R&B singer Teena Marie was found dead on Sunday at her California home, CNN reported.
Born Mary Christine Brockert, the 54-year-old singer and songwriter was found by her daughter after apparently dying in her sleep, manager Mike Gardner said.
No cause of death has been released, however her publicist revealed that the singer suffered a grand mal seizure about a month ago.
Contemporary singers have reflected on Teena Marie's lasting influence on Twitter. Mary J. Blige wrote, "Rest in peace, Teena Marie, My love for u is forever." Sheila E said, "I will miss my girl Teena Marie, Real music by real people. God bless my sistah and her family. U will be missed."
I had the pleasure of seeing Teena Marie in concert this past summer and her voice was still amazing to say the least. She is the ONLY singer that I can say sounds exactly the same on a CD and live. I'm still in shock that she's no longer with us, but her music will live on. My prayers goes out to her family and friends during this time of grievance.