Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Teddy Pendergrass, 1950-2010

I was sadden to hear that Philadelphia disco/soul legend Teddy Pendergrass died last Wednesday at the age of 59, due to cancer. In my opinion, Pendergrass had one of the most amazing and signature voices in the history of soul and disco music. Just about as big to the "Philly Sound" as Gamble & Huff, Pendergrass was the voice of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes which released amazing classics like "Bad Luck", and "Don't Leave Me This Way". Pendergrass' also had a remarkable solo career, releasing gems like "Only You", "You Can't Hide From Yourself", "Life Is a Circle", and "The More I Get, The More I Want", among many others. I still remember when Nicky Siano dropped "You Can't Hide From Yourself" and "Bad Luck", when I saw him deejay last fall, and the songs absolutely had the dancefloor rockin'. On a more personal note, the beautifully sung "Don't Leave Me This Way" has consistently been one of my personal favorites to end a dance night with, and the song will now forever, in my opinion, serve as a tribute in many ways to Pendergrass. Overall, it's safe to say that we truly lost one of disco and soul music's greatest lead vocalists, therefore I challenge everyone who reads this blog to play at least one Teddy Pendergrass track at your upcoming dance nights this month, which given the material you have to work with, this assignment shouldn't be very difficult..

From me and this blog, Teddy you'll truly be missed!

Teddy Pendergrass - Only You
Teddy Pendergrass - You Can't Hide From Yourself
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Bad Luck
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Don't Leave Me This Way

Listen to Teddy Pendergrass's disco classic
"You Can't Hide From Yourself"

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2 comments:

professor Eddy said...

Great voice, great loss. The magnificent Philly sound of the early and mid seventies paved the way for disco music, that's for sure.

mariusw said...

THE LOVE I LOST IS ON MY ALL TIME TOP 5 FAVORITE SONG!!!