Thursday Dish

Sad news out of the world of R&B. Singer Teddy Pendergrass best known for such hits as "I Don't Love You Anymore", "Close The Door" and "Turn Off The Lights" has died. He was 59. Born Theodore DeReese Pendergrass on March 26, 1950, he began his career singing in church as a child. He later became the drummer for The Cadillacs which merged with Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes. He was later invited by Melvin to become the group's lead singer. The group signed with Philadelphia International Records and turned out R&B hits like "The Love I Lost"  "If You Don't Know Me By Now", "Be For Real" and "Bad Luck". Creative differences caused Pendergrass to leave the group for a solo career. He released his debut album for Philadelphia International Records in 1977. He quickly became a sex symbol of the 1970's and 1980's. He was injured in a car crash that left him paralized. He recently had colon cancer surgery from which he never fully recovered. He has left a legacy of music that will live on forever. May he rest in peace.