There were times I used to go to parties when I was, you know, like 15-, 16-years-old, and I'd always bring my guitar, and all my friends would be like, sing one of the Smokey songs. And everything I sang was his music, and I could sound just like him.

56 on the R&B chart but didn't break the Hot 100. ”
Meanwhile with regard to her early-life inspirations for Congo Square in January 2010 Teena Marie told Lee Tyler editor of Blues & Soul magazine: "I wanted to do songs that reflected the things that I loved when I was growing up. "
Sales-wise the album proved another success reaching the Top 20 on Billboard's Top 200 and giving Teena Marie yet another Top 10 R&B chart entry.

Mary Christine Brockert (March 5 1956 – December 26 2010) better known by her stage name Teena Marie was an American singer songwriter and producer. She was known for her distinctive soulful vocals which initially caused many listeners to believe Teena Marie was black. She played rhythm guitar keyboards and congas.