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The most successful white artist to emerge on the Motown label, Teena Marie has also enjoyed unparalleled acceptance and popularity in R&B music, scoring over 20 R&B hits in the last 25 years.

Born Mary Christine Brockert in 1957, Teena grew up in California, and was already performing as a child (this included an appearance on TV's "The Beverly Hillbillies" at age 8).

Signing to Motown Records in the mid-70's, Teena floundered until fellow Motown artist Rick James took her under his wing. James was largely responsible for the material on her 1979 debut, WILD AND PEACEFUL (which did not feature Teena's picture, leading many to think she was black). The album produced her first Top Ten hit, "I'm Just a Sucker For Your Love", a wild duet with James, that peaked at #8 R&B (but missed the pop chart).

Marie quickly followed up with LADY T, on which she had a greater contribution, co-writing and producing most of the tracks...