HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — R&B singer Teena Marie died Sunday at her Los Angeles home. She was 54.
The Grammy-nominated star was found dead by her daughter after apparently passing away in her sleep, her manager, Mike Gardner, told CNN.
The cause of death was not immediately known, but publicist Lynn Jeter told CNN that Marie suffered a grand mal seizure a month ago.
Born Marie Christine Brockert, the Santa Monica, Calif. native rose to fame after signing with Motown Records in 1976. Among her most popular songs were "Lovergirl," "Portuguese Love," "Ooo La La La," and "I’m a Sucker for Your Love."
"Teena was a black voice trapped in a white body," Radio One Founder Cathy Hughes told CNN of Marie, who also famously collaborated with late funk legend Rick James. "I would always tell her that she was one of the greatest vocalists of our time."
