Turn Off The Lights & Light A Candle...

TP Official Website

While I was sitting at my computer last night trying to decide whether or not I even wanted to do a blog post, I heard the devastating news over the radio that yet another great singing voice has been silenced forever. Theodore DeResse Pendergrass, Sr., better known to the world as Teddy Pendergrass, has passed away. He was 59 years old.

Teddy was born in Philadelphia on March 26, 1950. He first gained popularity as a member and drummer for the group Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. In 1971, the group signed a record deal with legendary writers-producers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff of Philadelphia International Records. The group released its first single, "I Miss You", in 1972 and then released "If You Don't Know Me by Now," which was nominated for a Grammy Award.

After a while, rumors started circulating and people began to realize that the gut-wrenching lead vocals they heard on many of the group's recordings was not Harold Melvin, as "implied". It was in fact the drummer, Theodore Pendergrass. His years with the group mirrored those of another now famous solo artist, Jeffrey Osborne. Jeffrey was originally a member and drummer for the group L.T.D. (Love, Togetherness, Devotion). His powerful delivery of lead vocals eventually landed him in the forefront of that group and on to a solo career. In 1975, Teddy left Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes and embarked on his solo career in 1976.

Teddy remained loyal and continued his tenure at Philadelphia International Records during his solo years. Under the continued guidance of Gamble & Huff, it was his solo hits that brought him his greatest fame. He defined a new era of black male singers with his powerful, aggressive vocals that spoke to virility, not vulnerability. His lyrics in songs such as "Love T.K.O.", "Close The Door", and "Turn Off The Lights" were never coarse, as those of later male R&B stars would be, but they had a sensual nature that bordered on erotic without being explicit. And then, something unexpected happened...

In 1982, Teddy was in a horrific car accident while traveling on Lincoln Drive in Philadelphia. The singer survived but suffered serious injury to his spinal cord and was left paralyzed from the waist down. He spent six months in the hospital but returned to recording the next year with the album "Love Language." He returned to the stage at the Live Aid concert in 1985, performing from his wheelchair. He 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, according to its website.

Teddy became R&B's reigning sex symbol during the late 70's and into the early 80's with his forceful, masculine voice and passionate love ballads. He later became an inspirational figure after surviving the devastating car accident that left him paralyzed. The singer's son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said his father died at a hospital in suburban Philadelphia. The singer underwent colon cancer surgery eight months ago and had "a difficult recovery", his son said. "To all of his fans who loved his music, thank you. He will live on through his music."

R.I.P. Teddy.

Teddy Pendergrass Funeral Arrangements, Etc.

Note: These details were revised on 01/16/10 based on information obtained from Teddy's official website. Location: Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, 2800 Cheltenham Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150. Public Viewing: Friday, January 22nd, 12:00-8:00pm. Private Family & Friends Viewing: Saturday, January 23rd, 9:00-10:00am. Memorial Service: Saturday, January 23rd, 10:00am-12:00pm. Interment Immediately Following: West Laurel Hill Cemetary, 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Condolences: In lieu of flowers, his family is asking that you support Teddy's Memorial Fund and the charities that he represented. Please make your donation payable to Theodore D. and Joan Pendergrass, P.O. Box 382, Gladwyne, PA 19035.