In celebration of what would have been Teena Marie’s 56th birthday, Centric will air BEING: Teena Marie on March 5, chronicling her over three decade career in entertainment. Known for her slew of hits—”Lovergirl,” “Ooo La La La” and “Square Biz” among them—Marie released thirteen albums, and over 30 singles; creating a sound that would influence a host of younger R&B and soul singers.

The hour long docu-series will showcase archival Soul Train performances and interview footage of Marie recounting her early days in her native Venice Beach, California,  to her dynamic partnership with her “musical soulmate” Rick James. The special is interwoven with interviews from her daughter Alia Rose; and a host of her celebrity friends and music industry colleagues, including Lalah Hathaway, Faith Evans, Shanice Wilson, and Smokey Robinson.

Marie passed away from natural causes on December 26, 2010 at her California home. She was 56 years old.

BEING: Teena Marie, marks the fourth installment of the series. Past artists spotlighted have included R. Kelly, Earth, Wind & Fire, Mary J. Blige and El Debarge.

BEING: Teena Marie premieres March 5 at 12A/11C.

TAGS: Being: Teena Marie, Faith Evans, Lalah Hathaway, Shanice Wilson, Smokey Robinson, teena marie