Teddy Pendergrass was an American soul and R&B singer-songwriter born in Philadelphia in 1950. He began his career as a drummer in various local bands, but it was his powerful and soulful voice that eventually propelled him to stardom. Pendergrass first gained fame as the lead singer of the group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, with hits such as “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” and “Wake Up Everybody.”
In 1977, Pendergrass embarked on a solo career, and quickly established himself as a major force in the music industry. His solo debut album, “Teddy Pendergrass,” featured hits such as “Close the Door” and “Come Go With Me,” which showcased his smooth and sensual vocals. Pendergrass was known for his ability to convey raw emotion in his performances, and his romantic ballads quickly became staples of the R&B genre.
Throughout his career, Pendergrass faced numerous challenges, including a near-fatal car accident in 1982 that left him paralyzed from the waist down. However, he continued to record and perform, becoming a symbol of strength and resilience for his fans. His hits included “Love T.K.O.,” “Turn Off the Lights,” and “The Whole Town’s Laughing at Me.”
Pendergrass was a trailblazer for other soul and R&B artists, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations. He was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2015, and his music remains a timeless example of the power and beauty of soulful R&B.
1. It Don’t Hurt Now
“It Don’t Hurt Now” is a soulful ballad originally recorded by Teddy Pendergrass in 1978. The song features a lush and romantic arrangement, with Pendergrass’ smooth and powerful vocals taking center stage. The song’s lyrics describe the feeling of moving on from a painful past and finding happiness in a new love. Pendergrass’ emotive delivery, coupled with the song’s poignant lyrics and melody, create a heartfelt and emotional performance. “It Don’t Hurt Now” has become a classic in the soul and R&B genres, and its message of healing and moving on continues to resonate with listeners to this day.
2. When Someone Loves you Back
“When Someone Loves You Back” is a soulful R&B love song by Teddy Pendergrass, released in 1978. The song’s lyrics celebrate the joy and security of being loved unconditionally, with Pendergrass’ smooth and velvety vocals conveying the passion and tenderness of the lyrics. The song’s catchy hook and upbeat rhythm, combined with Pendergrass’ powerhouse vocals, make it an iconic and beloved track in the genre. “When Someone Loves You Back” remains a testament to Pendergrass’ talent and charisma as a performer, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential soul singers of the 20th century.
3. You can’t Hide from Yourself
“You Can’t Hide from Yourself” is a soul and disco song by American singer-songwriter Teddy Pendergrass, originally released in 1977. The song’s infectious groove, punctuated by horn stabs and a funky bassline, create a danceable rhythm that remains popular on dancefloors today. Pendergrass’ powerful vocals, filled with emotion and soul, convey a message of self-reflection and honesty. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to confront their inner demons and face their true selves, rather than hiding behind a facade. “You Can’t Hide from Yourself” has become a beloved classic of the disco and soul genres, showcasing Pendergrass’ incredible talent and charisma as a performer.
4. I Don’t Love you Anymore
“I Don’t Love You Anymore” is a heart-wrenching ballad originally recorded by Teddy Pendergrass in 1977. The song’s lyrics describe the pain of falling out of love with someone and the difficulty of admitting that love has faded away. Pendergrass’ powerful and soulful vocals are accompanied by a beautiful arrangement of piano, strings, and guitar, creating a melancholic and emotional atmosphere. The song showcases Pendergrass’ ability to deliver raw and honest emotions through his music, and has become a classic in the R&B genre, touching the hearts of many listeners who have gone through the same experience of lost love.
5. Can’t we Try?
“Can’t We Try?” is a romantic ballad by Dan Hill and Vonda Shepard, released in 1987. The song features both Hill and Shepard sharing vocals, telling the story of a couple struggling to salvage their relationship. The song’s powerful and emotional lyrics, combined with the singers’ smooth and soulful voices, make it a classic in the soft rock and adult contemporary genres. “Can’t We Try?” was a commercial success, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and has since become a favorite among fans of love songs and ballads. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of love and reconciliation.
6. In my Video
“In My Video” is a synth-pop song by American musician and producer, Ric Ocasek, released in 1982. The song’s catchy melody, driven by electronic drums and Ocasek’s signature vocal style, creates a playful and upbeat atmosphere. “In My Video” reflects the rising popularity of music videos during the early 1980s, and the influence of MTV on popular culture. The lyrics describe a fantasy world where the protagonist can create his own music videos, with all of the glamour and excitement that entails. “In My Video” remains a beloved classic of the New Wave and synth-pop genres, and a testament to Ocasek’s innovative production and songwriting.
7. Close the Door
“Close the Door” is a soulful and sensual ballad by Teddy Pendergrass, released in 1978. The song’s lyrics depict an intimate moment between lovers, with Pendergrass’ smooth and velvety vocals conveying the passion and desire of the lyrics. The song’s slow and seductive rhythm, combined with Pendergrass’ powerhouse vocals, make it an iconic and beloved track in the R&B and soul genres. “Close the Door” remains a testament to Pendergrass’ talent and charisma as a performer, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential soul singers of the 20th century. The song has since become a classic and a staple in the R&B and soul genres, continuing to move and inspire listeners today.
8. Love TKO
“Love TKO” is a soulful and sensual ballad originally recorded by Teddy Pendergrass in 1980. The song features a smooth and mellow groove, with Pendergrass’ powerful and emotive vocals delivering the song’s sensual lyrics. The song’s catchy hook, “I don’t know what it is, but it sure is funky,” has become an iconic phrase in the R&B genre. “Love TKO” is a timeless classic, with its blend of romantic lyrics, smooth groove, and powerful vocals making it a favorite of listeners for over 40 years. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, cementing its place in music history as an iconic and beloved song.
9. Turn off the Lights
“Turn Off the Lights” is a sensual and romantic R&B song by American singer and songwriter Teddy Pendergrass, released in 1979. The song’s slow, seductive groove and Pendergrass’ smooth vocals create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening. The lyrics suggest a desire to be alone with someone special, to turn off the lights and let the moment take over. “Turn Off the Lights” became a hit on R&B and adult contemporary charts, cementing Pendergrass’ reputation as a soulful and passionate performer. The song remains a beloved classic of the genre and a testament to Pendergrass’ talent as a songwriter and vocalist.
10. Lady Love
“Lady Love” is a soulful ballad by American singer and songwriter Lou Rawls, released in 1977. The song’s slow, romantic tempo and Rawls’ smooth baritone voice create an atmosphere of warmth and tenderness. The lyrics describe a deep and abiding love for a special woman, who is the center of the singer’s world. “Lady Love” became one of Rawls’ signature songs, showcasing his powerful and emotive vocals and cementing his reputation as one of the greatest soul singers of his era. The song remains a beloved classic of the genre, and a testament to Rawls’ incredible talent and artistry.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
