I can remember getting in trouble for sneaking into my parents record collection and listening to "Turn Off The Lights". It's amazing with all the derogatory music out today, that they thought Teddy's song was too racy for a young boy. I laugh now, because compared to music today, the lyrics of that song were borderline explicit, but not as rough and raunchy as male r&b singers of this generation.
Pendergrass gained popularity first as a member of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes on songs including "If You Don't Know Me by Now," but it was his solo hits that brought him his greatest fame. With songs such as "Love T.K.O.," "Close the Door" and "I Don't Love You Anymore," he came to define a new era of black male singers with his powerful, aggressive vocals that spoke to virility, not vulnerability
Teddy Pendergrass, who became R&B's reigning sex symbol in the 1970s and '80s with his forceful, masculine voice and passionate love ballads and later became an inspirational figure after suffering a devastating car accident that left him paralyzed, died Wednesday at age 59.
The singer's son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said his father died at Bryn Mawr Hospital in suburban Philadelphia. The singer underwent colon cancer surgery eight months ago and had "a difficult recovery," his son said.
"To all his fans who loved his music, thank you," his son said. "He will live on through his music."
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