I’m not sure why the death of Teena Marie cut so deeply. I suspect a part of it has to do with the fact that she and I are/were the same age, and it scares me because her death makes me realize just how fragile, unpredictable and temporary my own life is. But that’s just part of it.
I also have wonderful memories of a different me associated with some of the songs from her “Wild and Peaceful” Album. Yes I said “album”. She has always reminded me of the girl I used to be. The one I allow myself to miss when I am alone with myself.
Also, for some reason I have yet to figure out, Teena Marie’s death made me feel as though I’d lost a close, personal friend even though she didn’t know me from Adam. Now this week, Phoebe Snow, another golden voice, silenced.
My heart aches.