Teddy Pendergrass dies at age 59…
Silky voiced soul singer Teddy Pendergrass, whose hits “Turn Off the Lights” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” set the mood for millions of fans, has died at age 59.
The singer’s son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said his father died Wednesday night at Bryn Mawr Hospital. Pendergrass’ son said his father underwent colon cancer surgery eight months ago and had “a difficult recovery.” The elder Pendergrass was born March 26, 1950 in Philadelphia. His mother, who raised him, discovered his talent when he started singing in church when he was only 2 1/2 years old, according to his Web site.
He got his start as a drummer and in 1969 hooked up with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. He moved to the front as a vocalist soon after, and by 1971, the group had signed with legendary producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Philadelphia International Records. The group scored such hits as “The Love I Lost,” “Yesterday I Had the Blues” and “Wake Up, Everybody.”
Pendergrass broke out on his own in 1976, and became the first black male singer in history to record five consecutive multi-platinum albums. From then on he stood as a legend in the music industry. He will surely be missed.
- R.I.P. TEDDY PENDERGRASS.
runnj
A.G.
djnoso
nigerianmitch
