White Soul Singer Teena Maria Dead at 54

Teena Marie is dead at 54. The "Ivory Queen of Soul" who was famous for her hit "Lovergirl" and as the protégée of funk master Rick James died of unknown causes according to CNN.

"Teena was a black voice trapped in a white body," said Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One, a broadcasting company that targets African-American and urban listeners. "I would always tell her that she was one of the greatest vocalists of our time."

In an interview with The AP last year, Teena Marie said she had successfully battled an addiction to prescription drugs. She had been performing over the last year.

Teena Marie made her debut on the legendary Motown record label in 1979, becoming one of the very few white acts to break the race barrier of the company which had been a haven for black artists like Stevie Wonder, the Jackson Five, the Supremes and Marvin Gaye.

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Also known as Tina Marie or Lady T, the accomplished soul singer was nominated for a Grammy Four times. In addition to singing Teena Marie played keyboards, rhythm guitar and congas.