R&B Legendary Singer Teena Marie Dead at 54

Teena Marie
Behind the Groove: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38S1uaz3Pow

Square Biz: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9wotiDai5U&feature=&p=807F88A674B31F8D&index=0&playnext=1

Portugese Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7MJXRIqU7E

Fire and Desire (duet with Rick James): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm1ibHUyJjA

__________________________________________________________

story by TMZ
photos by AP (above) and News One (below)

Grammy nominated singer Teena Marie -- once known as Rick James' protégée -- died in her sleep last night at her home in Pasadena at the age of 54 ... TMZ has confirmed with Teena's rep Lynn Jeter.

Relatives found Teena's body Sunday morning at her home. Relatives tell TMZ Teena seemed fine yesterday, when she spent Christmas with her brother. Teena spoke at length yesterday with Lynn, who tells TMZ Teena seemed "fine."

Teena Marie and Rick James

So far it's unclear what caused the singer's death -- but the Pasadena Police Department tells TMZ they do not suspect foul play. They say it looks like Teena died of natural causes. The L.A. County Coroner's Office will perform an autopsy.

We're told Teena had a seizure a month ago, but it's unclear what triggered it.

Marie was nominated for a Grammy four times ... her first top ten hit was "I'm Just a Sucker for Your Love."