A legendary soul and R&B singer known for his powerful, raspy vocals and iconic hits like "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "Close the Door". He was a key figure in the Philadelphia soul sound.
Teddy Pendergrass was a legendary American soul and R&B singer-songwriter, best known for his powerful, raspy vocals and iconic hits like "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "Love T.K.O.". As the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Pendergrass rose to fame in the 1970s, before embarking on a successful solo career that spanned over three decades.
Born Theodore DeReese Pendergrass on March 26, 1950, in Kingstree, South Carolina, Teddy grew up in the impoverished section of North Philadelphia. Despite facing hardships, Pendergrass found solace in music, singing at his church and later dropping out of high school to pursue a music career.
In the early 1970s, Pendergrass joined Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, becoming the group's lead singer and primary songwriter. The group's success was meteoric, with hits like "I Miss You" and "Get Ready (Lookin' for Loving)" propelling them to the top of the R&B charts.
In 1976, Pendergrass left the Blue Notes to pursue a solo career, signing with Philadelphia International Records. He released five consecutive platinum albums, a record for an African-American R&B artist at the time, and spawned hits like "Close the Door" and "It Don't Hurt Now". Pendergrass' soulful voice and energetic live performances earned him numerous accolades, including four Grammy nominations and an American Music Award.
In 1982, Pendergrass' life took a dramatic turn when he was involved in a devastating car accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. The incident marked a hiatus in his career, but Pendergrass refused to let his disability define him.
With unwavering determination, Pendergrass continued his solo career, releasing music that resonated with fans and critics alike. He performed at the 1985 Live Aid concert, and in 1996, he released the album You and I, which garnered critical acclaim. Pendergrass continued to tour and perform until announcing his retirement in 2007.
Teddy Pendergrass' legacy extends far beyond his impressive discography. He paved the way for future R&B and soul artists, influencing the likes of Luther Vandross, Freddie Jackson, and Barry White. His music continues to inspire new generations, with his iconic voice and style remaining an integral part of Philadelphia soul's rich heritage.
Pendergrass was a devout Christian and actively supported various charitable organizations, including the Teddy Pendergrass Allied Neuroscience Foundation, which he founded to support spinal cord research and awareness.
Teddy Pendergrass passed away on January 13, 2010, leaving behind a legacy of soulful music, unwavering resilience, and an indelible mark on the music industry.
81 Years Old
Legendary vocalist and actress renowned for powerful, soulful voice and iconic hits like "Lady Marmalade" and "On My Own".
