Not sure if you all knew who she was but she was the friend and ex girlfriend of the late Rick James. She boasted a successful career in the music industry as far back as the early 80's and wow'd a lot of black fans for her "black like" voice. Tenna Marie is dead at the age of 54. 
I'm kinda disappointed @ the lack of "reaction" here in America. Even with her "white skin", she defintely inspired a lot of people and shaped R&B, respect is definitely over due  I kinda see why she refused to put her picture on her first album *sighs!* R.I.P

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Taken from http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/12/rb-legend-teena-marie-dies-54[/center]

Teena Marie died at her Pasadena, CA home Sunday, RadarOnline.com has confirmed.  The R&B singer was found by her daughter and is believed to have died in her sleep, her rep says.

"We went to her house on Sunday after receiving a field call," Lt. Corral of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office tells RadarOnline.com exclusively.  "It appears she died of natural causes, however the report is not yet completed."

Tina Marie Brockert, 54, is famously know for her hit songs "Lovergirl," "Portuguese Love," "Ooo La La La," and "I'm a Sucker for Your Love." She was also nominated for four Grammy Awards and dated funk legend Rick James.

Known as the Ivory Queen of Soul, Teena Marie was credited for paving the way for many of today's biggest stars, including Mary J. Blige, and P. Diddy, who expressed their condolences on Twitter.

Blige wrote, "Rest in peace, Teena Marie, My love for u is forever." Diddy tweeted: "R.I.P Teena Marie. God Bless. Damn I just saw her the other day."

Tina Marie had been scheduled to perform in Los Angeles early in 2011.