in love for the first time to your music. Songs such as Fire and Desire to Portuguese Love and Out on a Limb just to name a few. Thank you for your historic music contribution. You were truly an Artist, an Ivory Queen. For that I Thank you.
CLARISIA CORINNE LOPEZ
May 27, 2016
OH WOW U HAD ME FOOLED ; I THOUGHT U WERE WHITE ; AND U DID GREAT W THAT VOICE OF YOURS AND I STILL JAM ON TO YOUR MUSIC ; LOVED YOU THEN AND STILL LOVE U AND UR MUSIC.
Debra Rodgers
May 9, 2016
Your fire shall burn in the hearts of many eternally. Luv you Lady T.
Vernon Taylor
April 2, 2016
What a gift from God!
Jay Clark
March 18, 2016
I miss u and ur beautiful voice u will always b n my heart
Regina
March 5, 2016
RIP on this day and every day !!! Remembering LADY TEE'S 60th BIRTHDAY.
Donna Dixon
January 11, 2016
Listening to Deja Vu, remembering her beautiful voice and how her music has been such a big part of so many fond memories..
Maria Duarte
December 31, 2015
Teena Marie my idol we had the same soulful taste she is sorely missed and I always listen to her music we are so much alike
Maria Duarte
December 31, 2015
Maria Duarte
December 31, 2015
Regina
December 26, 2015
A light from heaven shines bright!!!
Regina
December 26, 2015
You will forever be missed on this day and every day!!!! RIP "LADY TEE"
RIP ivory Queen Starchild
Valerie Toney
December 23, 2015
Patrick Little
November 29, 2015
Rest in Peace angel!!!
Carol FELDER
November 29, 2015
RIP I KNOW YOU AND RICK ARE SINGING IN HEAVEN
Stephanie Nebbitt-Taylor (MBG )
November 22, 2015
May God wrap his arms around your daughter and open them for you his newest song bird angel
Toni Anastasia
October 25, 2015
We came to see you many times. You will always be in our hearts.
Toni and Traci.
Angela Dixon
October 23, 2015
I'll always remember meeting you at the House of Blues in Chicago. ..your spirit was as sweet as your voice. RIP my sista
Deb Morgan
October 7, 2015
Sitting here years (Oct 7, 2015) after her death listening to her awesome music! She is still one of the greatest artist ever!
Joe'l Bourgeois
October 3, 2015
Miss those vocals
theresa middleton
September 16, 2015
Rip teenamarie
Kimberly chaouch
September 3, 2015
Your the greatest....rest in peace...and celebrate your new life...amen
S S
June 30, 2015
To the family, friends and fans of Teena Marie... May the Father of tender mercies give you peace. And may your memories of Teena give you comfort.
--Dee
June 29, 2015
Another favorite of mine, which Teena Marie sung, is "Young Love". Also, she was a very gifted musician (guitar, keyboards and congas) and songwriter.
Lady T - Talented Teena Marie
--DEE
June 29, 2015
I was listening to Lady T on my CD this morning and the duet she sung with Gerald Levert (one of my favorites on the CD). That entire CD, which came out around 2004, is wonderful. My favorite song of hers will always be "Out On A Limb" which she sung to pieces! Other favorites are "I Need Your Lovin", "Portuguese Love" and "Square Biz". She is part of the talented Blue Eyed Soul group of singers....yes, she was a soul sister. Additionally, I heard she was a good person & very down to earth. RIP Lady T.
debra thomasand
June 22, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Phat Queen Loving
June 3, 2015
The Ivory Queen of soul. See you in the morning! Blessed assurance! Sing with the Angels. We miss you here, your music & legacy lives
Phat Queen Loving
June 3, 2015
The Ivory Queen of soul. See you in the morning! Blessed assurance! Sing with the Angels. We miss you here, your music & legacy lives
Yvonne Benavides
May 15, 2015
I will never forget your music you always sang from your heart. RIP.
May 13, 2015
Teena, you will always be my girl.
Audrey
May 7, 2015
I will never get tired, listening to her songs rest in peace, Teena Marie
cee cee g
April 29, 2015
La Dona! Que' vive para siempre! Nuestra REINA!
doren davis
April 23, 2015
Great Singer and Lady RIP Teena Marie.
michelle stuckenschneider
April 12, 2015
All ways.a.Angel.
brandie fountaine
April 4, 2015
I love you teena you will be missed R.I.P.
Kymm Whitfield
March 13, 2015
A true beauty you will forever be remembered and missed
Miguel Ursua
March 11, 2015
You'll be truly missed ...
Your, voice was unique....
had it's own style and sound...
You'll always lover girl ....
R.I.P Lady T...
Yolanda
March 8, 2015
Love your songs especially LOVERGIRL
G. D. Grace
March 6, 2015
Lady Tee, Teena Marie -- words cannot express how much I miss you. I want you to know that I still feel your presence, and I appreciate your selfless giving in this life. Your songs have inspired me for more than three decades, and whenever I listen to "Yes, Indeed," I am reminded of just how wonderful you were.
Rosealie Saunders Saunders
February 1, 2015
You are forever in our heart R.I.P lady T.
Carmen Edwards
January 28, 2015
I wish i would have meet you . .you was so Beautiful ..I Love You . .
mike williams
January 20, 2015
Miss me some lady t 4ever in my heart
Donna Witherspoon
January 15, 2015
I am so grateful to have experienced having your music fill my mind,body and soul at an early age. Teena Marie will always be the one and only "lady T"
Ethel mitchell
January 14, 2015
I enjoyed your music. Your voice was a gift From the Lord. Rest in peace.
January 4, 2015
OYou were lover girl. Rip. As you enter heaven. Thank you for sharing your talent
Regina
December 26, 2014
Will never forget "Lady Tee"!!!
joseph Rodriguez
December 20, 2014
Teena you have inspired me since the 80 year after year you have brought music to us and rose to the top successfully you never need anyone to help you i will cherish your music forever ....
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