Teddy Pendergrass R.I.P. 1950-2010

Soulful icon had continued to perform despite becoming paralyzed from a car accident.

By Fred Mills

Smooth-singing soul superstar Teddy Pendergrass died yesterday, Jan. 13, in the aftermath of colon cancer surgery some 8 months ago followed by what his son said was "a difficult recovery," according to media reports. His son, Teddy Pendergrass II, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the senior Pendergrass died in Philadelphia's Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Pendergrass, originally a drummer, hit the charts in a big way in the ‘70s when he became lead vocalist for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes ("If You Don't Know Me By Now"), later going on to a hugely successful solo career with hits such as "I Don't Love You Anymore," "Close the Door," "Turn off the Lights" and "Love TKO," many of them penned by the legendary Philly-based songwriting team of Gamble and Huff.

In 1982 he was in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, but though wheelchair-bound he continued to perform. Throughout his career he scores of singles and received 5 Grammy nominations. He also established the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, an organization that worked with individuals who had spinal cord injuries.

"To all his fans who loved his music, thank you," his son said. "He will live on through his music."