44 year old Elvis actress and blues singer has died

Metro Nashville Police Department found Shonka Dukureh dead in her Nashville apartment Thursday.

The 44-year-old actress, who starred as Big Mama Thornton in Elvis, was found in her bedroom by her two children.

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A neighbor called 911 at 9:27 a.m. when one of Dukureh's children found her unresponsive.

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Medical examiners are currently determining the cause of death, an MNPD spokesperson said.

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She holds a bachelor's degree in theater from Fisk University and a master's degree in education from Trevecca Nazarene University .

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Respecting her legacy, respecting her spirit, and recognizing how she laid the foundation for what I can do was important to me.

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A teacher turned Hollywood star, she was set to release her first studio album this summer.

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In celebration of those pioneering musicians and artists who paved the way for rock and roll, the project pays homage to blues music.

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Nashville mayor John Cooper shared his condolences to Dukureh's family on Twitter.

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