On Sunday, sad news was confirmed that legendary singer, Teena Marie had passed away. Singer/Song-writer/producer, Teena Marie, born Mary Christine Brockert, was 54 years old.

The news, which began to spread after radio mentions in Philadelphia, quickly hit the net–twitter, FB, blogs, etc.  CNN’s blog posted, “CNN confirms from Teena Marie’s manager, Mike Gardner, that the 54-year-old singer-songwriter-producer has died. Marie was found dead by her daughter after apparently dying in her sleep, manager Mike Gardner said.

“The Brockert Initiative” –> In addition to Marie being an amazing musical talent, back in 1982, she made a helluva contribution to artists rights with, “The Brockert Initiative,” which industry folks call “The Teena Marie Law.” In 1982, Marie battled with Motown records over her contract and releasing new material, which later resulted in “The Brockert Initiative.” The initiative makes it illegal “for a record company to keep an artist under contract without releasing new material for that artist.” This allows artists the ability to be able to sign and release music under another label instead of being held back by another one. Several artists have used “The Brockert Initiative” which allows them to be released for record contracts. Marie told the LA Times, “It wasn’t something I set out to do. I just wanted to get away from Motown and have a good life. But it helped a lot of people, like Luther Vandross and the Mary Jane Girls, and a lot of different artists, to be able to get out of their contracts.”

Portuguese Love Live At The Beacon

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrfHg9VTA94&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Fans, celebs and the entire world are mourning the musical loss of Marie. And while most of us didn’t know her personally, we vibed to her music dearly. Read what a few celebs shared via twitter:

• Toni Braxton: RIP to Teena Marie such a talented and beautiful person inside and out. She was so young! She will never be forgotten!
• Kimora Lee Simmons: RIP to the legendary Ms Teena Marie. Luv u always! We’ll celebrate+sing in your memory!? #forever #friend #Fabulosity #fb
• Alicia Keys: God bless Teena Marie & her Family!Sending Blessings &prayers I was jus sayin tht fire & desire is 1 of the most beautifully performd songs!
• Sheila E: I will miss my girl Teena Marie, Real music by real people. God bless my sistah and her family. U will be missed.
• Jackie Jackson: Saddened by the news that Teena Marie has died. Such a wonderful and gifted person… Amazing performer. I will miss her
• Common: Teena and I are both Pisces and we believe that we’ve been here before. Thats why De Ja Vu is my favorite song #teenamarie
• Mary J. Blige: In my heart she’s Tina, So rest in peace Tina, i love u. Every girl that grew up in the hood , with her blasting through the windows, Cars and radio waves can Feel me.

Watch Lenny Kravitz’s personal message:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VW9j9xr_Qg[/youtube]