Teddy Pendergrass: Soul Singer of the Blue Notes Dies at 59

Teddy Pendergrass was an American soul and R&B singer. Born on March 26, 1950, in Philadelphia, he began singing in church and played drums.

He sang lead for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes on hits such as "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "The Love I Lost." As a solo artist from 1977, he had hit albums and songs including "Close the Door" and "Turn Off the Lights," and was a sex symbol of 1970s soul.

A car accident in 1982 left him paralyzed from the waist down. He returned to music and performed at Live Aid in 1985. Pendergrass died of colon cancer in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on January 13, 2010, at age 59.

Achievements: Lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, four platinum albums.

Birth: March 26, 1950 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Profession: Singer.

Interesting Facts: He performed at Live Aid after his accident.