“Lady T” Was Truly One Of A Kind

She could sing like an angel - but a lot of her songs made you want to be real naughty, if you catch my drift.  Teena Marie, one of the most impactful singer/songwriters of the 80's, passed away from 'natural causes' this weekend at the age of 54.  "Lady T" was one of the more important musical artists in recent times, that you may not know that much about.

Her career in show biz began with an appearance on "The Beverly Hillbillies".  She sang on The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon at the age of 15, where she was recognized by Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy.  Her talent, as well as her attitude, made a lasting impression on Gordy.

Teena Marie was, unquestionably, the first white artist to be completely embraced by the American  R & B world.  There was nothing fake about her.  She sang about the things we all can relate to; love, sex, betrayal, family, life, and death.  She wrote, produced, sang, and arranged ALL of her songs.  She also played rhythm guitar, keyboards, and was a world class conga player.

In 1980, her album "Irons In The Fire" was released.  That album REMAINS #6 on the list of the "50 Greatest Motown Albums Ever".  The first single from the album, "I Need Your Lovin", is powerful and timeless.  She recorded the incredible duet with Rick James, "Fire and Desire", around that same time - brilliant and controversial - in 1980, mainstream America wasn't quite ready to hear a black man and white woman express their love for each other, you may recall.

Long story short - Teena Marie was a trail blazer.  There would not have been a Madonna, without Teena Marie.  There would not be a Pink, Kelly Clarkson, nor Lady Gaga, had there never been Teena Marie.  She was the first of her kind, and deserves to be remembered as one of the more important women in the history of American music.