Soul Legend & Atlanta Favorite Teena Marie Dies

By Rose Scott

Atlanta, GA –
Legendary R&B entertainer Teena Marie was scheduled to perform in Atlanta on News Years Day at the Fox Theatre.
The singer died in Los Angeles Sunday night.
WABE's Rose Scott has this report on the woman nicknamed Lady T and the heralded Ivory Queen of Soul Music:

Teena Marie once joked,she was born the wrong color.
Her musical influences were rooted in gospel, jazz and soul.
When she was signed to Motown Records in 1976, it wasn't clear how black audiences would receive Teena Marie.
In fact, the record label chose not put a picture on her debut album.
But after an appearance on Soul Train , there was no doubt Teena Marie had earned the respect and admiration of fans.
Race would not be a factor.

She compiled more hits in the 80s and 90s.
A contractual dispute with Motown Records led to another groundbreaking triumph.
Teena Marie sued to be released from her contract that would send shockwaves throughout the music industry but scoring a victory for all artists.
Teena Marie died in Los Angeles, she was 54 years old.

Rose Scott, WABE news.