Teena (Tina) Marie the ivory queen of soul died on Sunday at the age of 54, she was discovered lifeless by her daughter, but the official cause of death has not yet been revealed, her manager Mike Gardner stated.
Born Mary Christine Brockert, she began her career as a singer in the legendary Motown label alongside singer and mentor Rick James in 1976.
Multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and arranger, her first album “Wild and Peaceful” was released in 1979 without a photo on the cover (Motown did not want the public to find out she was white). Teena Marie has released 13 studio albums in total, including 6 discs certified platinum in the U.S. and 6 certified gold.
Her biggest single, “Lovergirl” released in 1984 peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, however her most famous songs are undoubtedly “Behind the Groove” (1979), “I’ma sucker for your love” (1979) and “Ooo la la la”(1988) sampled by The Fugees back in 1996 under the title “Fu-gee-la”.
Teena Marie has never had any problems in her career because of her ethnicity, she has always been well accepted by the urban public.
RIP Teena, your music will always live forever……thanks for those jammin concerts.
Tina Marie, the most powerful white woman in American Black music passed away this Dec. 25, 2010. She was one of a kind. She will never be replaced. Her shows were one of a kind. When I witnessed my first show seeing Tina. I was shocked and amazed at her singing and guitar playing. She jammed all during the show. We want ever forget you Tina. You voice will live on and on and on. Peace be still my love.
damm! rip baby
I loves teena marie she was ro young to die I wonder what it was that killed her she was a great singer.she is in a better got took her dat means dats were she belong rest in peace teena marie.
LOVE TEENA MARIE GREW UP ON YOUR SONGS.R.I.P DEAR FRIENDS AND . LOVE FIRE AND DESIRE ,SQUARE BIZ DEAR LOVER,WE’VE GOT TO STOP MEETING OUT ON A LIMB,LOVERGIRLSISTER TO THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,PA
Rest in peace Tina Maria, God now has called another angel home.
You will truly be missed.
Bekky Stroman
In Philadelphia, PA.
I am a middle aged Black woman (in the hospital at 3:23am). I should tell Ms. Marie’s daughter to “hold your head up.” My New Years slogan is “Don’t Give Up.” Your mother was a lady in every sense of the word. She always worked hard and had a heart for multi-races. Everyone in my neighborhood (Motown area) loved her. My mom operated her Beauty shop on Ferry Park (right behind Motown). When Ms. Tina Marie hit the scene, no one had time to hate on her because we were too busy dancing to her music. I am aware of Slim Thug’s statements about Black Women – He’s ELEMENTARY in the brain. Suppose this, if everyone thought your mom to be Black, than how would you feel about him dogging your mom? Hell, we may all be people of color! Nobody knows for certain. Maybe “Slim Thug.” witnessed his mom being a dog but my mom wasn’t and neither was Ms. Marie – they were role-models. The Black men that I know who are dating White women, kick their a s _ e s and leave them out to dry just as they do us, so Slim dog quit hating and tell your mom or grandmom how you feel about them – and read your history. Sign me sick of idiots, and the publisher should take Ms. Marie’s article away from Slim Thug’s stupid article. I would never had known who he was (anyway) had you not set his article near this Great woman’s article..
Just got the news. Caught me off guard. Teena Marie was one of the best to do it. Seriously. Many artist that are applauded today are in short, junk.
This great lady was in my thoughts but just a few days ago! I’m in complete shock!
Menelik Charles
London UK
WOW my boyfriend just told me the news. My heart is sad. We have lost a lot of good artists. She really had a voice on her. She could sing. She will be truely missed. My deep sympathy go out to the family.
Tanya Heartfield
Baltimore, Maryland
What a lost @ a young age. Teena u will be missed my your old school fans. RIP!
OMGOD!!! I can’t believe it, I love her soo much as she was one of the GREATEST people to walk God’s green earth, a great humanitarian and songstress who helped us get over many different things with her GREAT voice and soulful heart. May God bless you, you family, especially your child that found you lifeless as you will live on in our hearts and through us till WE DIE!!! We LOVE YOU SOO MUCH…the GREAT…TINA MARIE. Thank You SOO MUCH.
