Legendary R & B Singer Teena Marie Dies at 54

Tenna Marie was known as the White girl of soul, for her voice and smooth R & B sound, was found dead Sunday at her California home, her manager said.

Born Mary Christine Brockert in Santa Monica, California, the 54-year-old artist famously paired with late funk legend Rick James and was nominated four times for a Grammy Award, according to her official website.  Marie was found dead by her daughter after apparently dying in her sleep, manager Mike Gardner said.

"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."

While no cause of death has been released, the singer's publicist Lynn Jeter said that Marie suffered a grand mal seizure. according to the Mayo Clinic -- a month ago.

"Luckily, someone was there," Jeter said of that seizure. "The ambulance took her to the hospital, and on the way she had another seizure."

The publicist said that she had a "great" conversation on Saturday with Marie, who told her that she was excited about heading to Atlanta to perform this week -- in what would have been her first performance since the seizure.

Among her songs were "Lover girl," "Portuguese Love," "Ooo La La La," and "I'm a Sucker for Your Love." "Fire and Desire with Rick James".  No word on when the  R  & B legend will be held to rest.

Peep Video Classic below "Ooo La La La"