Teddy Pendergrass
Teddy Pendergrass Pendergrass in 1981 Background information Birth name Theodore DeReese Pendergrass Born (1950-03-26)March 26, 1950 Kingstree, South Carolina Died January 13, 2010(2010-01-13) (aged 59) Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, United States Genres R&B, soul, gospel, jazz Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, composer Instruments Vocals, piano, guitar, drums Years active 1969–2008 Labels Philadelphia International, Asylum, Elektra, Surefire/Wind Up Associated acts Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes Website Official website Theodore DeReese "Teddy" Pendergrass (March 26, 1950 – January 13, 2010) was an American R&B/soul singer and songwriter. He first rose to fame as lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in the 1970s before a successful solo career at the end of the decade. In 1982, Pendergrass was severely injured in an auto accident in Philadelphia, resulting in his being paralyzed from the chest down. He subsequently founded the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, a foundation that helps those with spinal cord injuries. He commemorated 25 years of living after his spinal cord injury with star-filled event, "Teddy 25 - A Celebration of Life", at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center. His last performance was on a PBS special at Atlantic City's Borgata Casino in November 2008.