Teddy Pendegrass (59) died yesterday (January 13). He had suffered several setbacks after undergoing surgery for colon cancer in the spring of 2008. An ordained minister at the age of 10, he was originally the drummer for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, prior to stepping out front as the lead singer. With his raw and gritty gospel delivery and baritone soaked vocals, he went on to become one of the top 70’s soul singers as a solo artist. Hits such as, “Close the door”, “Turn out the lights”, “Love TKO” and “Come go with me” oozed with come hither male sexuality. A spinal cord injury resulting from a car crash in 1981 left Teddy paralyzed from the waist down. Although he continued to sing, it was with a noticeable difference in forcefulness.
Although he’s gone, his music lives on. Teddy, we’ll miss you!
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Thanks for stopping by.
I learned some things about TP I didn't know before: he was a minister at the age of ten (so was my half-brother) and a drummer. I knew he was with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, but always assumed he was a singer with the group.
I attended the National Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina, last summer and there was a one-man play about TP that I did not get to see. I hope it becomes an off-Broadway or Broadway production and/or tours the country because I'd love to see the life story of this fabulous singer. R