Mary Christine Brockert (March 5, 1956 – December 26, 2010), better known by her stage name Teena Marie, was an American singer-songwriter, and producer. She was known by her childhood nickname Tina[1] before taking the stage name Teena Marie and later acquired the nickname Lady Tee (sometimes spelled Lady T), given to her by her collaborator and friend, Rick James.
She was known for her distinctive soulful vocals, which caused many listeners to believe she was black. Her success in R&B and soul music, and loyalty to these genres would earn her the title Ivory Queen of Soul. She played rhythm guitar, keyboards, and congas, and wrote, produced, sang, and arranged virtually all of her songs since her 1980 release, Irons in the Fire, which she later said was her favorite album.
In 2004, while Teena Marie was sleeping in a hotel room, a large picture frame fell and struck her on the head. The blow caused a serious concussion that would cause momentary seizures for the rest of her life.
On the afternoon of December 26, 2010, Teena Marie was found unresponsive at her home in Pasadena by her daughter, Alia Rose. On December 30, 2010, an autopsy was performed by the Los Angeles County coroner, who found no signs of apparent trauma or a discernible cause of death, and concluded she had died from natural causes. She had suffered a tonic–clonic seizure a month before.
A memorial service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery on January 10, 2011. Among those in attendance were Stevie Wonder, Deniece Williams, Smokey Robinson, Queen Latifah, LisaRaye, Sinbad, Tichina Arnold, Shanice Wilson, and Berry Gordy, Jr.
This evening on “Great Soul Performances” we go back to the “DISCO!” We are going to boogie like it’s the 1970s in our virtual “Studio 54,” where on the dance floor we’ll get it on to the music of “Disco” stars like: The Village People, Tavares, Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, KC & the Sunshine Band, the Trammps, Gloria Gaynor, the Joneses, Sister Sledge, Kool & the Gang and others. The “Disco Ball” will begin to spin at 7PM ET, 6PM CT, 5PM MT & 4PM PT. Then it will be time for “Great Soul Performances 2: The 80s,” where you’ll hear from: Kurtis Blow, the Spinners, U.S.A. For Africa, Teena Marie, Rick James, Grandmaster Flash, Billy Ocean, Bloodstone, Mtume, Stevie Wonder and more. The 80s music starts at 9PM ET, 8PM CT, 7PM MT and 6PM PT. It’s gonna be a wonderful night of music and dancing later this evening with “Great Soul Performances” and “Great Soul Performances 2: The 80s” on RadioMaxMusic.Com. See Ya Later ‘Gator!
On “Great Soul Performances 2: The 80s” on this “Hump Day” evening, on the playlist you’ll find: Atlantic Starr, the Isley Brothers, Patti LaBelle, Alexander O’Neal, the Reddings, the Jacksons, Michael Jackson & Sir Paul McCartney, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Teena Marie, Stevie Wonder and many, many others. The program begins at 7PM ET, 6PM CT, 5PM MT and 4PM PT on the home of the “Greatest Hits of the 60s, 70s & 80s,” RadioMaxMusic.Com. I’ll See Ya Later ‘Gator for “Great Soul Performances 2: The 80s.”.
