Real name: Marlina Burgess

Effective period / Period of releases: 1966 - 2024

Born 22nd September 1939, New Rochelle, New York, U.S.A., died in January 19th 2024.

After recording for the Cadet label of Chicago in the 1960s she then moved to the Blue Note label in the early 1970's, her strong voice quickly established her on the US soul scene. By the mid 1970's the disco scene was beginning to influence the sound of Blue Note and it was here that Marlena released "It's Better Than Walkin' Out", which was the first 12" on Blue Note.

Switching to Columbia records in February 1977 ensured better record sales; her first album here includes the disco track "Pictures And Memories". Marlena, however, will best be remembered by disco fans for her cover version of Diana Ross's "Touch Me In The Morning" - the disco medley on the LP includes several late 1960's and early 1970's soul tunes. Listen out for "Love Dancin'" and "Haven't We Been In Love Before".