'Ivory Queen of Soul" Dies at 54

[Police Moderator]

Teena Marie, known as 'Ivory Queen of Soul,' dies
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY
The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Teena Marie, who made history as Motown's first white act but developed a lasting legacy with her silky soul pipes and with hits like "Lovergirl," ''Square Biz," and "Fire and Desire" with mentor Rick James, has died. She was 54.

The confirmation came from a publicist, Jasmine Vega, who worked with Teena Marie on her last album. Her manager, Mike Gardner, also confirmed her death to CNN.

Teena Marie, known as the "Ivory Queen of Soul," was certainly not the first white act to sing soul music, but she was arguably among the most gifted and respected, and was thoroughly embraced by the black audience.

She was first signed to the legendary Motown label back in 1979 at age 19, working with James, with whom she would have long, turbulent but musically magical relationship.

Read more: ajc.com

[Tsavodiner]

Another artist who'd rather die than play Chattanooga.

(reference Benny Goodman circa 1986)