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Teddy Pendergrass died on January 13, 2010, at age 59. His son said he had undergone surgery for colon cancer about eight months earlier and had a difficult recovery, according to contemporaneous reporting by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
When did Teddy Pendergrass die, and how old was he?
Pendergrass died at Bryn Mawr Hospital on January 13, 2010. He was 59. His birth date was March 26, 1950, according to his official biography.
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Playlist: The Very Best Of Teddy Pendergrass | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Essential Teddy Pendergrass | $14.57 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Real... Teddy Pendergrass [3CD] | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Teddy Pendergrass - Very Best Of | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Best Of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes: If You Don't Know Me By Now (Featuring Teddy... | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
What cancer did Teddy Pendergrass have?
His son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said his father had colon cancer surgery about eight months before his death and endured a difficult recovery. The Inquirer reported that Pendergrass died after a protracted illness following a colon-cancer diagnosis the previous year. These accounts establish the diagnosis and reported surgery, but do not specify further treatment or a more precise medical cause of death.
Why was Teddy Pendergrass important to R&B?
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pendergrass first became known as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. The group recorded songs including “The Love I Lost,” “Yesterday I Had the Blues” and “Wake Up, Everybody.” He later built a successful solo career, with “Turn Off the Lights” among the songs closely associated with him. The Inquirer’s contemporary obituary also identifies “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” among the songs linked to his career.
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How did Pendergrass return to performing after his accident?
A 1982 car crash left Pendergrass paralyzed. He returned to the stage at Live Aid in 1985, a milestone in a career that continued to be shaped by his Philadelphia roots and the connection he maintained with the city’s music community.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How did his family respond to his fans?
In its obituary, the Inquirer reported Pendergrass II’s message to listeners: “To all his fans who loved his music, thank you.” The words were a tribute to the audience that stayed with Pendergrass throughout his career.
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Rank #4
- Teddy Pendergrass - The Very Best Of
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- Teddy Pendergrass
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