Theodore “Teddy” Pendergrass -1950 – 2010 (Video)
Teddy Pendergrass marked an era of true seduction in R&B, died in hospital on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 after battling with colon cancer.
Starting his career as a drummer for The Cadillacs, who later merged with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Teddy became their lead singer, almost by accident. His years with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes were the group’s most successful and fruitful, with hits such as “I Miss You,” “Wake Up Everybody,” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” and “Bad Luck,” where Teddy sang lead. His departure from the group was prompted by unsuccessfully lobbying to have the band change its name to “Teddy Pendergrass and the Blue Notes.”
His solo career was absolutely phenomenal. Joining the Philadelphia R&B movement, which included Billy Paul, The O’Jays, Stephanie Mills, Phyllis Hyman, to name a few. He sang some of R&B’s sexiest songs with his silky yet husky and commanding baritone, sending his female audience to euphoria. His ballads with Stephanie Mills (“Two Hearts” and “Feel The Fire”) and Whitney Houston (“Hold Me” and “Take Me In Your Arms”) were some of the most endearing love songs of that period. His career came to a halt after a tragic car accident which left him paralyzed from the waist down. After recovery and therapy, he returned to singing lightly, but it wasn’t until his fantastic comeback song, “Joy” that people felt he was truly back.
My choice of audio below is taken from my favourite release from Teddy Pendergrass — Live! Coast to Coast, which featured live recordings from various shows across the United States. I loved this album as a child and would stare at the album cover (featured above) while listening to his eminent and powerful voice and the women in the audience present to his sexy, manly prowess, singing and screaming at his every call. An amazing album which captured his brilliance.
If you don’t own any Teddy Pendergrass, the Amazon widget below will help you to get started. His music will forever live on through us. Let’s hope Teddy’s legacy is embraced and continued through R&B artist Jaheim.
“Close The Door” from Live! Coast to Coast
Roseann V. Warren
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