All the things that we’ve been through
You should understand me like I understand you
Now girl I know the difference between right and wrong
I ain’t gonna do nothing to break up our happy home
Oh don’t get so excited when I come home a little late at night
Cos we only act like children when we argue fuss and fight
These classic lyrics were sung by one of the best R&B superstars of the 70’s. “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” was a hit for the band Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, to which Teddy sang on. Teddy had experienced much tragedy in his life, but it was a life filled with great moments too! He is also the first Legend in our Artist of the Week for “010”!
Teddy was born in South Carolina but moved to Philly at 12 when his father was murdered. Philly was a hot bed of music. The Philly sound was about to explode on to the music scene and Teddy was growing up around it! Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes were formed around 1971, and Teddy was the drummer. After showing band mates that he could sing, he was quickly named as the lead singer. Although he is mostly known for his solo work, Teddy had some classic hits with the band. Hits Like: “Wake Up Everybody,” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “I Miss You” and “Don’t Leave Me This Way.” A little known fact is that the Thelma Houston version of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” is actually a cover of the Teddy version. It was recorded and released from the band’s last album, Wake Up Everybody.
Harold Melvin and Teddy P weren’t the best of friends. They argued a lot and in 1976 Teddy left the band and launched his solo career! Between 1977 and 1980, he released a stellar album every year. In the 70s, Barry White and Teddy P were the only ones putting out albums full of Slow Jams! Teddy became known for his sensual voice and bedroom music. He was instant hit with the ladies! In 1978, he held a “Ladies Night” concert in Philly where women were only allowed to attend. Who knows what went on that night, but it must have been good!
In 1978, he struck gold when he released his sophomore album, Life Is A Song Worth Singing. The song “Close the Door” is one of his most popular and successful songs of all time. His third album, Teddy was filled from beginning to end with nothing but slow jams! He was riding high with the release of TP in 1980. Teddy was putting out hit album after hit album. Then tragedy struck!
In 1982, while driving his Rolls-Royce, his brakes failed and he hit two trees. There has been much speculation as to why the accident happened. Teddy had a transsexual in his car at the time of the accident, so there was much speculation about his sexual preferences. Due to the accident, Teddy suffered a spinal cord injury leaving his paralyzed from the waist down. He would never walk again. After the accident, Teddy released a few more albums, but he never regained his popularity.
In January of this year, Teddy died due to complications from Colon Cancer. He left us with some great music to make babies to. Teddy was truly a legend in the music industry and instrumental in the Philly Sound in the 70s. He will truly be missed!
Top 5 Songs
1. Love TKO
Useful Links
Teddy Pendergrass Alliance (Non-Profit Research for Spinal Cord Injuries)
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