UPDATE II: CNN, for whom Martin works, is also reporting that Marie’s manager confirms the passing.

UPDATE: Martin reports that Marie’s manager told him that Marie’s daughter found her dead in her home today, and that she suffered a seizure last month. To follow the story, head over to Martin’s Twitter feed.

According to Roland Martin, R&B singer Teena Marie has passed away at the age of 54. Martincites Marie’s manager, Mike Gardner.

RadioFacts.com was the first to report the news; they sent along the link toPhiladelphia radio station WDAS.

Born Marie Christine Brockert, Teena Marie rose to prominence in the late 70s and 80s, striking a musical and personal partnership with funk legend Rick James. She released 13 studio albums, six of which went platinum on the US R&B chart. Two of her albums went platinum, and six altogether were gold.

Marie’s biggest hit came in 1984 with her single ‘Lovergirl,’ which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

UPDATE:Teena Marie, a celebrated R&B singer-songwriter, was found dead Sunday at her California home, her manager said.

Born Mary Christine Brockert in Santa Monica, California, the 54-year-old artist famously paired with late funk legend Rick James and was nominated four times for a Grammy Award, according to her official website.

Marie was found dead by her daughter after apparently dying in her sleep, manager Mike Gardner said.

“Teena was a black voice trapped in a white body,” said Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One, a broadcasting company that targets African-American and urban listeners. “I would always tell her that she was one of the greatest vocalists of our time.” <– I wish black people would stop saying stuff like this.

Teena Marie – Portuguese Love

Teena Marie – OooLaLaLa

Rick James & Teena Marie – Fire and Desire

More music below…

Teena Marie Feat Gerald Levert – A Rose By Any Other Name

Teena Marie – Square Biz

More Teena Marie here