R&B Singer Teddy Pendergrass Has Died

[featherfingers]

"Teddy Pendergrass dead at 59"

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) – Teddy Pendergrass, the seductive American rhythm-and-blues singer who continued his recording career after he was paralyzed in a 1982 car accident, has died at the age of 59, media reports said on Thursday.

Pendergrass's son, Teddy Pendergrass II, told the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper that his father died on Wednesday at a Philadelphia-area hospital. He had undergone colon cancer surgery eight months ago and his son said he had a difficult recovery.

Pendergrass began his career as a drummer but first rose to fame in the 1970s when he became lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, which had hits such as "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "I Miss You."

After leaving the Blue Notes for a solo career, he had a string of hit love ballads that were considered musical aphrodisiacs by his fans. His solo hits, notable for his smooth baritone and sensual delivery, included "I Don't Love You Anymore," "Close the Door," "Turn off the Lights" and "Love TKO."

Pendergrass crashed his Rolls-Royce in Philadelphia in 1982 and was left paralyzed from the waist down. He resumed his recording career the next year with the album "Love Language" and returned to the stage by performing from his wheelchair at the Live Aid concert in 1985.

He started the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance in 1998 to benefit victims of spinal cord injuries.

The team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff wrote and produced many of Pendergrass's hits and Huff recalled the singer's solo debut at a Los Angeles nightclub.

"That night I saw the coming of a superstar," Huff said in an interview with radio station WDAS. "When Teddy walked out on the stage, he didn't even open his mouth and the place went crazy with screaming females. He was just so dynamic and when he started singing, he just blew them away."

(Writing by Bill Trott; Editing by Paul Casciato)

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - "If You Don't Know Me By Now" (1972)
Lead vocalist is Teddy Pendergrass.
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Teddy Pendergrass - "Close The Door" (1978)
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Teddy Pendergrass - "Turn Off The Lights" (1979)
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[..Glamorous..]

Aww, how sad!

 

[drewskee]

He was a great artist. I love his music.

R.I.P.

 

[BellaRisa]

Good lord, the shrine my mom had built to this man in my house, she *loved* him...the poster of him in just black jeans with no shirt and the black cowboy hat over the bar in our living room my entire childhood...RIP.

 

[chicago]

Turn Off The Lights is one of my favorites.

Fucking sad.

 

[brannyle1981]

R.I.P to Mr. Teddy Pendegrass. "Turn Off The Lights" and "Close The Door" were two of my favs.

 

[myth77]

🙁 love you Teddy...

 

[Angel77]

He was a great artist. Loved his music! R.I.P Teddy!

 

[Knox The Hatter]

His was the era of what a very close friend referred to as 'take a woman back to your crib' music. It was Teddy Pendergrass, however, who stood out. A tremendous sex symbol, he was. His vocals had an incredible presence- those hits he had with Harold Melvin testify to this in no uncertain terms. I saw Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes back in the mid-80s, at a New Jersey club, and the young man who replaced Teddy was his own tribute act to Teddy. I can't remember his name, but the guy was awesome.

I see what passes for R&B today- you know, like Underwood Deviled Ham passing for Certified Angus- and the truth is, none of these people can come within a million miles of Teddy Pendergrass. Period. Ever.

 

[Wildtime]

I remember when he appeared at Live Aid in '85, his first performance since his car accident in '82, and he gave it his all. He will be missed.

 

[RobAce]

I see what passes for R&B today- you know, like Underwood Deviled Ham passing for Certified Angus- and the truth is, none of these people can come within a million miles of Teddy Pendergrass. Period. Ever.

I agree 100% Knox. Well said.

I have listening to my collection of Teddy P today. His soulful voice will be missed. Truly a giant among giants.

RIP Teddy.

Rob

 

[Babbles]

Very sorry to hear, another premature passing.

Very sad, and what hardship, but he kept producing music - I grew up listening to him also, though I didn't always know his name - very soothing.
Hope he and his loved ones find peace.
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[Coup de Grace]

I had no idea. The man was a great vocalist and made awe-inspiring music. RIP. He will be missed.

It's like REAL R&B doesn't even exist anymore and hasn't since the late 80's.

 

[Bugman]

Another great one has left us, far too soon. :. RIP Teddy.

 

[Soda Bobinski]

I'm just now learning of this.

I'm not liking it. One bit.


Farewell , Mr. Pendergrass.