Teddy Pendergrass (1950–2010,) fully Theodore DeReese Pendergrass, was an American soul and R&B singer known for his powerful voice and emotional delivery.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he began as a gospel singer, taught himself drums, and joined the Blue Notes in 1969. He first gained fame as lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes before launching a solo career in 1976. His albums Teddy Pendergrass (1977,) Life Is a Song Worth Singing (1978,) and TP (1980) cemented his status as a top R&B artist.
In 1982, a car accident left him paralyzed from the chest down, yet he continued recording and performing. His resilience led to Love Language (1984) and his Live Aid performance (1985.) His later albums, Joy (1988) and Truly Blessed (1991,) resonated with fans.
He retired from recording in 2006, focusing on the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, a charity supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries. His autobiography, Truly Blessed (1998,) details his life, career, and struggles after the accident.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Teddy Pendergrass
Life didn’t promise to be wonderful.
—Teddy Pendergrass
Topics: Adversity, Realistic Expectations, Promises
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