The Crazy Real-Life Story Of Rick James

Publish date: 2024-05-03

In addition to being a magnificent musician, James was an accomplished songwriter and producer. He wrote, produced, and performed on the Temptations' 1982 hit, "Standing on the Top." He also co-wrote, produced, and performed on Eddie Murphy's biggest hit, "Party All The Time," which hopefully made up for the time James decided to grind his boots on Murphy's couch. James nearly collaborated with the legendary Diana Ross, too, but a phenomenal up-and-comer named Teena Marie caught his attention and captured his heart.

As James recalled, while walking around Motown's headquarters, "I heard this girl singing her a** off. I walked in ... I said, 'Wow you're really great." James would later say, "Never in my life had I heard such a range with so much passion." Even so, Marie didn't taste commercial success until she teamed up with with James, who produced her first album. They would go on to sing a series of duets, including the immensely popular "Fire and Desire."

Marie and James became lovers, but their romance didn't last. They were just too different, Marie explained. James was insane and she, well, wasn't. Moreover, she came to see him like a brother, and not in a Cersei-and-Jaime way. Even so, they remained close, and James bonded with Marie's daughter. In 2004, during his final musical performance before passing away that year, Rick James performed "Fire and Desire" with his dear friend, Teena Marie.

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