Teddy Pendergrass was an influential American soul and R and B singer and songwriter from Philadelphia. He first gained attention as the lead vocalist for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes before embarking on a solo career that set records with five consecutive platinum albums. In 1982, a car accident left him paralyzed, but he continued to record and perform until his retirement in 2007. Pendergrass remains celebrated for his powerful voice and major impact on soul music. He passed away in 2010.