MUSIC/ TEDDY PENDERGRASS DIES AT 59

Teddy Pendergrass, who became R&B's reigning sex symbol in the 1970s and '80s with his forceful, masculine voice and passionate love ballads and later became an inspirational figure after suffering a devastating car accident that left him paralyzed, died yesterday at age 59. The singer's son said his father died at a hospital in suburban Philadelphia. The singer underwent colon cancer surgery 8 months ago and had "a difficult recovery," his son said. At the height of his career, Pendergrass suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the waist down in the 1982 car accident. He spent 6 months in a hospital but returned to recording the next year with the album "Love Language." Pendergrass, who was born in Philadelphia on March 26, 1950, gained popularity 1st as a member of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. In 1971, the group signed a record deal with the legendary writer/producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The group released its first single, "I Miss You," in 1972 and then released "If You Don't Know Me by Now," which was nominated for a Grammy Award. Pendergrass quit the group in 1975 and embarked on a solo career in 1976. It was his solo hits that brought him his greatest fame. With songs such as "Love T.K.O.," "Close the Door," Turn Off the Lights" and "I Don't Love You Anymore," he came to define a new era of black male singers with his powerful, aggressive vocals that spoke to virility, not vulnerability. Pendergrass was the 1st black male singer to record 5 consecutive multi-platinum albums. But his career was derailed by the car accident. After the accident he continued to sing and recorded several albums, receiving multiple Grammy nominations. His best-known hit after his crash was the inspirational song "Life is a Song Worth Singing." It was 19 years before Pendergrass resumed performing at his own concerts. He made his return on Memorial Day weekend in 2001, with 2 sold-out shows in Atlantic City. Pendergrass is survived by his wife, 3 children, mother, and 9 grandchildren.