• HOME
  • THINGS TO DO, SEE & TASTE
  • LIFE & STYLE
    • BOOKS & MUSIC
    • FITNESS, HEALTH, GROOMING & SPORTS
    • HOW TO ~ SERVICES ~ MAINTENANCE
    • THE PERFECT GIFT
  • BE IN TOUCH
  The Sophisticated Gentleman

In Memoriam: Teena Marie

12/27/2010

3 Comments

 
Picture
Mary Christine "Teena Marie" Brockert
"Lady T"
March 5, 1056 - December 26, 2010
Picture(Wild and Peaceful - 1979)

Where were you when the music stopped? It was just confirmed that one of the most dynamic singers of our time, Teena Marie, passed away early yesterday. She was only 54 years old.

Often, we link music to events in our lives: weddings, funerals, births, first kisses, so on and so forth, and while I'm not one who can remember exactly where I was or what I was doing when a particular song played, I'm certain that Teena Marie's music  was there, somewhere in the background.  From the time I purchased her first album, "Wild and Peaceful" as a child (which, coincidentally, was the first album that I had saved my allowance to purchase), she has provided the soundtrack of my life; from slow and languid ballads like Deja Vu and Cassanova Brown to the sexier compositions such as Portuguese Love and Dear Lover to the more infectious, up-tempo pieces like Behind The Groove and Square Biz. Teena Marie's musical talents encompassed all genres: R&B, Jazz, blues, pop, rock and even hip-hop. There have been very few musicians who are/were as talented as Lady T.
 She was a writer, arranger, composer, producer,  instrumentalist and percussionist. Other than Prince and Stevie Wonder,  who else, in our time, can claim to be this gifted? I was fortunate to have met her on several occasions around town, and I'm very happy to note that she was as warm and inviting in person as she appeared on stage; welcoming you into her lyrical embrace. When she walked out on that stage, you knew that you were going to get a full TWO HOUR show. You never felt shortchanged at one of her concerts, as I've often felt with other musicians. She always sang the classics (in their entirety!) as well as a sprinkling of the new pieces.  Without hyperbole, I can say that she was indeed the best at what she did. Prayers and sympathy to her family and loved-ones, particularly, her only child, daughter, Alia Rose. Rest in Peace, Lady T.


Here's a snippet of Lady T doing what she did best...

Teena's Discography: 1979-2009
FROM TOP, Left to Right:  1. Wild and Peaceful, 1979   2. Lady T, 1980 
3.
Irons In The Fire, 1980   4. It Must Be Magic, 1981   5. Robbery, 1983 
6. Starchild, 1984   7. Emerald City, 1986   8. Naked To The World, 1988 
9. Ivory, 1990   10. Passion Play, 1994   11. La Dona, 2004   
12. Sapphire, 2006   13. Congo Square, 2009

Teena, in her own words, 2009.
Scenes from Teena's memorial service at
Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Los Angeles, CA., January 2011
(Video via Youtube; all images via Google)

3 Comments
Melody
12/28/2010 11:11:01 am

What a touching tribute...I couldn't have said it better myself. R.I.P. Lady T!

Reply
Ron B
12/29/2010 06:23:34 am

What a awesome tribute!!!! My heart is heavy! I too was blessed to have been in her presence on several occassions and she was as beautiful as the melodies she wrote! She was real, funny, kind and just the most down to earth person ever! Teena will be truly missed! Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Vic
12/29/2010 06:30:44 am

Great tribute! I still cant believe she's gone! I cant stop singing Fire&Desire... Can't wait to see Teena Marie UNSUNG on TV1 12/30/10

Reply



Leave a Reply.

     INSTAGRAM

    SOPHISTICATED SITES:
    Architectural Digest
    Elle Decor

    Esquire
    GQ
    Interiors Magazine
    Polo Ralph Lauren

    The Rake
    Vanity Fair

    RSS Feed


    N.D. Harrington
    I was born in the country, but brought up in the big city, with hopes of always maintaining the charm, wit and character of a southern,      sophisticated
    gentleman. In my goal to live more  passionately & purposefully, here are just a few things  that  I've  learned and experienced along the way, making my journey more interesting, and more importantly, easier.
    Picture
       

    Categories:

    All
    Accoutrement
    Activities & Entertainment
    Art & Photography
    Books Films Music
    Charitable Causes
    Color Me Sophisticated
    Date Night
    Fitness Grooming Health
    Food & Drink
    How To & Services
    Interiors
    Miscellanies
    Planes Trains Automobiles
    Poems/Quotes
    Ralph Lauren
    Sports
    Style
    The Perfect Gift
    The Sophisticated Couple
    The Sophisticated Gentleman
    The Sophisticated Lady
    The Sophisticated Youth
    Travel


    Archives

    August 2015
    July 2015
    October 2014
    March 2014
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.