Teddy Pendergrass

[Peter99]

Hi everyone

I hope I didn't read this on another thread - I'm a bit forgetful and mixed up at the moment; but, I recently read that legendary Philly stalwarts Gamble and Huff recently said that Teddy was the most composite, complete all round singer they had ever worked with. Given the many, many top vocalists that they worked with that is some accolade. 

I loved Teddy's work, I still do even though he's no longer with us. His album Getting Ready for Teddy was one of the first soul albums I ever bought. His work with Harold Melvin was also top class - not many non soul people knew it was Teddy on lead vocals for most of HM's biggest hits. Again,. not many "non soul" people know that Lenny Henry's impersonation of a bearded, loved up singer on his old tv show, was based on Teddy. 

I love that sweet Philly sound - a sound that started my soul journey in 1976. Here's one of my favourite Teddy songs;

Thanks for reading, sending my lurve to all of my soul source friends.

Peter

Edited August 3 by Peter99
amends

[Geeselad]

The guy had amazing dynamic range and character in his voice. Has to be up there on any GOAT list. 

[Geeselad]

I was just looking at teddy's early career.  I'm surprised to find only a few releases from Harold Melvin and the blue notes, in the 60's. Can anyone enlighten or add depth? Was Teddy a late bloomer? which HMATBN's records did he do lead on? 

[Chalky]

One of his earliest recordings, old Lifeline spin for Andy Dyson

 

[Geeselad]

10 minutes ago, Chalky said:

One of his earliest recordings, old Lifeline spin for Andy Dyson

 

From an acetate I assume?

[The Yank]

10 hours ago, Geeselad said:

Was Teddy a late bloomer? which HMATBN's records did he do lead on? 

 

7 hours ago, Geeselad said:

 

   Teddy joined Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes as a drummer sometime the late 60's (?) or early 70's. He took over lead vocals on "I Miss You" and did just about all the leads on their biggest hits on Philly Int'l.