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Teena Marie

She is quite simply, one of a kind, a phenomenon of sorts in the world of soul music. For an amazing twenty-five years - since her Motown debut "Wild And Peaceful" - hit the streets, Teena Marie has been delivering her own brand of classic R&B to a loyal, steadfast (and primarily black) audience. Even though she hasn't had a new release since her "Passion Play" on her own Sarai label in 1994, Teena hasn't stopped working, touring constantly and offering those die-hard fans the kind of hardcore, intense emotionally-driven vocalizing that has made her a serious fixture on the music scene. Over the years, I've had the chance to interview Teena a number of times either for "Blues & Soul," "Billboard" or to update her record company bio when she was with Epic Records in the 80s and early 90s. Each time, I'm left with realizing that this lady lives and loves music - for real. Our conversations are inevitably ˜deep,' referencing matters spiritual but always, we get back to music and on one occasion, I was fortunate to speak with Teena at her home where she has a studio. I was literally blown away because she was rehearsing that day and watching her walk calmly over to the mike and then give a completely passionate performance in the confines of her own home was a memory I will never forget... Thus, the opportunity to speak with Lady T., as she is affectionately know, is always very welcome. We started out talking about what Teena was up to between the last album and this. "I was raising my daughter, I was on the road a lot and honestly, R&B was in a funk for a while. There was resurgence of new artists like Alicia Keys, Musiq, India Arie...but I didn't want to put out a record until I was ready so I stayed on the road and took that direction with my career," Teena reveals. "Fortunately, I don't have to have a record out to work so I was recording when I felt like it. It's a wonderful life because I can still tour and perform..." Teena has - as she noted - toured and worked consistently. I ask how she has been able to sustain herself that way when so many others are dependent on having product in the marketplace. "Honestly? It's because my live show is really good!" she laughs.

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Recording

Teena Marie Scores a Top 20 Debut Album with 'Congo Square' + Tour Dates

Teena Marie Scores a Top 20 Debut Album with 'Congo Square' + Tour Dates

Source: ThinkTank Marketing

Legendary R&B trailblazer Teena Marie's new album Congo Square, her first for celebrated soul label Stax Records, sold over 18,000 copies to debut at #20 on Billboard's top 200 album chart and the #4 spot on the R&B Core Store album chart. The record marks the return of one of her generation's most important voices and has been incredibly well received both over the airwaves and in print. The first sultry single, “Can't Last A Day" featuring Faith Evans, is ...

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Recording

Singer Teena Marie Pays Tribute to New Orleans Jazz

Singer Teena Marie Pays Tribute to New Orleans Jazz

Source: All About Jazz

A recent fan post on YouTube about Teena Marie says it all: “She still sings like she did 30 years ago." Showing no sign of slowing down, the R&B funkstress displays her inimitable chops on her current single, “Can't Last a Day." Stationed at No. 55 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 16 on Adult R&B, the song is the lead track from the June 9 release Congo Square, Marie's Stax Records/Concord Music Group debut and 13th studio ...

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Recording

Teena Marie Triumphantly Returns with 'Congo Square' in Stores on June 9

Teena Marie Triumphantly Returns with 'Congo Square' in Stores on June 9

Source: ThinkTank Marketing

When a lady has thrived at the epicenter of a musical movement that some initially claimed was not her birthright, and that lady has steadfastly held that legacy down strong for 30 phenomenal years, acknowledgment, respect and celebration are in order. Today, that artist is “Lady Tee," Teena Marie.

2009 marks the 30th (pearl) anniversary of Teena Marie's recording career with the June release of her thirteenth CD, Congo Square and there's a milestone for every decade that has led ...

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Festival

2008 Trenton Jazz Festival: Teena Marie, Euge Groove, S.O.S. Band and Gordon Chambers

2008 Trenton Jazz Festival: Teena Marie, Euge Groove, S.O.S. Band and Gordon Chambers

Source: All About Jazz

The 2008 Trenton Jazz Festival will once again serenade audiences across Trenton this fall, scheduled for Sept. 20. The program will begin at 2 p.m. and unofficially bids farewell to the summertime with a combination of music, jazz festival food, and more. Teena Marie, Euge Groove, S.O.S. Band and Gordon Chambers will be featured artists. Four-time Grammy nominee Marie is a force in contemporary pop and R&B music. The singer, songwriter, producer and arranger has captured the hearts and spirits ...

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