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Teddy Pendergrass, Soul Icon and Inspirational Figure, Dead at 59

Multi-platinum soul singer Teddy Pendergrass, age 59, died Wednesday in a hospital just outside his hometown of Philadelphia, Pa., according to the Associated Press. Pendergrass had been paralyzed from the waist down after suffering a spinal cord injury in a car crash in 1982, and was currently trying to recover from colon cancer surgery which he underwent last year.

Pendergrass leaves behind a formidable catalog of soul and R&B classics. Originally rising to fame as part of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Pendergrass experienced success early on with such '70s standards as 'If You Don't Know Me by Now' and 'Wake Up Everybody.' He split with the Blue Notes in 1976 to pursue a solo career and exploded right out of the gate with his self-titled solo debut, which went platinum and spawned the hit singles, 'I Don't Love You Anymore' and 'The More I Get the More I Want.'

After the 1982 car accident left him in a wheelchair, Pendergrass became something of a hero and spokesperson for victims of spinal cord injuries. He continued to record R&B hits and he famously made his return to the stage at the massive Live Aid concert in 1985, but his real influence in recent years was with the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance where he encouraged and assisted others with spinal cord injuries to live full lives. To that end, Pendergrass led by example.

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Foster

When men sounded like men not boys. One of the greats. God given gift that goes straight to the heart. As a young black soul boy growing up in london, Teddy's voice added richness and quality to my life. .... and you wanna see some of the boys party to hits like , 'You cant hide from yourself' Badddd Tune.

May the souls
of the faithfull departed
through the mercy
of God rest in peace
amen

January 17 2010 at 12:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joey Em

It is a very sad day for his fans and family.
Rest In Peace Teddy!
You music will live on forever!

January 16 2010 at 3:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lisa Tyson

Teddy is truly a legend and will never ever be forgotten. My prayers are with the Pendergrass Family.

January 15 2010 at 2:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mcbiasucci1

AH TEDDY, DEAR TEDDY MY HEART ACHES FOR YOUR FAMILY N MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE. I WEEP FOR YOUR MANY FANS OF WHCH I AM INCLUDED. I HAD A SECREAT CRUSH ON YOU FOR YEARS. YOU MADE MY TOES CURL AMONG MANY AND YOUR MUSIC WILL NEVER FADE THE HEAVENS ARE BRIGHTER BECAUSE YOU ARE THEE. THANK TEDDY TKO

January 15 2010 at 2:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jayne

Teddy was one of my most insipirational soul, R& B artistes. I'm sad that he's no more and will surely miss him

January 15 2010 at 12:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mcbiasucci1

another great soul singer of our time is gone but not forgotten...RIP TEDDY. my prayers go out to his family.

January 14 2010 at 11:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
chris eggington

Wheres my damn comment. Some prat using this site to sell cheap garbage gets on here

January 14 2010 at 7:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
corbylynn

So sad to lose you Teddy you will always be the King Of Soul. I've loved you since 1975. The end of an era, I will miss you forever. Sleep well. xx

January 14 2010 at 6:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Thembi

great artist.will miss you and u will always be one of my best.

January 14 2010 at 6:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Si

Such sad news, my absolute all time music legend. Teddy will live eternally through his courage, his compassion, his selfless work, his inspiration, support and encouragement to others and forever and beyond through his beautiful voice and outstanding music.

Thoughts to his family and friends - you are truly blessed to have known and shared your lives with Teddy.

To Teddy - walk tall in God's company - when daylight breaks I will know your dazzling smile is lighting up our world and when night falls the sparkle in your eyes will be shining bright amongst the stars.

Rest in peace.

January 14 2010 at 6:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply