Teddy Pendergrass Biography

Teddy Pendergrass was known for his booming baritone voice, sex appeal, and his exuberant concert performances that that often elicited emotional screams from the women in his audience. Often called the black Elvis, Pendergrass defined the genre of seductive rhythm and blues soul music. His singles included "If You Don't Know Me by Now," "The Love I Lost," "Close the Door," and "Turn Off the Lights." He was paralyzed in a car accident in 1982 and continued to perform after extensive rehabilitation. He recorded hit albums into the 1990s.