Rick James

Rick James, (AP) – Teena Marie, who made history as the first Motown act white, but developed a lasting legacy with her hits and silky soul with hits like “Lovergirl,””Square Biz “and” Fire and Desire “with her mentor Rick James died. She was 54.

The confirmation comes from a publicist, Jasmine Vega, who worked with Teena Marie on her latest album. His manager, Mike Gardner, has also confirmed her death to CNN.

Teena Marie, known as the “Queen of Soul Ivoire”, was certainly not the first white act to sing soul, but it was probably the most talented and respected, and he was fully adopted by black audiences.

It first signed on the legendary Motown label in 1979 at age 19, in collaboration with James, with whom she had long relationships, turbulent but musically magical.

The cover of her album, “Wild and Peaceful,” was not her image, apparently fearing with Motown game by the public if they discovered the singer’s voice was vibrant white.

But Mary won her first hit, “I’m A Sucker for Your Love” and was on her way to becoming one of R & queens of the most revered B. During her tenure with Motown, the singer-songwriter and musician produces passionate love songs and funk jam songs like “Need Your Lovin'”,” Behind the Groove” and “Ooh La La La.”

Mary had a daughter and had visited in recent years after having overcome an addiction to prescription drugs.

Copyright © 2010 the Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Rose Le Beau

Rose Le Beau, A legend Left this universe. Teena “Lady T” Marie who died at the age of 54. She was seen last Teena carry two months ago at the Capital Jazz supersonic. It was by far the best act of the hand throughout the week down. Teena was the first album I ever played back to back, again and again. I was in college when I heard “Portuguese Love” and Square Biz. “I’ve been hooked ever since.

Teena when I interviewed earlier this year, before her appearance at the Jazz in the gardens of the show, I just assumed it would be the blessing of her audience for years to come. Read this interview here: R & B queen Mary J. Blige, Teena Marie lights Jazz in the Garden We talked about her relationship with Rick James. He was her mentor, her friend and her lover. But she refused to put up with the fact that it was not her only lover. Their stormy relationship lasted until her untimely death in 2004. Teena said it was her best friend. She revamped her show to honor him, noting that after its passage, it was no longer just herself, but Rick, too. She felt it was her responsibility to continue her legacy.

She said she had yet done, because she loved him. And because she needed money. She took leave from work to raise her daughter Rose Lebeau, a talented singer in her own right. And she had a difficult time as a single mother. Rough enough that she had to sell one of her guitars to raise money to make ends meet. But increasing the Rose was her number one priority. Teena talent was undeniable. And her music is timeless. It continues to delight audiences with songs from the previous generation and a voice that sounded the same today as it did then reflects this fact. God May Bless her soul, RIP