I cried the first time I heard “Wake Up Everybody.” I can picture myself in my bedroom at my mom’s house years ago on a snowy December day sitting on my bed, mesmerized by Teddy’s voice. So warm, so silky, and so smooth, Teddy sent shivers down my spine with his commanding but gentle words of inspiration, words that couldn’t be more meaningful today with the tragedy in Haiti. “Wake Up!” he shouted without shouting. He oozed his demand into your soul. Teddy Pendergrass is the epitome of soul. I can recite every sexy lyric and each passionate grunt of “Close The Door” by heart. The list doesn’t end there. “Love TKO,” “When Somebody Loves You Back,” “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” and so many many many more. There are a handful of producers who have affected my life of music and my passion for soul and Gamble & Huff are one of them. Creators of the Philly Soul sound, they gave Teddy the music, he gave them the voice. Farewell Teddy and thank you. We will listen forever.