I will forever love the music by Teena Marie. She will always be loved. God is watching over her daughter. Thanks for the wonderful music that you shared with us. I will treasure them all. I LOVE YOU TEENA AND will miss you.
Tina will forever have a seat at the table of Soul Sisters……… Rip………..
R.I.P Tina she will be missed,my heart goes out to her family, please people be kind because this is a tragedy for Tina’s family now may God Bless us all.
As with so many gifted artists it is so painful to hear of the lost of such a beautiful person who gave so much to everyone. Tina Marie you will very much be missed and my Deepest Sympathy to your family and friends.
OMG! R-I-P “T.M.” one of the best singers whoever did it! My heart goes out to your family,friends, & fans!
TINA MARIE IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF GONE TOO SOON. I THANK YOU MISS TINA MARIE FOR ALL OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. TINA GAVE US THE JAMS WHETHER YOU WERE MAKING SOME SERIOUS LOVE OR DOING SOME SERIOUS MOVES ON THE DANCE FLOOR. IT DIDN’T MATTER MISS TINA DELIVERED IT ALL. THANK YOU TINA, YOU WILL BE LOVED AND MISSED ALWAYS. YOUR MUSIC WILL LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS FOR EVER. R.I.P. MISS TINA MARIE.
HELL, THIS IS NOT HOW I WANTED MY NEW YEAR 2011 TO START. THIS WOMAN IS ONE OF THE QUEENS OF SOUL. SHE NEVER SOLD OUT. DAM MY GIRL IS GONE. SORRY THIS IS NOT GOOD. RICK JAMES WAS ALSO 54 WHEN HE PASSED. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON, THIS WHITE GIRL ROCK. AFRO-AMERICANS LOVE THIS WOMAN LIKE SHE IS ONE OF US. I AM NOT TAKING THIS VERY WELL.
Sad new…love this woman and her music. She was one of a kind. RIP Teena.
R I P Teena, you fit in so well w/ Urban America 🙂
Tina was truly one of the greatest R&B singers ever to set foot on a stage, and will be missed by so many of us. No one did it quite like she did, and we love her for that. So rest in peace, and I send her family my condolences.
MY SHE REST IN PEACE…AND PEACE AND BLESSINGS TO HER FAMILY…SHE WILL BE MISSED…I LOVED HER VOICE AND MUSIC…SHE WAS DOING SO WILL, I HOPING FOR A NEW ALBUM FROM HER…HER MUSIC WILL LIVE ON FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I justification heard right before leaving out to go back to work after the christmas hoilday about Ms.T the soul sista.I am very much shocked to hear this news ion the radio this morning from The New Magic 102.3 station.I love ur station and heart goes out to Ms.T daughter and family and close friends and also fans.I was also a fan listing to her growing when mama played her records and have her too.What a women she was and would always be in my book.I love Ms.T and will be miss.Also a ups to old school hip-hop artist best that did it KRS1.He said a message on this page.Rip Ms.T….
we will miss you ms. tina marie you wil not be forgotten.
I love Tina and use to listen to her all the time while growing up in Barbados. I was lucky to see her in NYC last year at the Beacon Theater with my wife, and she gave an extraordinary performance. You will be missed but I am sure Rick would be glad to have your company
My thoughts go out to the family.
TINA WILL BE TRUELY MISSED. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HER DAUGHTER AND THE REST OF HER FAMILY. I JUST SAW HE LAST YEAR IN ATLANTIC CITY WHAT A SHOW, SHE ALWAYS GAVE HER DEDICATION TO RICK JAMES IN CONCERTS BUT THE ONE IN AC WITH HER NEPHEW WAS THE BEST, RIP TINA BY YOUR #1 FAN. HER MUSIC WILL LIVE IN OUR HEARTS AND SOULS FOREVER.
