Teddy Pendergrass, R&B’s reigning symbol, died Wednesday at age 59. He was famous for his forceful voice and passionate love ballads. The inspirational figure was paralyzed after a devastating car accident in 1982 that injured his spinal cord and made him paralyzed from down waist. Teddy Pendergrass II—the son of Teddy Pendergrass—has confirmed the news about the death of his legend father. His son told that the star died at a hospital in suburban Philadelphia. Just eight months ago, he had colon cancer surgery. The son thanked all the fans who love him and his music he said that he will remain alive in the heart of people through his music.
In 1985, he performed at the Live Aid concert– after the six months bed rest at hospital followed by car accident—from his wheel chair.
Later, he founded an organization—the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance—which encourages spinal cord injured people to achieve their maximum potential in education, housing and employment.
Pendergrass—born in Philadelphia on March 26,1950—gained popularity first due to Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes who had released his single “If You Don’t Know Me by Know” which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1971.
Gamble–in his last interview—said that he had a powerful magnetic voice and he was really one of a kind of an artist.
In 1975, Pendergrass quit singing with this group and started a solo career in 1976 and actually it was his solo career which introduced the world with great singer. “Love T.K.O”, “I Don’t Love You Anymore” and “Close The Door” are the most famous hits of the singer that started a new era of black male singers.
RIP Teddy!
