On this day, February 14, 1980, Teena Marie released her second studio album, Lady T. The album showcased her powerful vocals, blending R&B, funk, and soul with a smooth and polished sound. Unlike her debut album, Lady T was the first to feature her face on the cover, a move that helped solidify her identity as a rising solo artist in the industry.
The album reached #45 on the Billboard charts and included standout tracks like Behind the Groove, which became a fan favorite and a signature song for Marie. Her collaboration with legendary producer Richard Rudolph, the husband of the late Minnie Riperton, helped shape the album’s lush and sophisticated production style.
With Lady T, Teena Marie continued to break barriers as a white artist excelling in R&B, earning deep respect from both fans and fellow musicians. The album further established her as a force in the genre, setting the stage for her later chart-topping success.
Fun fact: Behind the Groove became one of Teena Marie’s most popular tracks and was a major hit in dance clubs, solidifying her reputation as the Ivory Queen of Soul.
Trivia question: What was the name of Teena Marie’s debut album, which featured no artist image on the cover to disguise her race?
The album reached #45 on the Billboard charts and included standout tracks like Behind the Groove, which became a fan favorite and a signature song for Marie. Her collaboration with legendary producer Richard Rudolph, the husband of the late Minnie Riperton, helped shape the album’s lush and sophisticated production style.
With Lady T, Teena Marie continued to break barriers as a white artist excelling in R&B, earning deep respect from both fans and fellow musicians. The album further established her as a force in the genre, setting the stage for her later chart-topping success.
Fun fact: Behind the Groove became one of Teena Marie’s most popular tracks and was a major hit in dance clubs, solidifying her reputation as the Ivory Queen of Soul.
Trivia question: What was the name of Teena Marie’s debut album, which featured no artist image on the cover to disguise her race?
