Mary Christine Brockhert, lovingly known to her fans as TEENA MARIE died on December 26, 2010 at the age of 54.
I would like to write my own personal tribute but honestly, this sudden death has hit me pretty hard. I needed to resume regular posting of my blog especially on music issues and I hate that this sad loss may be the event that resumes the regular posts. But I will say something later as my work schedule permits. Also when I can put clear thoughts together in respect to this great entertainer.
In the meantime I shall share with you three favorite songs by Teena Marie. These by no means are the only favorites. Just some you likely WON'T find mentioned in other tributes.
"Shadow Boxing" from the 1983 album "Robbery"
"Now That I Have You" from the 1980 album "Lady T"
Written and produced by Richard Rudolph, the widower of Minnie Riperton
"Aladdin's Lamp" also from the 1980 album "Lady T"
More thoughts about Teena Marie later. Rest in Peace "Lady T"
Her fans are hurting today.
Showing posts with label Teena Marie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teena Marie. Show all posts
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, August 06, 2010
Remembering Rick James part 2: His Protege's
As the Rainbow Soul Journal remembers Rick James on the anniversary of his death (August 6, 2004), this post acknowledges the protege's of Rick James.
TEENA MARIE, born Mary Christine Brockert came onto the scene in 1979 and one of her classic songs was written by Rick James.
"Deja Vu (I've Been Here Before)" from 1979
And two years later, Rick James and Teena Marie had the legendary hit duet "Fire and Desire"
During the same time Rick and Teena had their monster hit song, Teena Marie had her classic song "Square Biz" in which you will hear a little Rick James backgound vocals.
Rick James and Teena Marie tried to recreate the magic of "Fire and Desire" with another duet called "Happy" from Rick James 1982 album "Throwing Down". It is a fan favorite despite not being a huge hit.
Then in 1983, Rick James introduced THE MARY JANE GIRLS to the world with songs he produced like "Candy Man" and "All Night Long"
"Candyman" by The Mary Jane Girls
"All Night Long" by The Mary Jane Girls (1983)
"In My House" by The Mary Jane Girls (1985)
THE Mary Jane girls only lasted a few albums and hit songs between 1983 and 1986. The sound was distinctly Rick James and stands as some of his best material. While his influence on Teena Marie was a great foundation in which her career blossomed and still blooms today.
RIP Rick James (February 1, 1948- August 6, 2004)
TEENA MARIE, born Mary Christine Brockert came onto the scene in 1979 and one of her classic songs was written by Rick James.
"Deja Vu (I've Been Here Before)" from 1979
And two years later, Rick James and Teena Marie had the legendary hit duet "Fire and Desire"
During the same time Rick and Teena had their monster hit song, Teena Marie had her classic song "Square Biz" in which you will hear a little Rick James backgound vocals.
Rick James and Teena Marie tried to recreate the magic of "Fire and Desire" with another duet called "Happy" from Rick James 1982 album "Throwing Down". It is a fan favorite despite not being a huge hit.
Then in 1983, Rick James introduced THE MARY JANE GIRLS to the world with songs he produced like "Candy Man" and "All Night Long"
"Candyman" by The Mary Jane Girls
"All Night Long" by The Mary Jane Girls (1983)
"In My House" by The Mary Jane Girls (1985)
THE Mary Jane girls only lasted a few albums and hit songs between 1983 and 1986. The sound was distinctly Rick James and stands as some of his best material. While his influence on Teena Marie was a great foundation in which her career blossomed and still blooms today.
RIP Rick James (February 1, 1948- August 6, 2004)
Remembering The Superfreak Rick James part one
The Rainbow Soul Journal focuses on issues in the LGBT community but also recognizes the favorites of this blogger's classic soul music collection. Its an unusual mix but a fine indulgement. So this post is to remember the late Rick James, born James Ambrose Johnson in Buffalo New York on February 1, 1948 and died August 6, 2004.
Rick James career began in the 1960's under many assumed names working in Canada and eventually in Detroit with Motown. But the bulk of his career was with his own recording contract with Motown from the late 1970's through the late 1980's.
His first hit song was in the summer of 1978 with "You and I"
Followed by his anthem to Marijuana, "Mary Jane"
Rick James biggest album with the most legendary hits was "Street Songs" from 1981 and featured the signature hit "Superfreak"
The song "Superfreak" also made famous for being sampled by rapper MC Hammer ten years later on "U Can't Touch This"
Another great hit song for Rick James was 1983's "Cold Blooded"
And a favorite Rick James song and album of this blogger is "Glow" from 1985
Rick James would have a few minor hits through the remainder of the 1990's.
