DJ COMMUNITY

Family, Friends Say Goodbye to Teena Marie

*”She was not a spiritual human being, but a spirit having a human experience.”

Dressed in white hundreds of close friends and family gathered at Forest Lawn today to say goodbye to R&B superstar, Teena Marie, at an afternoon memorial service. The singer, producer, died December 26, in her Pasadena home, but no signs of trauma were found according to investigators. She was 54.

In attendance were music legends, Stevie Wonder, Smokie Robinson, Berry Gordy, and R&B greats Johnny Gill, George Duke, Deniece Williams, Shanice Wilson, and Norwood Young. Near the start of the service, an emotional Wilson shared a special moment when Marie became her unofficial “auntie”. After the story she delivered a beautiful performance of “Ave Maria.”

Later, a medley of Marie’s hits were performed by a group, as baby pictures and photos with friends and family, including Rick James, were displayed on a large screen.

The performance was a musical reminder to celebrate Teena Marie’s life and talents, not just mourn the loss of it. When songs “Square Biz” and “I Need Your Lovin” were sung many attendees bobbed their heads to the beat, while soulful ballads “Dear Lover” and “Portuguese Love” moved some to sway to the music.