Edd’s MANtra: RIP Teena Marie

One more day and the wifey would have had the starring role.

With the exception of a spotty BlackBerry connection, we’re usually cut off from many forms of media while out in the woods with my folks. But thanks to a few friends, I was informed late Sunday of some heartbreaking news. Although it’s certainly old news now, I couldn’t let another day go buy without mentioning the passing of one of my favorite 80s R&B voices. From cnn.com:
Teena Marie, a celebrated R&B singer-songwriter, was found dead Sunday at her California home, her manager said.

Born Mary Christine Brockert in Santa Monica, California, the 54-year-old artist famously paired with late funk legend Rick James and was nominated four times for a Grammy Award, according to her official website.

Marie was found dead by her daughter after apparently dying in her sleep, manager Mike Gardner said.

I’m not a big fan of the term “blue-eyed soul” (why is soul determined by eye color?) but no matter the label, Teena Marie exemplified soul. She’s quietly released pretty solid albums from 1979 to as recently as last year – essentially, her career has spanned my entire lifetime. I consider her the most underrated soul artist of the 80s and sadly I can’t think of any current artists who can carry on her legacy.

History may have overlooked her, but we never will.

Teena Marie, “Square Biz”

Teena Marie and Rick James, “Fire and Desire”