“Teddy had that big, booming baritone voice, but he was a tender man. He was very lovable. You could hear it in his music.”
— Leon Huff, of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame song-writing and production team Gamble and Huff, to the New York Times in 2010

Teddy Pendergrass, a talented singer and performer, a 70’s R&B pioneer, a Philadelphia soul sensation, and the survivor of a life-altering injury, in his own words.

For those of you who know me, and for those who do not…. Let me tell you about who I am and why I am here.

I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. I was given the opportunity to sing my first song in church at 2 ½ years old, and I did.

In grade school, I was given the opportunity to join the now world famous, Philadelphia Boys Choir, and I did.

In Jr High, I was given the opportunity to join the All City School Choir, and I did.

At 13, I saw a set of drums on the stage of the place where my Mother washed dishes and scrubbed floors. I took the opportunity to teach myself how to play.

At 18, while working as a waiter in an Atlantic City nightclub, I was given the opportunity to audition for a job playing drums with a band and travel. I did, and I got the job.

A year later, I was offered an opportunity to play drums for a singing group named the Blue Notes, and I did.

A year later, I was given the opportunity to become their lead singer, and yes, I did.

A year later, we signed a recording contract, and the named changed to Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. We had immediate success with songs like “If you don’t know me by now, The Love I lost and Wake up everybody.”

In 1975, unsatisfied with my situation, and after much thought, I decided to take a huge risk and strike out on my own. So, with no money, I left the Blue Notes.

A year later, I signed a solo recording contract, and as they say, the rest is history.

I quickly surpassed all previous record sales by any black artist, sold out national and international concerts, owned estates, cars, my own private jet and oh yes, let’s not forget my “For Woman Only” concerts. I HAD IT ALL!

Credit-AP/NBC

In 1982 and at the height of my career, I had an automobile accident. I WAS DEVASTATED!

I had no idea what to do or where to turn.

After being pushed aside and in despair, unexpectedly and thankfully, in ‘83, another golden and much-needed opportunity came my way. Not knowing whether I could, or would succeed, I was offered another recording contract.

In 1984 and against all odds, I released the album “Love Language” which spawned the duet “Hold me in your arms” featuring a then young and unknown 18 year old singer named Whitney Houston. In fact, that was her first record. Ladies and Gentlemen, that album to date has sold over 2 million copies.

I went on to record six additional and successful albums; made videos, performed at 85 Live Aide, made numerous TV appearances, and accepted Grammy nominations. As we all know, Miss Houston has done extremely well. Actually, she has sold waaaaaaay more records then I have.

I am also a published author.

The point here is “OPPORTUNITY…..and CHALLENGE”! Be challenged, challenge those around you…. because CHALLENGE creates amazing results…… BELIEVE ME. I KNOW!