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Remembering Soul Legend Teddy Pendergrass

Posted Jan 14th 2010 2:00PM by Latifah Muhammad
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The tragic loss of Teddy Pendergrass is one that will leave a hole in the hearts of music fans for years to come, yet luckily for the soul singer's fans (both old and new) his legacy and classic recordings are sure to far outlast his 59 years on this planet. Long before Auto-Tune king T-Pain spun the singer's moniker and coined himself "Teddy Pendherass Down," the original item made his lasting mark on everyone who uses music as a tool of seduction, paving the way for lady-killing vocalists like Freddy Jackson and Luther Vandross.

The Philly soulman started his career in the '70s as a drummer for Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, before his undeniable stage presence and knack for throwing unmatched emotion into his performances prompted the group's founder Harold Melvin to promote him to lead singer. Pendergrass guided the group rise to fame as the silky baritone voice anchoring hits including 'If You Don't Know Me By Now' and 'Wake Up Everybody.'

By the late 1970s, Pendergrass' star continued to rise as he released his self-titled solo debut in 1977. Gaining increased notice beyond soul fans and into the pop world, Pendergrass' music became known for its hypermasculine allure, and he went on to release 'Life Is a Song Worth Singing' one year later, spawning the mega-hits 'Close the Door' and 'When Somebody Loves You Back.' But it wasn't until 1979 and the release of 'Turn Off the Lights' that the Philadelphia crooner took the throne as the king of "baby-making music," solidifying his status as one of music most prolific and influential performers. His velvety voice held a refreshing hint of aggression, making for a perfect concoction of passionate music.

Teddy Sings 'When Somebody Loves You Back' (1979)

In 1982, Pendergrass' life took an unexpected and tragic turn when a car accident changed his life forever. While driving with an acquaintance, the brakes failed on his 1981 Rolls-Royce, causing him to swerve into oncoming traffic before hitting two trees. He was trapped in the vehicle for almost an hour and was left paralyzed from the waist down. While still in recovery, his label, Philadelphia International Records, released 'This One's for You.' Undaunted by circumstances that may have caused others to shy away from the spotlight, Pendergrass, now using a wheelchair, proved his resilience by continuing to release albums and performing.

Over 20 years later, Pendergrass announced his retirement from the music industry and went into solitude. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2007 and, after a long battle with the disease, passed away on January 13, 2010. Were it not for his unique ability to bring music to life with a sultry sophistication, what we know currently as R&B music would not exist in the form it does today. Pendergrass was a pioneer, and though his life has ended, the mark he has left on anyone who sings or listens to songs of love will not soon be forgotten.

Teddy Performs at the Apollo Hall of Fame Concert (1993)

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NEURONTOGO

I SORRY TO WRITE THIS NOW,AT THAT TIME I WAS GOING THROUGH FAMILY ISSUE'S.PEOPLE SHOULD UNDER STAND,THAT FEET OF CLAY ARE STANDED ISSUE IN THIS LIFE .THAT NOT EVERY STEP IS GOING TO BE A SOUND ONE.AND IT'S PITTY HOW WE KNEW HIM,AND NOT THE OPPOSITE.THE LOSS EFFECTS ALL HIS FAN'S,AND FAMILY.AS FAR AS WHAT HAPPEN'ED.REMEMBER YOU CANT GO THROUGH LIFE WITH OUT HURTING SOME AND DISSAPIONTING OTHER'S.THERE IS NO HAND BOOK TO GUIDE , ALL I KNOW IS WHEN A STAR DIE'S ,THE WORLD IS A LESS SHINEY PLACE..

June 09 2011 at 4:35 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

fxd8424

How does Steve Kay know what Teddy was doing at the time of the accident? Was he there? Safe bet he wasn't. Rumors have a way of getting out of control. Lincoln Drive in Philly, where the accident occurred, is a dangerous stretch, as it has more curves than a plate of spaghetti.

My condolences to the family. My thanks to Teddy for the music. Now you are singing for the Lord. RIP.

January 24 2010 at 10:06 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Alice M

I am only a fan, but Teddy I love your work, and I am missing you already. Sleep well my friend and beautiful dreams. The next time I see you, you will be walking around on stage again. NO MORE PAIN AND SUFFERING.

To the family. He is alright now. I am sorry I know you are going to miss him, but he is alright now.

January 21 2010 at 6:44 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Terry

May he rest in peace...and the "buzzards" stop dredging up the negatives and focus on how wonderful he made people feel with his gift!!

January 18 2010 at 10:02 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

wri404

I will always remember Teddy. I use to sneak in the Blue Note in East St. Louis and see Harold Melvin. Lots of babies were born because of that man. RIP Teddy and may your family have God shine his light on them. see ya later.

January 17 2010 at 1:13 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

mzjanuary205

To all those haters out there, you need to show some respect. None of you were there when Teddy had his accident, so who's to say what really happened. Whatever the circumstances were, it really doesn't make a difference. You talk like the man did something to harm you personally.

To Teddy's family, you have my deepest condolences and I pray that God gives you the comfort you need to get through this difficult time. I loved his music and he will always be remembered as an uncompromising vocalist, capable of emitting real love and passion through song. He will be missed.

R.I.P. to the Teddy Bear.

January 17 2010 at 11:11 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

slim62

thank you mr teddy let it know it will be no one will ever turn of the light love you

January 16 2010 at 7:59 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Leona Lewis

God Bless the family of Teddy a great man but not God We loved him again bless the family

January 16 2010 at 7:25 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

April

RIP Brother Teddy. Thanks for the memories.

January 16 2010 at 10:43 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

dadjuice3230

teddy p one of the greatest old school singers my prayer our with his family and friends

January 15 2010 at 10:15 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

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Remembering Soul Legend Teddy Pendergrass