Teddy Pendergrass: 1950 - 2010

Remembering the R&B legend who made a name for himself in the music industry with his sultry, romantic ballads.

Born in 1950 in Kingstree, S.C., soul singer Teddy Pendergrass became an instant sex symbol in the 1970s and into the early-1980s, thanks to his sultry love ballads. Some of Pendergrass's greatest hits include "Love T.K.O." and "Turn Off the Lights." He died of colon cancer on Jan. 13 at the age of 59.

Barbara Johnston-For The Washington Post

Signed to the famed Philadelphia International record label, he churned out hit after hit. In 1982, however, Pendergrass was critically injured in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
He made his first on-stage appearance after that accident during the Live-Aid concert in 1985, joining fellow vocalists Valerie Simpson and Nicholas Ashford at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia.

Amy Sancetta-AP

His career never regained the same momentum after the accident, but Pendergrass continued to record music. <br>Here he chats with Dick Clark during rehearsals for the American Music Awards in 1986, where Pendergrass made his first solo appearance after the accident.

His career never regained the same momentum after the accident, but Pendergrass continued to record music.
Here he chats with Dick Clark during rehearsals for the American Music Awards in 1986, where Pendergrass made his first solo appearance after the accident.

Anonymous-AP

Pendergrass dedicated much of his time to helping others with spinal cord injuries and research efforts. He founded the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance in 1998. One of the organization's key missions is to help individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their full potential in education, employment, housing, productivity and independence.

Barbara Johnston-For The Washington Post

Pendergrass, captured in 1999 while speaking at the Maryland State Legislature in Annapolis. He was voicing his support for the construction of a golf course in Prince George's County for both able-bodied and physically-challenged individuals.

Vince Lupo-AP

Never letting his disability get hold him back, Pendergrass performs the national anthem at an NBA game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Seattle Supersonics in 1999.

George Widman-AP

The one-time member of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes performs one of his more memorable songs, "Wake Up Everybody," at the Good Neighbor Community Outreach Celebration during the 2000 Republican National Convention.

Suzanne Plunkett-AP

During his career, the five-time Grammy-nominated artist became the first black male singer to record five consecutive multi-platinum albums.

Reuters

Always the performer, he sings during the first NFL game at Philadelphia's then-brand-new Lincoln Financial Center in 2003.

Al Messerschmidt-Getty Images

Pendergrass was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009 and had undergone surgery in June of last year. According to son Teddy Pendergrass II, the R&B legend had a difficult recovery. "He will live on through his music," Pendergrass said of his father in a statement.

Matt Rourke-AP

Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor, Producer Troy Witcher Text Editor Andrea N. Browne

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