Disturbing news today… music pioneer Teena Marie has died at the age of 54 years old.

Twitter was abuzz with rumors of Marie’s passing early Sunday, the day after Christmas. As the net went crazy, several called around to confirm or deny the disturbing news.

Marie’s manager, Mike Gardner, confirmed the death of the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Sunday evening, after she was reportedly found dead in her home by her daughter. The official cause of death has yet to be revealed.

Marie, born Marie Christine Brockert in Santa Monica, Calif., rose to fame in the late 1970’s and 1980’s after being signed to Motown Records in 1976. During her career, she released 13 studio albums and developed a partnership with the late Rick James, whom she collaborated with on the notable “Fire & Desire”. (Source)

Just one day prior to her passing, Teena tweeted the following quote from the legendary singer, Sarah Vaughan:

She also wished fans happy holidays:

Marie, often dubbed the ‘Ivory Queen of Soul’ was scheduled to play Atlanta’s Fox Theatre on New Years Day (Jan. 1, 2011). She is survived by her daughter, Alia Rose, who also sings.

Alia Rose & Teena Marie

Teena Marie released 13 albums during her career. After a long hiatus from music, she was signed by Cash Money Records in 2004 where she released “La Dona”, which went gold. Her last album, Congo Square, reached the Top 20 on Billboard’s Top 200 and she hit up The View last year to promote it.

Watch that video as well as a few others below:

VIDEO: Teena Marie on The View (2009)

VIDEO: “Fire & Desire” Rick James & Teena Marie BET Awards

VIDEO: Lovergirl ~ Teena Marie

R.I.P. Miss Teena…