Teena Marie passes away at 54

​The holiday weekend wound down on a sad note with news that R&B icon Teena Marie passed away in her sleep yesterday at her home in Pasedena. Marie, born Mary Christine Brockert and known to some by her nickname Lady T, was 54 years old and was still actively performing in Las Vegas. She had just released a new album, Congo Square, last year.

Marie signed to Motown records in 1976, and soon after became the protege of Rick James. Her work had a huge influence on the R&B world, as evidenced by the outpouring of support coming from her fans: "Rest in peace, Teena Marie, My love for u is forever," tweeted Mary J. Blige, while Sheila E wrote, "I will miss my girl Teena Marie, Real music by real people. God bless my sistah and her family. U will be missed."

"Teena and I are both Pisces and we believe that we've been here before," wrote Common. "That's why 'DeJa Vu' is my favorite song."

In honor of Teena Marie, here are a few of her most memorable songs.