Social Sunday: Teddy Pendergrass, a champion of romance

Teddy Pendergrass, born Theodore, known for his velvety smooth voice died  due to complications of colon cancer and lingering injuries due to his car accident in the 1980's Wednesday January 13.  He  was a permanent fixture on the charts as a part of Melvin and the Blue Notes.  He left the group and embarked on an amazing solo career.

His career was soaring when he was in a terrible accident in 1982, his brakes failed on his Rolls Royce and he was left paralyzed from the waist down.  His voice was left untouched.   After two years of therapy Teddy returned to his studio to record again.


Before the accident,  women flocked to his Ladies only concerts. His songs were sexy and explicit but never vulgar.  Fashiona's two favorites are "Turn of the Lights" and "Close the Door"; they include step by step instructions for men unversed in the dying art of romance.  


After the accident, people still supported Teddy because he simply kept going through the hard times. He kept churning out love ballads and was instrumental in launching the career of Whitney Houston. His foundation the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, help raise awareness of spinal cord injuries.

He is survived by his wife and his children and his legendary music.