Teddy Pendergrass
March 26, 1950 – January 13, 2010
Teddy Pendergrass was a multi-platinum selling soul singer who first came to prominence as the lead singer for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes during the early ’70s. As part of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s storied Philadelphia International label, the Blue Notes scored hits with songs like “The Love I Lost,” “Bad Luck (Part 1),” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” which sold in excess of two million copies. They have been called the most covered Philly soul group in history. During the mid ’70s, Pendergrass left the group to launch a solo career that found him staying relevant during the dawning age of disco while still maintaining his soulful roots. “I Don’t Love You Anymore,” “Close The Door,” and “Do Me” were just a few of his fans’ favorites. Pendergrass was also a very popular concert draw. As a true sex symbol, he occasionally hosted “Ladies Only” shows which generally ended with the audience flinging their panties or stuffed teddy bears to the stage. Tragedy struck in 1982 when the brakes in his car failed causing him to crash into a tree. The accident left him paralyzed from the waist down and with minimal use of his arms and hands. After three intense years of seclusion and physical therapy, Pendergrass emerged as a surprise guest with Ashford & Simpson at 1985’s Live Aid concert in Philadelphia. The song, “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” was an emotional moment and one of the highlights of the festival (video below). Pendergrass soon mounted a comeback that included the hit albums, Workin’ It Back and Joy. Pendergrass retired from the music business in 2006. During the spring of 2009, he underwent surgery for colon cancer and apparently never fully recovered. Teddy Pendergrass died on January 13, 2010 at the age of 59.
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