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Teddy Pendergrass (1950-2010)
Soul singer and R&B legend, Teddy Pendergrass has died at 59. Teddy's sensual voice is the power behind classic love ballads like "If You Don't Know Me By Now," "Love TKO," and "Turn Off The Lights."
Teddy was born in Philadelphia and started his singing career in church when he was 2 1/2 years old. In 1969 his big break came as the drummer in Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. It didn't take long before he worked his way front and center as the band's lead singer. By 1971 the band had inked a deal with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. A string of hits followed and by 1976 Teddy was ready to strike out on his own.
With his handome looks and his fiery stage presence, Teddy soared to stardom and headlined sold out concerts in the 70s and 80s. His "ladies man" persona drove his most ardent fans to throw their phone numbers and underwear onto the stage. The hits and adulation kept coming! He was the first black male singer to release five multi-platinum records consecutively.
A terrible car accident in 1982 paralyzed Teddy from the waist down, and he spent six months in the hospital. He emerged as an inspirational figure who continued to make beautiful music. In his first public appearance following the accident, Teddy performed a moving rendition of "Reach Out and Touch" at Live Aid in 1985.
In his later years, Teddy focused his time and energy on helping victims of spinal cord injuries. He started the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance in 1998 to coordinate outreach efforts. During a 2007 concert on the 25th anniversary of his accident, Teddy paid tribute to all the people who had helped him over the years. He said, "Instead of being saddened by this milestone, I am deeply overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude."
In 2009 Teddy underwent surgery for colon cancer and the difficult recovery that followed eventually took his life.
Teddy is gone but his music and legacy lives on.
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