Without question, Teddy Pendergrass was one of the most popular male vocalist of the 1970’s, selling millions of records and performing before just as many primarily female fans. Born Theodore DeResse Pendergrass on March 26, 1950, in Philadelphia PA, he began his career singing gospel in Philadelphia churches, becoming an ordained minister at the age of 10. A self taught drummer, he had a teen pop group by the time he was 15. By his late teens, he became the drummer for the local vocal group the Cadillacs. In the late 60’s, the Cadillacs merged with a more established group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. In 1970, after the Blue Notes broke up, Harlold Melvin, now aware of Pendergrass’ vocal talent, asked him to take the lead singer spot. The group signed with Philadelphia International Records and had a string of hits including “I Miss You”, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”, “The Love I Lost” and “Bad Luck”, before Pendergrass decided to go solo in 1976. He released his debut self-titled album, with “I Don’t Love You Anymore” being the lead single. He later went on to top the charts with such hits as “Close The Door”, “Turn Off The Lights”, “Come And Go With Me” and “Love TKO”. Pendergrass died on January 13, 2010 after a battle with colon cancer.