Remembering Teena Marie

Teena Marie: March 5, 1956 – December 26, 2010

Although I’d planned to take a short hiatus from the blog during the holidays, another music artist’s untimely death has inspired me to return sooner than anticipated. On December 26th, Teena Marie, the 54-years-young soulful, powerful, high-energy music artist who was an essential part of my childhood’s soundtrack, died as she slept in her California home.

While the Northeast took shelter from yesterday’s blizzard, news of Teena Marie’s passing spread like wild fire on Twitter and Facebook. As an active member of the Twitter community, Teena Marie had sent her fans messages of holiday love via the social networking site just 24 hours prior to her death:

May God’s light always shine on you and your family! May you have the most joyous Holiday season ever! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

– Teena Marie via Twitter (December 25th, 2010)

Teena Marie’s raw talent knew no limits and transcended each and every one of our society’s cultural boundaries. With a style that was always geniune and beyond the essence of cool, Teena Marie, affectionately known as Lady Tee, was a true example of the success that can be achieved once you’re comfortable in your own skin. Can you honestly say that you’re comfortable in yours? If not, let’s take steps towards loving and embracing you today. As Lady Tee’s beautiful personal and professional life exemplified, greatness awaits.

By the way…

In true Teena Marie fashion, she was the only white artist featured as part of the “Unsung” music series on TV One.

To celebrate the life and times of this incredible talent, TV One will re-broadcast the Teena Marie “Unsung” special tonight at 9 p.m. EST and midnight EST.

Rest in love and peace, Lady Tee.