Truly blessed

by Teddy Pendergrass

A singer whose voice epitomized the Sound of Philadelphia and whose platinum records transcend genres, Teddy Pendergrass is a legend. First as lead singer with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes ("If You Don't Know Me by Now," "The Love I Lost," "Wake Up Everybody"), then in his sizzling solo career ("Close the Door," "Turn Off the Lights," "Love T.K.O."), Teddy proved he was a singular talent. In 1982, at the height of success, thirty-one-year-old Teddy Pendergrass seemed invincible. Then, late one night on a winding Philadelphia road, Teddy's life changed forever. His car crashed, and he was left quadriplegic with limited use of his arms and without, it seemed, a future. Against all odds, though, Teddy miraculously returned: to the concert stage at Live Aid in 1985, to the top of the charts with Joy in 1988, and to the millions of fans around the world who will always love the romantic, charismatic man they call the Teddy Bear. Here, for the first time, Teddy tells the whole story.