The Motown singer Teena Marie has died at the age of 54.

Teena Marie, real name Mary Christine Brockert, passed away in her sleep at her home in California.

The singer’s death was confirmed by her manager Mike Gardner, reports BBC News.

Teena Marie was one of the rare white artists signed to the Motown label and won four Grammy nominations.

After initial scepticism, she won huge acclaim from the black audience, who dubbed her “ivory queen of soul".

Teena Marie’s biggest hit in the UK was 1980’s ‘Behind The Groove’, which reached number six on the singles chart.

(by Jason Gregory)