R.I.P.
Teddy. Even six days after his death, it’s hard to believe he’s gone. Now with his public viewing service announced to be held later this week, still its hard to believe he’s gone. All around the world fans still are grieving from yet another incredible loss in music, and we just can’t believe it. Teddy, known for his romantically resonant voice, happened to be one of the few men who really gave us soul, his soul. As we continue to remember his music, with a good ear and careful listen you can see his creativity on subsequent songs by other artists. Many hip hop and R&B hits sampled Teddy’s silky sound and soothing beats. And, although Teddy is gone, his music will live on, and so will his gran-music, for he was the greatest inspiration. 1977
Teddy Did It First: “And If I Had”
Remember When: The beat dropped the guitar came in, and Teddy moaned all over the intro, teasing us with each note while the sax killed it in the background.
The Remix: D’Angelo’s 2000 “Devil’s Pie”
Imitation is Flattery: With the tempo sped up drastically, Mr. “How-Does-It-Feel” sings more about hustling than loving. 1977
Teddy Did It First: “I Don’t Love You Anymore”
Remember When: Teddy made us feel ok about getting over a love lost, even after we “tried and tried and tried.”
The Remix: Gene Farris’ 1999 “Low Down Dirty World”
Imitation is Flattery: The primarily instrumental recorded track used Teddy’s vocals and production, and went techno with it. 1977
Teddy Did It First: “You Can’t Hide From Yourself”
Remember When: Teddy preached the difficulty of keeping up with appearances when your alone. “Thank God Almighty, everywhere you go there you are…”
The Remix: D.O.C.’s 1989 “Portraits of a Masterpiece”
Imitation is Flattery: Thanks to Teddy’s original, this track became an underground anthem that contributed to becoming a landmark of West Coast music. 1978
Teddy Did It First: “Close the Door”
Remember When: Babies were made to this jam.
The Remix: Big Daddy Kane’s 1994 “In the PJs”
Imitation is Flattery: Not only sampling the beat, Big Daddy Kane came on the track singing like Teddy on a rap about his love for the projects. 1978
Teddy Did It First: “When Somebody Loves You Back”
Remember When: Teddy made finding love sound like the event of the year.
The Remix: Cam’ron and Usher’s 1998 “Feels Good”
Imitation is Flattery: With the beat almost exact, Usher does his best to deliver Teddy’s lyrics. But really who can compete with Teddy? 1979
Teddy Did It First: “Come Go With Me”
Remember When: You couldn’t wait to find a guy who could bark orders like Teddy, but still make it sound romantic.
The Remix: Nelly and Jahiem’s 2004 “My Place”
Imitation is Flattery: Adding a synthesizer to the original beat, Jahiem did Teddy justice and so did Nelly with his sing song raps. 1980
Teddy Did It First: “Love TKO”
Remember When: This song revived how you felt about soul music.
The Remix: Xscape’s 1995 “Who Can I Run To Remix”
Imitation is Flattery: Because of Teddy, Xscape’s second version of the song was better than the first. R.I.P.
Read about Teddy’s immeasurable accomplishments and influential voice Take a look at the icon Teddy Pendergrass throughout the years Producer, label-head Leon Huf remembers Teddy Pendergrass
