Soul Singer Teddy Pendergrass Dead at 59 From Colon Cancer

The AP is reporting that Souls Singer Teddy Pendergrass, who became R&B’s reigning sex symbol in the 1970s and ’80s with his passionate love ballads and later became an inspirational figure after a car accident that left him paralyzed, died Wednesday at age 59.

Teddy Pendergrass started a s a drummer and back up vocalist, most notably with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and eventually he went on to solo superstardom, releasing some of R&B’s biggest hits in the 70’s.

[picapp align=”center” wrap=”false” link=”term=teddy+pendergrass&iid=3082334″ src=”7/c/1/b/Teddy_Pendergrass_4e3d.jpg?adImageId=8978277&imageId=3082334″ width=”380″ height=”249″ /]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Pendergrass

His concerts were always heavily packed with female admirers, as he was a sex symbol for African-American women, at a time when they only had Billy D.Williams, and Stoney Jackson, for the teen set.

Women used to through their panties and bras on stage, in honor of Teddy Pendergrass aka Teddy Bear!!!

He was truly a hero ,star, and role model for an entire generation, and he single handily made the full beard a big time inner city fad.

If you were into soul music in the 70’s, then you definitely had some Teddy Pendergrass in the mix, and Teddy always came through big time on my slow jam tapes and house parties.

This is truly an artist that will be missed.Teddy Pendergrass was the soundtrack for our generation.

Here is a clip of Teddy Pendergrass performing live in 1979, his hit ‘Close The Door’. I hope the door opened up, and greeted Mr Pendergrass, on a life well lived.

He did not give up, nor did he became a tragic figure after his paralysis brought on by a devastating car accident.

Teddy Pendergrass (March 26, 1950—January 13, 2010)…Rest In Peace!!!

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2010/01/14/rb-great-teddy-pendergrass-dead-at-59-after-cancer-battle/