“Ivory Queen of Soul” Teena Marie passed away

According to her agent Mike Gardner, she died in her sleep. She was found lifeless by her daughter at her home in California.

Teena Marie appeared on the R & B scene at the age of 19. She then signed a contract with the Motown label. She pursued a successful career with various record labels and has become an important figure in rhythm and blues music.

Her best known successes are, among others, “I’m a Sucker for Your Love”, “Ooo La La La”, “Lovergirl” and “Portuguese Love.”

It is unclear what caused the singer’s death but Pasadena Police Department said it appears that Teena died of natural causes. An autopsy will be performed by the L.A. County Coroner’s Office.