R&B Legend Teddy Pendergrass Dies In Philadelphia, USA

PHOTO: LATE SINGER, TEDDY PENDERGRASS.

Los Angeles Jan 14, (THEWILL) – The entertainment sector was hit by another death on Wednesday with the announcement of the passing of Philadelphia born soul legend Teddy Pendergrass.

He died at a Philadelphia hospital at 59 according to his former publicist and friend, Lisa Babaris in a statement.

Teddy was famous for his hit songs like “Turn Off The Lights” and “Love TKO.”

Barbaris said he died after a long illness due to complications from his 1982 car crash.

“His beloved family surrounded him. The world has lost one of its greatest voices and performers.

“His family is devastated. He has three children and, even though it was expected, it still hurts,” the statement stated.

Teddy Pendergrass started his music career as a drummer with a group called the Cadillacs in the 60’s and was with the group when it merged with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. He became lead singer after the group heard him sing.

His powerful voice was on Harold Melvin and Blue Notes song “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” which instantly became No.1 in the USA in 1972.

“Teddy” as he his popularly called received several Grammy nominations and an American Music Award for best R&B artiste in 1978. He also won the Billboard’s Pop Album New Artiste Award in 1977.

After his car crash, which left him paralyzed in 1982, he returned to the studio in 1984 to record an album in his wheelchair.

His last project was a musical documentary on his life called “ I Am Who I Am” which he was working on before he passed.