Teddy Pendergrass passes away

American R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass has passed away aged 59, the announcement came from his son, who stated that his Dad suffered problems whilst recovering from surgery for colon cancer.

Teddy had many hits in the 1970s with the group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, including the legendary track 'If You Don't Know Me By Now'. After going solo in the 1976 Teddy released many popular singles, such as 'I Don't Love You Anymore', 'Turn Off The Lights' and 'Love T.K.O'.

In 1982 the singer was involved in a car accident which left him paralysed from the waist down, as well as continuing to perform, and release the album Love Language only six months after, he set up the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance. This association worked with people who had been affected by spinal injuries to ensure they still achieved an independent life.