In Total shock and awe over the death of Tina Marie truly can’t believe that such a wonderful woman and artist is gone. My deepest sympathy goes out to her daughter and family, can’t possibly imagine what her daughter is going through feel so sad for her finding her mother dead on a holiday. Christmas will never be the same. We love you Tina R I P
RIP Tina geez we losing all our greatest MJ know you, Whats goin on.
I will never forget how I could play Teena no matter if happy,sad,heartbroken or if I just wanted to get my boogie on. Her work is timeless and should be taught in universities to show students how to make original pieces…Teenas work will forever live on. Aliyah god bless you and continue on with your mamas movement. I know she taught you the tricks of the trade. R.I.P Teena………..
RIP TINA MARIE! YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN!! LOVE YOU!!
Loved Tina Marie!! I grew up listening to her. I loved the song “I’m talking square biz to ya baby….square, square, biz…I’m talking love…that is, that is, square biz… And who can forget “Fire & Desire” duet with Rick James. That’s definetly a classic. RIP Tina…Black America Loved you and it showed during the BET Awards a couple years back, b4 Rick James passed away. And most recently on the TV1 show “unsung”…Loved her…
God Bless your Soul. Rest in Peace Ms. Maie.
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To the Family of Ms. Tina Marie: Find comfort in the Lord, he will not put more on you that you can bear. Seek comfort in his love he can ease your pain . Death is not final but the beautiful advancemnet to everlasting life. God Bless. RIP
Tina Marie was one of the most talented singers of her time. May her music and legacy live on forever. She’ll be greatly missed.
Tina Marie was my girl the way she could just have u so connected by her music “IF I WERE A BELL AND OOO LA LA LA ONE OF MY FAVORITES RIP TINA another great soul has returned home she will be missed
Truly it is a lost to The family of Tina Marie as it is to her fan but death is apart of life remember to be separated with The body is to present with The Lord thank God for blessing us with The lovely voice as well as her presents God bless and be with The family keep Ur lovein arms of comfort around tina’s daughter for she is a daughter 1st my prayers go out to The family remember God is able
I’m going to miss you. R.I.P
Wow, I think everyone here basically said it all. She was unique, talented and will not be replaced, ever! At least she is hanging with Rick now……..
Oh my God…I love her music! I can’t believe it! We will continue listening to the wonderful music you delivered to us! RIP! Love you Girl!
Rest in Peace Tina, you surely will be missed, I grew up on your songs…wow….
I will miss you deeply Teena Marie!! My prayers to your family.
Teena your voice is one of a kind ; iit will truly be miss. Gone but not forgotten. R.I.P Teena. I Love You! Charles S. Columbus Ohio
My heart goes out to Tina’s family and specially her daugher. It is very hard to lose a parent. But God as called her home and she is in a better place and he loved her best. Far as her music she was the best and will always be in my heart and my prays. She had a heart of gold and she love all people not just her color but all people and that is a angel. May she RIP.
Miss Tina marie.
I grew up listening to Teena Marie songs and I was blown away by her songs and , most of all her death. I’m still in shock over the passing of Teena Marie’s death. She was a very gifted artist with, to put it bluntly, a hell of a voice. Her music was absolutely amazing and her voice was defanately one of a kind. It was a joy to listen to her. my daughter can tell you that I’ve played her music on many occassions and still do. I was listening to her music the day before Christmas. I guess I was in a Teena Marie mood. Anyway! To her daughter and family may GOD be with you and comfort you during this tragic time in your life. Teena Marie had a job to do as we all do. She made her mark and touched many people hearts. She will always be remembered and always. be loved. GOD BLESS YOU! Sincerely,
Keasha
Amazing talent, what a gifted woman…The music, instrumentalist, style and vocal ability that is unmatched will be sorely missed!
Miss Tina there is not a day I don’t listen to you I will miss you in my life of music and song you are going to be truely missed but not forgetten.
God will look after your beautiful daughter I know she has your strength and passion.
Thank you much for all you given this World it has been a joy God bless you and RIP my Angel.
