R&B singer Teena Marie's career

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R&B singer Teena Marie's career

R&B singer Teena Marie dies at 54, Dec. 26, 2010.

R&B legend Teena Marie died Dec. 26, 2010. First reports came from WDAS-FM in Philadelphia, although the station had no information on the cause of death. Born Mary Christine Brockert in 1956, the singer-songwriter-musician was nominated for multiple Grammys.

"Congo Square," released June 2009 on Stax Records, was Teena Marie's 13th and final studio album. Her first record, 1979's "Wild And Peaceful," was released on Motown.

Teena Marie was perhaps the best-known protege of the late R&B legend Rick James. With James, she recorded the popular 1980 duet "Fire And Desire."

As a white singer who enjoyed consistent popularity on R&B/soul radio and with black audiences, Teena Marie was a pioneer in the late '70s and early '80s. In 1984, her song "Lovergirl" peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

Teena Marie leaves behind one daughter, Alia Rose, herself a recording artist.

n this 2005 file image originally released by Universal Music, musician Teena Marie is shown. Marie, who made history as Motown's first white act but developed a lasting legacy with her silky soul pipes and with hits like "Lovergirl, " "Square Biz, " and "Fire and Desire" with mentor Rick James, has died. She was 54.

In this July 5, 2009 file photo, Teena Marie performs during the Essence Music Festival at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Marie, who made history as Motown's first white act but developed a lasting legacy with her silky soul pipes and with hits like "Lovergirl, " "Square Biz, " and "Fire and Desire" with mentor Rick James, has died. She was 54.

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R&B legend Teena Marie died Dec. 26, 2010. First reports came from WDAS-FM in Philadelphia, although the station had no information on the cause of death. Born Mary Christine Brockert in 1956, the singer-songwriter-musician was nominated for multiple Grammys.

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