Teena Marie Quotes

Powerful Teena Marie for Daily Growth

About Teena Marie

Teena Marie, born Mary Christine Brockert on March 5, 1956, in Santa Monica, California, was a multi-talented American singer, songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist who made significant contributions to R&B and jazz music. Known as the "Ivory Queen of Soul," she was renowned for her powerful voice, innovative songwriting, and skillful keyboard playing. Raised by Caucasian parents, Teena Marie's musical journey began early when she discovered her passion for music at the age of five after hearing Aretha Franklin's "Respect." At ten, she was already performing in a local cover band, The Rene Taylor Singers, and at fifteen, she landed a record deal with Stax Records. However, her career truly took off when she met Motown legend Berry Gordy in the late 1970s. Impressed by her talent, he signed her to his label under the stage name Teena Marie. Her debut album, "Wild and Peaceful" (1979), was a critical and commercial success, producing hits like "I'm Just a Sucker for Your Love." Throughout the 80s, she released several hit albums, including "Lady T" (1980), "Irons in the Fire" (1980), "It Must Be Magic" (1981), and "Robbery" (1982). Her music was a unique blend of R&B, jazz, funk, and pop, with lyrics often exploring themes of love, social issues, and personal growth. In the 90s, she continued to release music, though her success waned compared to her peak years. In 2004, she made a comeback with the critically acclaimed album "La Doña." Unfortunately, Teena Marie passed away in 2010 due to complications from a fall. Throughout her career, Teena Marie was influenced by artists like Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder, but her unique style and innovative approach made her a lasting legend in R&B music. Her legacy lives on through her timeless music and the generations of artists she has inspired.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"If it feels good, do it, but don't get caught."

This quote by Teena Marie suggests a balance between personal freedom and responsibility. The phrase "if it feels good, do it" encourages self-expression, passion, and living life authentically. However, the added caution "but don't get caught" reminds us that actions should align with societal norms and laws to avoid negative consequences. Essentially, the quote advises to pursue what brings joy, but within legal and ethical boundaries.

"Loving you isn't the problem, it's the way I show it that gives us trouble."

This quote suggests that while a person may genuinely love another, their expression or method of showing affection can sometimes create problems in the relationship. It implies that communication, understanding, and appropriate actions are crucial when expressing love to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

"Life is a fragile and beautiful thing. We can only be young and in love once."

This quote emphasizes the delicate and precious nature of life, as well as the unique experience of being young and in love. It suggests that these two moments - youth and love - are fleeting, and should therefore be cherished because they will not last forever. The quote serves as a reminder to appreciate and enjoy the present moments, acknowledging their transient yet profound impact on our lives.

"I don't care what nobody says, I still believe that love conquers all."

This quote emphasizes the enduring power and importance of love in overcoming all obstacles or challenges, regardless of external opinions or circumstances. It underscores a profound belief in the ability of love to triumph and heal, even in the face of adversity. Essentially, it expresses an unwavering conviction that love is the most potent force for good and resolution in life.

"I want to do something with my life besides just sing. I'm trying to make a difference."

This quote by Teena Marie indicates her aspiration to have a broader impact beyond her musical career. She desires to use her platform for positive change, aiming to make a meaningful difference in society rather than simply living a life focused solely on singing.

It's just a whole different thing, and it's just that my life has been a blessing, and I thank god every day for the gifts that he has given me and for my daughter and to be able to watch her grow and be a part of her joys and her excitement and what she wants to do in life.

- Teena Marie

My Life, Every Day, Been, Different Thing

I have a deep affinity for New Orleans - its like a second home to me - they treat me like I'm their own.

- Teena Marie

Deep, Treat, New, Second Home

I know I have sex appeal, but I've never felt like an actual sex symbol. Fans sometimes think I am. The majority of them are sweet about it, but occasionally somebody weird becomes totally fixated upon me.

- Teena Marie

About, Symbol, Sex Symbol, Fixated

OK, so truth hurts - but what else does truth do?

- Teena Marie

Truth, Hurts, Else, OK

I try to keep my ear to the streets without sacrificing who I am as an artist. If a song needs a drum machine I'll use a drum machine. If it needs a drummer, I'll use a real drummer.

- Teena Marie

Song, Streets, Needs, Sacrificing

I'm from California, and still live in LA.

- Teena Marie

Live, California, Still, La

I just think it's a blessing that I was able to have the gift of words and to be able to put them into music. I was given a great gift all the way around. I didn't ever have to really go out and look for songs, you know.

- Teena Marie

Gift, Around, Put, Blessing

You never know where a blessing can come from.

- Teena Marie

Never, Know, Where, Blessing

All in all, it's been a wonderful, wonderful ride. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

- Teena Marie

Wonderful, Been, Anytime, Stopping

I still have a passion for the music, which is such a beautiful thing. I still wake up in the middle of the night out of a dream and have a melody in my head, and run to my piano.

- Teena Marie

Middle, Still, Which, Beautiful Thing

This is a gift. This is a gift from God. It's really like the old Biblical passage that talks about your body being a temple. That's not to say that I've never done anything but I've never abused myself. Never gone over the top for a long period of time.

- Teena Marie

Gift, Passage, Long Period, Temple

I have a different mentality when it comes to catering to a man, I just won't allow it. Don't get me wrong, I'll do for you but I'm not taking care of no man and catering to him for life; he better be bringing something to the table. I learned that from my mother and my grandmother.

- Teena Marie

Life, Him, Allow, Catering

There were times I used to go to parties when I was, you know, like 15-, 16-years-old, and I'd always bring my guitar, and all my friends would be like, sing one of the Smokey songs. And everything I sang was his music, and I could sound just like him.

- Teena Marie

Sound, Bring, Used, All My Friends

I always try to be a trend setter. That's what I always tell young people when I'm giving them advice. To go with their heart and don't follow the trends.

- Teena Marie

Young, Trend, Always, Trends

I play guitar, piano, bass and percussion.

- Teena Marie

Play, Piano, Bass, Percussion

I constantly tour, even when I don't have a record out.

- Teena Marie

Record, Even, Constantly, Tour

They told me that they are starting a classic label, and wanted me to be the first artist. So I signed, and am producing myself, and writing my own music, but I'm their first artist on their classic label. And I have creative control.

- Teena Marie

Artist, Own, Producing, Label

I would walk down the hall with my guitar and play for anyone that would listen. As a young kid I was really driven and I was going to make it happen no matter what.

- Teena Marie

Play, Young, Happen, Driven

I think that's the problem in a lot of music. We've got these record labels.

- Teena Marie

Think, I Think, Lot, Labels

Overall my race hasn't been a problem. I'm a Black artist with White skin. At the end of the day you have to sing what's in your own soul.

- Teena Marie

Artist, Race, Been, Overall

I have enough love to last me a lifetime! Thank God I'll never lose my imagination and my passion. That's really what it is. I'm still passionate about what I do.

- Teena Marie

Love, Last, Still, Thank God

I just really always try to do what's in my heart and I'm still passionate about the music; I still love what I am doing.

- Teena Marie

Love, Always, Still, Passionate

I write in all keys. I've always written in all keys. I've probably written a lot of songs in A.

- Teena Marie

Always, I Write, Lot, Keys

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