Conversation so far:
What is significant about Teena Marie's Epic era?
Contacted by Epic Records in the fall of 1982, Teena Marie signed a worldwide deal with the Columbia Records subsidiary that also allowed her to establish her own publishing company
How long was Teena Marie with Columbia Records?
was Teena Marie's deal with Columbia Records profitable?
Did Teena Marie explore other genres during the Epic era besides R&B and soul?
In 1986, Teena Marie released a rock music-influenced concept album titled Emerald City. It was controversial with her established fan base and not as successful as its predecessors.

Question: Who influenced her?
Self-contained rewrite: Who influenced Teena Marie?