One of the great sing,mother and person R.I.P. Dear Friend
Tina you were one of a kind. You had a beautiful voice and you showed that you truly enjoyed the beautiful art of singing. My condolences go out to your family and all of your fans. God has the power and he wanted you home with him. We will never forget you and your music. You were a performer and a great artist.
Shirley Gates
Detroit Michigan
hey my prayer go to tina family. she made nice music and she will not be forgotten. so dame young wow.rip tina maria
God Bless you Tina and your family now ………..
My memories girl ……as I was a mobile DJ in the 70’s and 60’s and beyond & I’d throw Lovergirl on & fill the dance floor……….Thank YOU!
You left us too soon.
Jane Friend
DJ Retired
from Tampa Bay to Chicago
Wow…..very sad news. Great lady, great songs, great voice! Rest In Peace Ms. Tina, you definitely left your mark on this earth.
My hart goes out to her family I got a lot of memories from Tina Marie songs and they are all good . That was a lady that put her soul into her songs… But her music will always be a part of history ….
May the lord be with the family
And keep them strong & together.
@■kvyvubnky It’s funny you mention Michael Jackson as I was going to do the with my previous post, I just wanted to post my tribute to tina in my real name(as I’ve already posted my statements above)Here’s my tribute The King for michael’s children Michael Jackson called “They’ve Had Enough” I love you Tina and miss you so..
Tina what a precious gifta you were to all of us. Your amazing voice and instramental ability is and as it should be “TIMELESS” . I understand death is a part of life but to GOD be the glory for giving u the ability to touch our lives in such a profound way. To her only child please seek refuge in the LORD and find comfoft knowing you came from of the best..R.I.P TEENA MARIE and thank you for giving us so much of you.
Tina what a precious gift you were to all of us. Your amazing voice and instramental ability is and as it should be “TIMELESS” . I understand death is a part of life but to GOD be the glory for giving u the ability to touch our lives in such a profound way. To her only child please seek refuge in the LORD and find comfoft knowing you came from of the best..R.I.P TEENA MARIE and thank you for giving us so much of you.
Wow! So unexpected….but her time here has been completed,this was in Gods plan for her.She has made her mark here in many of our life’s, and will be remember by many.Much love to you Ms.Teena Marie.Dear heavenly father please give the family the strength to get though this difficult time.AMEN
Lady t ,4ever in my heart
Tina we love u.Michael we love you James brown we love you Rick James we love you Aretha Franklin we love you we will miss u all thanx for the good time and the memories I know their is an special party in heaven one day we will all receive our invitation until then God bless you all
I went to see Rick James An Tenna Marie ,Perform at the Tower Thearte in Philadelphia .After the concert there was a Dinner Party 0n a Boat , called Laferry . The Upper decks of the Boat ,where reserved ,for Rick and Tenna ,by invatation only ,Private party. I was in the lower part of the boat where mostly everybody was just having a good time . I noticed a staircase to the upper level ,with a bouncer greeting special guests to direct them upstairs. I walked over to the bouncer and said to him ,I am plain clothes security for Rick James ,showed him my security badge from another job and walked on up,Haha i made it upstairs. I sat at the bar until Rick and Tenna , Left there table they where sitting at . Rick and Tenna started dancing ,then i joined in danced real sexy with Her ,Wow it was incredible .Finally the owner of Lafeery came up to me an asked who i was ,I said security ,For Rick and T ,He laughed and said i am the owner , I dont remember hiring you here . Then he said have a good time .Wowo she was pretty. some time in 1980 i think
I can remember seeing Teena performing at the Hoddie Awards 2009 it was off the chain, so nice and she brought her daughter out to perform with her, both of them blew everyone, away we were out of our seats the whole place didn’t want to leave.
To Teena, family I would like to “Thank All of YOU” for sharing your Mom, daughter with us as fans she will be missed. She is a lady of grace, I know that heaven is jamming.
