This day ( January 13, 2010), in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, died Theodore DeReese Teddy Pendergrass, an American R&B/soul singer and songwriter.
Tracklist :
1 . Lady
2 . Close The Door
3 . Joy (2009)
4 . W/ Harold Melvin The Blue Notes – Wake Up Everybody
5 . The Whole Town’S Laughing At Me (1982)
6 . If You Don’T Know Me By Now
7 . Is It Still Good To Ya? (1980)
8 . Love Tko
Tracklist :
Close The Door . Love T.K.O. . Turn Off The Lights . Come Go With Me . When Somebody Loves You Back . If You Don’t Know Me by Now . The Whole Town’s Laughing At Me . Only You . You’re My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration . I Don’t Love You Anymore .
Teddy Pendergrass: The Voice That Seduced a Generation
Teddy Pendergrass was born on March 26, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the only child of Ida and Jesse Pendergrass.
Raised by his mother after his father’s early departure and subsequent murder, Teddy found solace in the church, where he began singing at the age of two and was ordained a minister by ten.
Inspired by R&B greats like James Brown and Jackie Wilson, Pendergrass honed his musical talent while drumming for various bands, a skill that would later transition into his career-defining vocal performances.
From the Blue Notes to the Limelight
Pendergrass’s big break came when Harold Melvin of the Blue Notes discovered his vocal talent and elevated him from drummer to lead singer.
The group’s hits, including “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” and “Wake Up Everybody,” dominated the charts under the production of Gamble and Huff at Philadelphia International Records.
Frustrated with Melvin’s control and the lack of recognition for his role in the band’s success, Pendergrass left to pursue a solo career in 1977.
Solo Stardom and Iconic Status
Pendergrass’s self-titled debut album quickly went platinum, establishing him as a force in R&B.
His second album, *Life Is a Song Worth Singing*, solidified his reputation as a sex symbol with hits like “Close the Door,” earning him the monikers “the Black Elvis” and “the Teddy Bear.”
His legendary women-only concerts, where fans famously threw lingerie on stage, redefined the dynamic between performer and audience.
Luxury, Love, and Turmoil
Pendergrass’s personal life was as dramatic as his performances, filled with lavish indulgences, romantic entanglements, and rumors of rivalries with contemporaries like Marvin Gaye.
In 1982, a life-altering car accident left him paralyzed from the chest down, fueling public speculation and personal despair.
With the support of his then-girlfriend Karen, he found the strength to return to music and advocate for those with spinal cord injuries.
The Comeback and Legacy
Pendergrass stunned audiences with his 1985 Live Aid performance and continued to produce music, including the chart-topping album *Joy* in 1988.
He founded the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance to support individuals with spinal cord injuries and penned an autobiography, *Truly Blessed*, detailing his journey.
Though his final years were marked by health struggles, including a battle with colon cancer, Pendergrass’s voice and spirit remained unbroken until his passing in 2010.
Unforgettable and Unmatched
Pendergrass’s impact on music and culture is enduring, from his unparalleled string of platinum albums to his trailblazing approach to live performances.
Even in death, his name sparks intrigue, admiration, and occasional controversy, cementing his place as a larger-than-life figure in R&B history.
With a voice that could move mountains and a life story that reads like a gripping novel, Teddy Pendergrass remains the ultimate symbol of passion, resilience, and artistic brilliance.