Teddy Pendergrass From Drummer To Singer

In 1970, after playing a gig in Puerto Rico, the club owner wanted the Blue Notes to extend their set. Harold Melvin was not eager to overtax his already tired voice, especially after a night's worth of singing, but he obliged. By his account, Melvin then asked the musicians who comprised the group's traveling combo whether 'they could play a couple of more tunes and they didn't mind. That's when I first heard Teddy sing. 'Teddy,' of course, was Teddy Pendergrass, the combo's tewnty-year-old drummer. Melvin was shocked when he heard Pendergrass, whose hoarse, yet forceful gospel-drenched baritone bore a striking similarity to the Dells' lead, Marvin Junior. Whether Melvin recognized the similarity of the two voices is unknown. But, said Melvin, 'I knew then that I had something.'

The crafty Melvin wasted no time in bringing his drummer to the forefront. Despite Pendergrass's tender age. the Philadelphia-born musician was noraw recruit. He had drummed for a time with the legedary James Brown Review and also sang with the Epsilons, a Philadelphia group." From, "A House On Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul." By: John A. Jackson