What a talent . . .

"Every guy wanted to have Teddy's seductive power over women. When you made your love tapes for that quiet evening with your girl, you made sure you had a few cuts by T.P."

- Chris Murray, Philadelphia

"I remember a friend telling of her experience at his 'for ladies only concert' here in Philly. She threw her underwear on the stage. Another thing Teddy did was get me into wearing cowboy boots and the hat. He brought back the style - the machismo, so to speak. I even had my beard trimmed like T.P. A Philly legend."

- Tyrone Williams, via Facebook

"I'm hurting right now because I've lost a brother and a dear friend. Teddy was an amazing talent, a survivor and an inspiration. He gave so much to so many people and influenced countless artists, but no one could ever compare to Teddy. I am truly going to miss him, but know that his memory and legacy will live forever. My heart and prayers go out to his family and his fans all over the world."

-Patti LaBelle

"In 1980, I went to see him in concert with Stephanie Mills in Washington, D.C. The two ladies next to me brought extra bras and panties that they threw to him on stage after he took off his shirt and was wearing only his undershirt and slacks. He had a way of seducing you with his voice. . . . His music is a reminder to me of my youth and my growing into adulthood. Today I have had many calls and texts from my college roommates and family extending their sympathies to me about Teddy.

- Susan Scholl, West Chester

"I used to do commercial session work at Sigma Sound [Studios] back in the late '70s and early '80s. You always knew when T.P. was in the house. His voice was electric, and the building shook down to its foundation. How ironically appropriate that 'TSOP' [The Sound of Philly] begins with 't' and ends with 'p.' Pure genius.

- Fred Lavner, Philadelphia

"His voice was so good that you never think of him as a drummer, but he started out as a drummer with Tavares. Teddy represented in the '70s what the real 'Sound of Philadelphia' was all about. He was really the first sex symbol that Philly International had. He had a sensual, pleading voice. That voice conveys a feeling of love. That accident ruined his career, you can't hit some of those notes in a wheelchair. Even though he tried to come back, it wasn't the Teddy that the public wanted to hear."

- Jerry "The Geator" Blavat

"I remember meeting him after a concert. He invited my sister and me to attend the second show. We were so excited! Backstage, he was warm, respectful, kind and a gentleman. I saw him again many years later. He was in a wheelchair; his hands were swollen as I tried to connect with him and shake his hand. ... He spoke through his eyes and big smile the best he could. His music lives on! Turn off the lights."

- Sandy White, Buffalo, N.Y.

"I remember being 18 years old and going to a Teddy Pendergrass/McFadden & Whitehead concert in Milwaukee, Wis. It was one of the most electrifying concerts I have witnessed. I remember as a child my parents playing the Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes album and declaring, "That boy can sing!" Rest in peace, Teddy."

- Yolanda Shelbourne,

Milwaukee, Wis.

"One of the greatest voices in the music industry has been silenced. Teddy Pendergrass was a rare talent. His smooth vocal sound coupled with his suave on-stage persona endeared him to his fans. Philadelphia was proud of our home-grown mega star. He was my friend, I admired his talent and his determination not to allow his paralysis decide his future. Like all Philadelphians, I will miss our Teddy Bear."

- U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa.

"I met Teddy Pendergrass in Boston a few years back. I met and talked with him backstage. He was quiet and humble. Confined to his wheelchair. But from the moment he took the stage, the weelchair seemed to just disappear. For all the doubters, Teddy still HAD IT! Coming from a 60-year-old woman, when I hear Teddy sing, I am 21 years old again. Love ya Teddy, and peaceful sleep.

- Wanda Bakon, Boston

"I used to hang out in Center City near Teddy's place, somewhere off 22nd and Walnut. Late after midnight, me and my friends saw him get out of a white Rolls-Royce with several women and go inside. We just had to go peep inside the front door. Inside the lobby was a giant stone Teddy bear! I'll never forget that. Teddy was a playa before the word."

- Eugene Kane, Milwaukee, Wis.