16 Jan 2010

US singer Teddy Pendergrass dies

2:56 pm on 16 January 2010

American R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass has died, aged 59, after a long illness.

Pendergrass was lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, whose biggest hits were If You Don't Know Me By Now and Don't Leave Me This Way.

He was also known for love ballads such as Turn Off the Lights and Love TKO.

He died at the hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was born.

His family did not reveal details about his illness, but said it was related to complications from a 1982 car accident that left him paralysed, publicist Lisa Barbaris told CNN.

Following the car crash, he continued his recording career, as well as dedicating much of his life to helping others with spinal cord injuries.