Throughout the height of his own career, Rick James wrote and produced music for other acts including the comeback hits for The Temptations and it was Rick James that introduced Teena Marie and The Mary Jane Girls with fantastic productions. And the launching of a super talent in the likes of Teena Marie who very quickly in her career was writing and producing her own material and becoming a legend in her own right.
This blogger chooses to ignore one music blunder on the part of Rick James. That being the Eddie Murphy song "Party All The Time" from 1986. It can only be said that the drugs must have been good in order to believe that Eddie Murphy could sing.
Rick James had problems in his life. Drugs and domestic issues led to his serving a couple years in prison and possibly caused him to have stroke. Shortly after Rick James rehab from his stroke, this blogger saw Rick James in concert in February 2002 at an event for the Tom Joyner Morning Show in Macon Georgia. It was to be part of Rick James comeback and while it was a thrill to see Rick James perform, his voice and behavior was not ready for public view as he appeared to struggle in his recovery from his stroke. He worked it as hard as he could though.
He continued to make appearances and each time appeared determined but it was sad to watch as a result of his stroke. He would be found dead on August 6, 2004 at the age of 56.
The "Superfreak" left a great library of danceable "funk" and smooth slow jams. His album cuts that were not released as singles were often provocative and raunchy. Some lyrics in his music had homophobic slurs. It was acceptable for the time. I know it doesn't make it right but at least none of the songs with possible offensive lyrics were released as singles and you would have to listen carefully to hear the offending words.
Despite that, Rick James is missed. The type of original sound is missed and like MC Hammer said in the song where he sampled Rick James material, "U Can't Touch This". Meaning you can't touch the type of music legacy left behind by Rick James.
RIP Rick James (February 1, 1948- August 6,2004)
Rick James career began in the 1960's under many assumed names working in Canada and eventually in Detroit with Motown. But the bulk of his career was with his own recording contract with Motown from the late 1970's through the late 1980's.
His first hit song was in the summer of 1978 with "You and I"
Followed by his anthem to Marijuana, "Mary Jane"
Rick James biggest album with the most legendary hits was "Street Songs" from 1981 and featured the signature hit "Superfreak"
The song "Superfreak" also made famous for being sampled by rapper MC Hammer ten years later on "U Can't Touch This"
Another great hit song for Rick James was 1983's "Cold Blooded"
And a favorite Rick James song and album of this blogger is "Glow" from 1985
Rick James would have a few minor hits through the remainder of the 1990's.
Throughout the height of his own career, Rick James wrote and produced music for other acts including the comeback hits for The Temptations and it was Rick James that introduced Teena Marie and The Mary Jane Girls with fantastic productions. And the launching of a super talent in the likes of Teena Marie who very quickly in her career was writing and producing her own material and becoming a legend in her own right.
This blogger chooses to ignore one music blunder on the part of Rick James. That being the Eddie Murphy song "Party All The Time" from 1986. It can only be said that the drugs must have been good in order to believe that Eddie Murphy could sing.
Rick James had problems in his life. Drugs and domestic issues led to his serving a couple years in prison and possibly caused him to have stroke. Shortly after Rick James rehab from his stroke, this blogger saw Rick James in concert in February 2002 at an event for the Tom Joyner Morning Show in Macon Georgia. It was to be part of Rick James comeback and while it was a thrill to see Rick James perform, his voice and behavior was not ready for public view as he appeared to struggle in his recovery from his stroke. He worked it as hard as he could though.
He continued to make appearances and each time appeared determined but it was sad to watch as a result of his stroke. He would be found dead on August 6, 2004 at the age of 56.
The "Superfreak" left a great library of danceable "funk" and smooth slow jams. His album cuts that were not released as singles were often provocative and raunchy. Some lyrics in his music had homophobic slurs. It was acceptable for the time. I know it doesn't make it right but at least none of the songs with possible offensive lyrics were released as singles and you would have to listen carefully to hear the offending words.
Despite that, Rick James is missed. The type of original sound is missed and like MC Hammer said in the song where he sampled Rick James material, "U Can't Touch This". Meaning you can't touch the type of music legacy left behind by Rick James.
RIP Rick James (February 1, 1948- August 6,2004)
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