• Teena was a black voice trapped in a white body. I would always tell her that she was one of the greatest vocalists of our time.
• Radio One founder Cathy Hughes • Explaining the loss of Teena Marie, a white R&B vocalist who crossed the racial divide and managed a lengthy career that was still going strong as of 2010. (For you kids too young to remember her, here’s a sample.) Marie, born Mary Christine Brockert, was known for working with Rick James and even had a top-ten record on the Cash Money Records roster, meaning she had something in common with Lil’ Wayne. Marie, who died in her sleep a month after having a very strong seizure, was planning on returning to work next month. Instead, she’s gone. She was 54. source

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