Tina you surely will be missed. You were one of a kind no one will ever replace in the music world. I know heaven is rejoicing now that you & Rick are back together again. To the FAMILY I know this is a tough time but, She would want you to remember the good times you shared with her, not be sad. GOD BLESS YOU!
“I WAS DRIVING HOME, LISTENING TO ONE SONG’S ON HER C/D …’WHEN I GOT THE CALL TELLING ME …MS. TEENA MARIE HAD DIED, “ALL I COULD SAY IS NO …”SHE DIDN’T….”BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH SHE’S GONE …”SHE WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN….”SHE WILL TRUELY BE MISSED BY SOOOO MANY, MAY SHE FOEVER (R.I.P)…..”LOVE, HONOR BY MANY INCLUDING ME…..MS. BRENDA HOLMES (ANTIOCH,CA)
Tina Marie was the blackest white woman I’d ever heard that had soul back in the day-that kind of talent can never be replaced. For her children stay strong-you are in my thoughts and prayers!! Regina Nunnally (Greeley, Colorado)
Teena,
You just crossed my mind a few days ago and I only just found out that my brother and sister-in law had tickets for your forth coming concert.
You were GREAT! for ever the artist!
Take are!
ITS SAD TO HEAR THAT WE LOST A SOUL WOMAN SOMEONE THAT LOVE MUSIC AN ENJOY LIFE BUT AS A CHRISTIAN ALL OF US HAS TO FACE THIS DAY GOD IS GOOD HE ALLOW OUR PARENTS TO GIVE US LIFE WHAT WE DO WITH IT ALL UP TO US BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY WHEN OUR NUMBER COMES UP WE SHOULD WON’T TO BE WITH NOBODY ELSE I DON’T A BETTER HOME THAN HEAVEN TINA WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN MY PRATERS GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY STAY STRONG AN REMENBER SHE ALL BETTER NOW
love your music girl, love ur music, i will always play them till the day i die. RIP. gone but u wont be forgotten, love u.
Everyone basically covered it as far as Tina Marie’s talent and her contribution to “old school” music genre’. (i.e. – “Motown, Soul, Funk, Rhythm & Blues, etc.etc.)
I really have nothing more to add to what’s already been spoken here today. I, too, was unpleasantly surprised to her of her passing. Esp if one, considers her age and the fact she had no history of illness, or known “chemical dependencies” which have claimed the lives of so many great artists.
hy am I here? Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered before my time, but I’ve studied him, talked with those who remember him well, and I’ve come to the conclusion the man was a prophet. yet people TO THIS DAY, still insist on the ISSUE of race! It goes BOTH ways in that racism doesn’t come in colors! Didn’t the “I have a Dream” mean anything? Not by the “color of their skin but by the content of their character”—doesn’t that tell you that WE, as human beings ARE ALL ONE RACE?!!! WE ARE THE HUMAN RACE! So what if Teena Marie was white, black, or PURPLE? She cointributed! that’s the bottom line!
R.I.P gone but not forgotten, you music will live on!!!
I am really sorry to here about Tina that was one of my fav. when i was younger i use to think i was Tina. when i got the new i was on my way to work . i had to pull over. i just seen her in ind. back in july she was great and she gave us her all.she will be truly missed. To her daughter keep your hand in God hand and he will see you through. Your mother loved you. God Bless
GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN, MAY YOU R.I.P
this lady was not white or black so was teena marie, herself. all of us back in the day old school we will always admire her as lady . We will miss her sultry voice Rest in peace our sister your work is done her. We love you but god loves you more.
iam so sad of the recent death of r and b legend and icon teena marie
what a beautiful singer song writer who im sure knew the struggle of black people in this country. i dont think it was a good decision for motown to had hidden her face because she was white on her first album to me it that makes motown and the black community seems like we are racist ! not in not showing her true idenity. at least some of r black people kind and humble and we accept all cultures the last time i checked. so i know that it wouldnt have been a problem
showing teena true idenity it was the 70s. so on that note if anybody we know how it feels to judged by skin color or streo typed by looking different or sounding different!