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Biography
As the lead singer of the vocal group Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and later as a solo artist, Teddy Pendergrass established himself as one of the most successful R&B male singers of his generation.
Pendergrass, Philadelphia native, began singing in church and by his teen years had developed into both a fine vocalist and an excellent drummer. His work in a local group called the Cadillacs ultimately landed him to popular Philly group leader Harold Melvin, who recruited Pendergrass to join his Blue Notes group. Pendergrass's expressive, gruff vocals and his sexy stage presence worked beautifully in the group context, and with production and material from the now legendary Gamble & Huff team, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes became one of the biggest vocal groups of the mid-70s. Top notch tracks such as "If You Don't Know Me By Now," "The Love I Lost" and "Wake Up Everybody" were made even more electric in Pendergrass's hands.
It was natural that a strain would occur where the undoubted focus of the group, Pendergrass, was subordinated in billing to the group's original leader, Melvin. And by 1977 Pendergrass decided to venture on his own, signing with Gamble & Huff , while Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes moved on to ABC. The move paid immediate and long-lasting dividends for Pendergrass, as he became the centerpiece of G&H's stable of stars and beginning a fantastic career as a solo artist that would place him at the top of the R&B world.
From 1977 until 1982, Pendergrass released one platinum album after another, highlighted by mostly sensual soul hits like "I Don't Love You Anymore," "Turn Off The Lights" and "Close The Door." He became the first male R&B singer to release five consecutive multi-platinum albums.
Tragedy struck in 1982 as a limo accident left Pendergrass a paraplegic and hospitalized. He battled to a return a year later on Elektra Records, but his voice, while still memorable, had lost a noticeable amount of strength. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Pendergrass continued to perform publicly and landed another series of major R&B hits, including the duet "Hold Me" (with a young Whitney Houston), "You're My Latest My Greatest Inspiration" and the #1 smash "Joy."
Pendergrass later founded the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, an organization whose mission is to encourage and help people with spinal cord injuries achieve their maximum potential in education, employment, housing, productivity and independence.
As the 90s arose, Pendergrass remained active, recording every few years and continuing to chart, albeit at a lower level than in his heyday. In 2001, he made his first concert performance in nearly two decades, performing in Atlantic City to sold out audiences.
In 2009, Pendergrass was diagnosed with colon cancer and had surgery. He never fully recovered, and died on January 13, 2010, at age 59. He will be sorely missed, but as his son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said in a statement, "He will live on through his music."
By Chris Rizik
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Comments
Len Williams I'm a little
Len Williams - January 15th, 2010
Len Williams
I'm a little sad. Teddy was one of the greatest singers vocally. I say that because if you listen to his 70's recordings you can actually feel his power and energy in his vocals. You feel the youthfulness ,the compassion the Bark & Bite in his voice.
After the accident he had to relearn how to sing. Breathing was the key. He no longer had the Gut, Growl POWER!!!!. He had to develop that power through effective breathing control methods.
I think he finally found himself and was in a different place in his life. He was probably more at peace.
These are just some of my thoughts on Teddy Pendergrass.
One of my favourite songs by him is, And If I Had.
God bless him and may he be
Michelle1994 - January 15th, 2010
God bless him and may he be in peace. Thank you for the many years of great music, and the many more. I will always adore and love and respect you, my love is to you and my baby Michael Joseph Jackson. God made two great talented human beings, both with love and concern for others. Rest IN PEACE TEDDY BEAR. Teddy you are right IT IS SO GOOD WHEN SOMEBODY LOVE YOU BACK.
I'm an avid soul of R&B
ema (not verified) - January 18th, 2010
I'm an avid soul of R&B music, especially those sung by Rihanna, Timberlake, JLo and Chris Brown. And I guess this R&B singer creates a remarkable and unforgettable turn for the world of misic.We'll miss this R&B singer who passed away at this difficult times.This wonderful performer passes away and leaves us poorer for his absence – Teddy Pendergrass has passed away at the age of only 59 years of age. The crooner was an R&B and soul heavyweight in the 70s, first reaching success as the lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and later a successful solo career in his own right. He had some great hits – Love TKO, Turn off the Light, If You Don't Know Me by Now, One Shining Moment, and had many nominations and awards. May he rest in peace, and may his family find some measure of solace in these difficult times.
