Grammy nominated singer Teena Marie, once known as Rick James' protegee, died in her sleep last night at the age of 54. Teena Marie's death brings back many childhood memories for me. It reminds me of my mother blasting her old school records every Saturday morning, and no doubt, Teena Marie was in her collection. It also reminds me of musical debates that I would have with my younger brother Dee.
See, I loved Mariah Carey growing up, and for some reason my brother didn't, so he would always try to find old school singers that were better than Mariah Carey, and blast them in my ears to prove they were superior to Mariah. Teena Marie happened to be the singer he would use the most in those debates, and it wasn't because they both had curly hair. Deep down I really loved, and appreciated Teena Marie's music, but on the outside I had to put up a big front like I could care less about the woman or her music. Then, one day when I thought I was home alone, my brother busted me singing Teena Marie's song, "Fire and Desire" at the top of my lungs. From that day on, I admitted that Teena Marie was better than Mariah, however, I made sure he understood that she couldn't mess with Janet Jackson on stage....hey, I needed some leverage.
With that said, I am truly saddened that another musical legend from my childhood memories is no longer with us, but I will forever remember the beautiful music of Lady T. I'm giving my promise to "vanilla and choc" that I will never let another singer talk Square Biz to me! 'That's What She Said'
