I would be remiss if I did not say that part of the key to Pendergrass' comeback is the use of a crack band. Some of the members, including the drummer, James Carter (a drummer's drummer has to be good), were with him during his heydey. Their virtuoso performances both complement the singer and provide additional focuses. Particularly of note is Robert Landham on saxophone and keyboards. He is also a fine jazz musician.

Does the fact Pendergrass is a quadriplegic effect the performance? To people not familiar with paralysis, it is probably pretty notable that Pendergrass does not move from the mid-section down and that he can't palm or grasp with his hands. In addition, he had gained weight, another hazard of paralysis, when From Teddy, With Love was taped. He was thin again, and looking very much like his younger self, by the time the interview footage was done. I am familiar with paraplegics and did not find his appearance disconcerting. An overly jiggly female backup singer who was usually behind him was more distracting than his wheelchair. However, I did read a newspaper review of a live performance in which the reporter could not get pass the paralysis. That was the main thing he noticed.

The most noticeable aspect of From Teddy With Love, in my opinion, is Pendergrass' palpable joy in returning to live performance. I believe that is in keeping with his personality — proud, ambitious, determined. He could have settled for his work with the Blue Notes, and the fine career he had from 1977 through 1982, during which he had five platinum solo albums and earned enormous wealth. Instead, he chose to return to recording and became a fixture on the charts again in the later '80s and '90s. Another factor I suspect in his continued interest in performing is that he is still a love man. Glimpses of the legendary seducer peek through the more sedate persona of the middle-aged man who is already a grandfather. Pendergrass' return to performing, wheelchair notwithstanding, is Teddy being Teddy.

Reasonably related

From Teddy, With Love, can be ordered from most music outlets, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is available as a video and as a DVD. There is also an audio only version.

Note: This entry also appeared at Silver Rights.