Teena Marie, Grammy-nominated R&B singer and multi-instrumentalist, has died at the age of 54. According to published reports, Marie died at home of apparent natural causes after celebrating her daughter's birthday.
A white singer, Marie and her powerful, soulful voice nonetheless found acceptance and success in the '80s on urban radio with hits like "Lovergirl," "Portuguese Love," "Ooo La La La" and "I Need Your Lovin'."
Word of Marie's death rocketed through social networks Sunday evening (12/26), with confirmation via Marie's manager and publicist coming at least an hour after initial reports surfaced on Twitter.
TMZ reported that police in Pasadena, CA, where she lived, do not suspect foul play.
The L.A. Times reported police and paramedics were called to her home about 3 p.m. on Sunday after her daughter found her unconscious. The L.A. County Coroner will perform an autopsy to determine cause of death.
CNN, quoting Marie's publicist Lynn Jeter, reported that Marie suffered a grand mal seizure a month ago. WebMD says the symptoms of such a seizure include unconciousness, convulsions and muscle rigidity.
"Luckily, someone was there," Jeter reportedly said of that incident. "The ambulance took her to the hospital, and on the way she had another seizure."
Marie, born Mary Christine Brockert, was active on Twitter until hours before her death, tweeting through Christmas Day about her daughter's birthday and the rain storms soaking the Los Angeles area, as well as responding to a number of fan messages.
One of her final tweets read, "Sarah Vaughan 'May You never grow old, and may I never die.'"
Marie's most recent release was "Congo Square," released on Stax in 2009.
Marie had recently finished a batch of tour dates that included a run on the Carnival Capital Jazz Cruise in October and was scheduled to perform New Year's Eve and New Year's Day shows with Frankie Beverly and Maze before a run of West Coast dates in February and March.