A major voice in the Philly soul scene, Teddy Pendergrass' crooning has swayed many into spiritual ecstasy--or even just plain old romantic ecstasy. His music has focused on the themes of love and worship, and he's been a major chart climber since issuing his debut in the '70s. Any lover of soul is a lover of Teddy Pendergrass.

Pendergrass was born in 1950 in Philadelphia, a virtual Mecca for soul listeners. From an early age, he was singing soul music in churches, and he actually became ordained as a minister at the tender age of 10. As a teenager, he developed his talents as a drummer, as well, joining the group The Cadillacs and carrying through the '60s in Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, a group that absorbed The Cadillacs. Eventually, Melvin decided Pendergrass' amazing vocals were a major asset. He added him to the lineup as a singer--but Pendergrass was good enough to be on his own. After singing on a handful of major singles throughout the early and mid-'70s, Pendergrass decided he'd had enough, and set out as a solo performer.

His self-titled debut came out in 1977, and was hailed both by critics and record-buyers, with "I Don't Love You Anymore" being a major hit. The debut eventually turned platinum. His follow-up, 1978's Life is a Song Worth Singing, cemented his position as a major player in the soul scene. He started doing "Ladies Only" concerts, as well.

The next three albums he did went gold or platinum, making Pendergrass one of the biggest soul singers on the national market. His reputation would remain solid--but in 1982, tragedy struck. He was paralyzed from the waist down after a car crash, and months of physical therapy followed. He returned to the studio, however, still earning gold platters, and still earning love from his fans.