Stax Records/Concord Music Group Releases Statement on the passing of music legend Teena Marie

Stax Records/Concord Music Group’s statement on the passing of Teena Marie

Stax Records, the Concord Music Group family and millions of fans
around the world, lost a great artist and friend on Sunday when soul
music icon Teena Marie died at the age of 54.

An
internationally renowned singer, songwriter, producer,
multi-instrumentalist and performer, Teena Marie, released her
thirteenth and final album, Congo Square
on June 9, 2009 for legendary soul music label Stax Records. The
critically acclaimed collection was a personal milestone for the iconic,
Grammy nominated soul music star and Rhythm & Blues Awards Lifetime
Achievement recipient as it marked her 30th year in the industry she
loved.

Teena Marie left a sensational musical
legacy. Making her debut in 1979, her sublime musical eclecticism took
soul music in new directions, swiftly earning her a hallowed and
singular place in the hearts of R&B purists. Throughout her
groundbreaking accomplishments, Teena remained humble, unpretentious and
refreshingly down-to-earth. Her talent was matched only by her
kindness of spirit. She collaborated with musical giants throughout her
career and they reciprocated with the kind of love and respect that
indicated she was truly one of them.

“The enduring
influence of Teena’s inspirational, trailblazing career, could only have
been made possible through her brilliant song-writing, showmanship and
high energy passion which laid the ground work for the future
generations of R&B, hip-hop, and soul,” stated Concord Music Group
chief label officer, Gene Rumsey. “We feel extremely fortunate to have
worked with a visionary who changed music in indelible ways. Our
deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends and of course, millions
of fans around the world.”