When I first heard about Teena Marie’s death, I thought it was just another Twitter hoax.
After searching a few news sites, I learned that she really did die on December 26, 2010.
I was saddened by her untimely demise. Teena Marie was an incredibly soulful singer who blessed me with some great music during the 70s and 80s.
I can still remember hearing her song “I Need Your Lovin‘” for the first time. I was riding the school bus when the song came on the driver’s tiny radio. The whole bus went silent and we all started jamming along with the song.
Her passionate duet with Rick James, “Fire and Desire,” taught me how intense love could be.
And her song “Square Biz” was a funky romp that always made me want to dance.
I knew Teena Marie a gifted singer but didn’t realize that she was also a talented rhythm guitarist. I was actually shocked to see her playing the instrument in her “Lovergirl” video.
As I matured, I started to understand the complexity of Teena’s songwriting. Experience has a way of making songs come alive.
Songs such as “Cassanova Brown” “Deja Vu (I’ve Been Here Before),” and “Portuguese Love,” are rich with beautiful lyricism and deep meaning.
RIP, Lady T. Your music will live on forever.
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Image via Concord Music Group
Frederick J. Goodall is the Editor-in-Chief of Mocha Man Style, media spokesperson, event host, photographer, and a top social media influencer in Houston, TX. He likes to write about fashion, cars, travel, and health.