Fans Honor Teddy Pendergrass

Fans lined up by the hundreds, in a stream that wrapped around one of the city's largest Baptist churches to pay their respects Friday to Philadephia's legendary R&B singer-songwriter, Teddy Pendergrass.

"He loved his fans dearly and appreciated them dearly," his son, Teddy Pendergrass II said.

Pendergrass died last Wednesday after battling colon cancer. He was 59.

Pendergrass was one of the leading soul singers of all time and R&B's reigning sex symbol at the height of his career in the 70s and 80s. He spent the last 28 years of his life in a wheelchair after a car crash paralyzed him from the waist down.

His public viewing was held at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. His funeral mass will be at the same church on Saturday with family, friends, music VIPS and other dignitaries.

Pendergrass helped define The Sound of Philadelphia first with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes with "I Miss You," "Bad Luck," Wake Up Everybody," and the unforgettable "If You Don't Know Me By Now."

As a solo artist, Pendergrass recorded hits like "Turn Off the Lights," "I Don't Love You Anymore," "Love T.K.O." and "Close the Door."

After his accident, Pendergrass became very involved in trying to help other people with spinal cord injuries through his charitable Teddy Pendergrass Alliance.

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