Teena Marie (born Mary Christine Brockert) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, arranger, and producer. R&B and soul singer Marie received the moniker Ivory Queen of Soul.
She also played keyboards and congas. She was nominated for three Grammys. Her 1979 first album “Wild and Peaceful” was a major hit.
She was the first white female guest on “Soul Train” with Rick James in 1979. She had more appearances on the program than any other white performer.
Her devotion to R&B and soul music earned her the title “Ivory Queen of Soul.”
Why was Teena Marie Famous?
Teena Marie was famous for her songs like Ooo La La La, Lovergirl, Square Biz, etc.
Teena Marie’s Death
Teena Marie, a soprano singer, died on December 26, 2010. Her death occurred in her mid-50s. Her daughter, Alia Rose, discovered her dead in her Pasadena home. Marie’s 11th death anniversary is in 2021.
After an examination on December 30, 2010, the Los Angeles County coroner determined that she died of natural causes since there were no visible injuries or cause of death. A month before her death, she experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
What did Teena Marie do?
- Known as a songwriter.
- She sings in soprano.
Teena Marie’s Bio, Age
Teena Marie was born in Santa Monica, California, on March 5, 1956. Mary Christine Brockert Her race was American. Her zodiac sign was Pisces and she was White. Hispanic and Native American ancestry.
She was born to Thomas Leslie Brockert and Mary Anne Brockert (mother). Her father was a builder and her mother a renovator. She grew up in Mission Hills. Her parents joined her in a music lesson after hearing her play Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat Song” at age 2.
Tina Marie Brockert appears in “The Beverly Hillbillies” at the age of 8. She then took up guitar, bass, and congas. She started a semi-pro R&B band with her brother Anthony and cousin.
In the late 1970s, her family relocated to Venice, Los Angeles, where she resided in Oakwood, a historically black enclave termed “Venice Harlem” by Berthalynn Jackson, the neighborhood matriarch who would become her godmother.
She then went to Venice High. She joined the school’s Summer Dance Production and starred in The Music Man. In 1974-1975, she created the Venice rock band “Truvair” with classmates.
She auditioned for record labels while studying English literature at Santa Monica College.
Teena Marie’s Career
- Teena Marie began her professional singing career in 1976 alongside her long-time friend Mickey Boyce, signed to Motown Records.
- Years passed as she recorded unreleased tracks before being spotted by labelmate Rick James.
- Her first top 10 R&B song, “I’m a Sucker for Your Love”, was out on March 31, 1979.
- Lady T’s second album came released on February 14, 1980.
- Six months after her second album, she released “Irons in the Fire” in 1980.
- Her fourth album, “It Must Be Magic,” was out on May 14, 1981.
- After a falling out with Motown, she joined Columbia Records.
- Starchild, her best-selling record, came out in 1984. “Lovergirl” from the album reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- “Emerald City” was a 1986 concept album inspired by rock music.
- “Naked to the World” was published on March 21, 1988.
- Sarai Records published “Passion Play” in 1994.
- Her tenth album “La Doa” was out in 2004. It became her most successful album, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard 200.
- In 2006, she released her 12th album, “Sapphire.”
- On June 9, 2009, her 13th album “Congo Square” was published.
- Her last record was in the works when she died.
- “Beautiful” was released posthumously in January 2013 by Universal Music.
Is Teena Marie dead or still alive?
Teena Marie has passed away on December 26, 2010. she died of natural causes since there were no visible injuries or causes of death.
Teena Marie’s Relationship Status
Teena Marie never married till her death. Even so, she’d had a few romances. “Never in my life have I heard such a range with such intensity,” said Rick James of her relationship with him. But their romance was short-lived.
Marie has one child, Alia Rose, born in 1991. Rose LeBeau is Alia’s stage name.
Her last residences were in Santa Monica, Inglewood, Pasadena, and Marina Del Rey.
She was also godmothered to Maya Rudolph and Marvin Gaye’s daughter Nona Gaye. She also looked after Rick James Jr.
Teena Marie had a big heart and always helped people selflessly, as Lenny Kravitz, a famous artist, said in a video that she had taken him into her house and assisted him while he was suffering early in his career.
Teena Marie’s Net Worth
Teena Marie made a solid living as a singer-songwriter. Her career as a band member led to her being one of the most popular female vocalists ever. Her 14th album was about to be released when she died.
Her net worth was estimated to be approximately $3 million at the time of her death in 2010, based on her contract terms, music CDs, and songs.
Teena Marie’s Body Measurements: Height and Weight
Teena Marie was a stunning lady in her mid-50s when she died. Her height was 411cm and her weight was 59kg. She had light brown hair and dark brown eyes.
Do you Know?
- Teena Marie’s unique soprano voice led many to mistake her for black.