Photo: Michael Ochs Archive/Getty

The legendary R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass passed away on January 13, 2010 after battling colon cancer. Teddy was 59.

He died at Bryn Mawr Hospital, which is located just outside of Philadelphia.

Teddy’s tremendous career included numerous platinum albums, and three decades of top hits such as, “Close the Door”, ”Joy” and “It Should’ve Been You”.

A five-time grammy nominated singer, Teddy didn’t let becoming a quadriplegic in a 1982 car accident stop his love for singing and pleasing his many fans.

Teddy’s career began when he sang the popular, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”, as lead Singer for the Philadelphia soul group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.

This role lead him into his own solo career. In 1977, Teddy released his self-titled first album. Seven more albums followed on the Gamble & Huff’s Philadelphia International Records label. He then moved on to record with Warner Music’s Asylum and Elektra label.

Here’s Teddy on an episode of ‘that show’ in 1980 with his hit, “Love T.K.O.“

Rest in Peace “Teddy Bear”.

Teddy “Teddy Bear” Pendergrass began his music career as a drummer for The Cadillacs in the early 70′s. His discography spans four decades.

• 1977 – Teddy Pendergrass – The Right Stuff
• 1978 – Life Is a Song Worth Singing – The Right Stuff
• 1979 – Teddy – The Right Stuff
• 1979 – Live! Coast to Coast – Philadelphia International
• 1980 – TP – The Right Stuff
• 1981 – It’s Time for Love – Philadelphia International
• 1984 – Love Language – Asylum
• 1985 – Workin’ It Back – Asylum
• 1988 – Joy – Elektra
• 1991 – Truly Blessed – Elektra
• 1993 – A Little More Magic – Elektra
• 1997 – You and I – Surefire
• 1998 – This Christmas I’d Rather Have Love – Surefire/Wind Up
• 2002 – From Teddy With Love (live) – Razor & Tie source

Teddypendergrass.net is a Fan Site devoted to the music, albums, lyrics, and career of Teddy Pendergrass, singer and musician.