Remembering Teena Marie

Since her debut in 1979, Teena Marie has earned the love, respect and admiration of a plethora of entertainers. The soul singer's burst on the scene with a breakout duet with Rick James called 'Fire and Desire' and fought for her release from Motown Records, which resulted in the 'Teena Marie Law' mandating a label cannot keep an artist under contract without releasing his or her music. Some of today's biggest artists and actors went to the World Wide Web to express their love and sadness with the loss of the 'Square Biz' songstress. Here are their thoughts on this influential music figure.

Remembering Teena Marie

Taraji P. Henson
"OMG!!!! RIP Teena Marie...speechless...shocked."

Remembering Teena Marie

Frenchie Davis
"We wait til people are gone to really appreciate them...and we need to stop that sh*t....the ONLY soulful white girl in the game...who didnt have to TRY to "sound black" is gone....while her wack a** imitators have numerous Grammy Awards...there is a mere "Grammy-nominated" in front of her name and it is a sad reminder that some of the greats NEVER get their props until it's too late....RIP TEENA."

Remembering Teena Marie

Tom Joyner
"Teena Marie was a true example of how music can make us color blind. Black America loved and embraced her because of her music. I would always joke at how everyone gave her a pass...even sisters. There was no attitude, no judgment, no hate over her relationship with Rick James...of course, that could be BECAUSE it was Rick James. But I think it was also because she was so soulful. She was full of love and always was a great guest on our show, on the Fantastic Voyage, in the studio, wherever. She always gave her all. She was one of the best."

Remembering Teena Marie

Kimora Lee Simmons
"RIP to the legendary Ms Teena Marie. Luv u always! We'll celebrate & sing in your memory!"

Remembering Teena Marie

Common
"R.I.P. Lady T! Your rhyme in Square Biz is and will always be classic material...Teena and I are both Pisces and we believe that we've been here before. Thats why De Ja Vu is my favorite song."

Remembering Teena Marie

Gamble & Huff
"We're shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Teena Marie. She was one of the most memorable, soulful and unique R&B vocalists to come out of Motown. We send or condolences to Teena's family, the entire Motown family and of course, our dear friend Berry Gordy."

Remembering Teena Marie

Hill Harper
"RIP Teena Marie – an amazing songstress and trailblazer with so much soul and that's 'Square Biz.' We love you"

Remembering Teena Marie

Holly Robinson Peete
"My heart is broken. Teena Marie was an R&B pioneer. She was also a beautiful authentic friend who I'll miss forever. RIP Lady T."

Remembering Teena Marie

Kandi Burruss
"In memory of Teena Marie @thedjaone is playing her songs on our ride back to atl. An amazing artist"

Remembering Teena Marie