Singer/producer/songwriter Teena Marie, born Mary Christine Brokert, died at the age of 54 in her Pasadena, California home the day after Christmas. Cause of death is unknown at this time. Her 19-year-old daughter found her body.
Creator of 13 studio albums and best known for her powerful Rick James duet, “Fire and Desire,” Teena Marie had many other songs beloved by fans and critics alike. She even racked up a couple “firsts” for white people. She was the first white artist on Motown Records and she was the first and so far only white artist profiled on TVOne’s “Unsung” series. Homegirl was even signed to Cash Money Records for a while where she earned another gold album. Her first gold album was 1981’s “It Must Be Magic.” Six of her albums went platinum.
Here are just a few of our favorite Lady T tracks! What are your favs?
You Make Love Like Springtime
A jazzy piece from Teena Marie. People often speak about the voice being an instrument. In this song, you can really hear that in Teena Marie’s voice. Plus, like many of her songs, the lyrics are beautiful.
Ooo La La La
Before the chorus was sampled by the Fugees for their hit song “Fu-Gee-La” in the ’90s, it was coming out of the mouth of Teena Marie for her ’80s smash “Ooo La La La.”
Portuguese Love
If this song doesn’t make you want to grab a plane ticket to Portugal and grab a fine piece of man, we don’t know what will!
Square Biz
Did your mama play this on Saturdays while she was cleaning up the house? So ’80s, so fun! Lady T ripped her rap verse on here too!
Fire and Desire
“Loooooooove them and leave them!” One of the greatest, most passionate songs ever created. Remember when Martin and Gina acted out this song on “Martin?” Pure comedy.
Teena Marie left us with so many great songs, it would be nearly impossible to put them all in this list or put them in order. Some other Lady T stand-out tracks include “Casanova Brown,” “Out On A Limb,” “Deja Vu (I’ve Been Here Before)” and many many others.
Rest in peace, Teena Marie. Your contributions to music will live on forever.
What are your favorite Lady T songs?
Casanova Brown
