Truly Blessed

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read for All Hardcare Teddy Pendergrass Fans
Review: ...I have been listening to Teddy Pendergrass since his days with Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes (my father and I have copies of their 1975 LP "Wake Up Everybody" - he the LP, me the CD)and his earlier solo singles (among them, "Close the Door", "Only You" and "You Can't Hide from Yourself") are pure classics - just one example of the pure, raw, unadulterated soul music that was pumping out out of Gamble and Huff's PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL RECORDS headquartered in Philadelphia. When I heard about his near fatal car crash in early 1982 and the fact that he had no movement from the neck down, my heart sanked - will Teddy Pendergrass ever be able to share his rare amazing gift of singing again? Sad to say, his albums since then does not capture the rawness that his prior recordings did (the lone exception, his 1997 CD "You and I", my review of which you will see in AMAZON.COM's music section). Although his music was a treat to the ears for me, like so many of his fans, I had a lot of misconceptions of Teddy Pendergrass; to wit, his playboy life, lavish lifestyle and his children bore out of wedlock. However, I had the opportunity during Labor Day weekend in September, 1999 to visit The City of Brotherly Love and picked up this book. This book dispells all of the misconceptions and, in the process, shows the tender side of Teddy Pendergrass, the man and the human being - from his humble beginnings in North Philadelphia, his earlier, struggling days with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, his devotion to his mother, his wife, Karen, and, most remarkably, his three children to the car crash and his daily struggles as a quadraplegic. To my fellow Teddy Pendergrass fans: ignore the image, pick up this book and read it from cover to cover. You will NOT be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: ...whose hand is that cradling teddy's face?...
Review: ...just curious...maybe (hopefully) it's his wife's hand...what an INCREDIBLE woman she is...perhaps the most impressive person in his autobiography, aside from his mother. Just finished reading this book yesterday...after staring at the cover for a while (yeah...like it was gon MOVE or somethin'...or like he was gon actually BLINK!)...the cover alone can capture you --- especially if, like me, you are a true Teddy fan. I think I just recently evolved into one, however...it's like his music is f.g.f.o. (for grown folks only), and I just recently grew up...hey, what can I say? It took me til my thirties to really appreciate where this man is coming from.
...so of course I had to pick up the book...there was no me getting away from it, or it getting away from me. Admittedly, it's probably the best autobiography I've read in a while, written in straight forward language and sprinkled with humor. Some of what he shares is surprising, some of it not so surprising, but all of it is revealing, and I know it took a lot for him to share all that he did of himself, and I really appreciate that. I had just turned 13 the same month he had the car accident that left him a quadriplegic (sp?), and I remember well all the speculations and the news reports. Though I was young, I remember how much his accident really impacted me. I think in a way, reading this book, I grieved his loss all over again...(I was in such a sad mood all day yesterday...just couldn't seem to shake it)... after all, he is telling his own story here...no more speculations or rumors...just his words. I hurt that he --- or anyone --- would have to go through such a painful ordeal. As for anyone, my only hope and prayer is that he's grown through it, and has become, or is becoming, more of the person God wants him to be. I can only imagine, though, the limitations those who are physically challenged must face, and reading this book has given me a new appreciation for that, for which I'm thankful. I think there are so many things that we all take for granted day in and day out. Hopefully, we will open our eyes to see how Truly Blessed we all are, too...just as much as Teddy is.

Rating:
Summary: ...whose hand is that cradling teddy's face?...
Review: ...just curious...maybe (hopefully) it's his wife's hand...what an INCREDIBLE woman she is...perhaps the most impressive person in his autobiography, aside from his mother. Just finished reading this book yesterday...after staring at the cover for a while (yeah...like it was gon MOVE or somethin'...or like he was gon actually BLINK!)...the cover alone can capture you --- especially if, like me, you are a true Teddy fan. I think I just recently evolved into one, however...it's like his music is f.g.f.o. (for grown folks only), and I just recently grew up...hey, what can I say? It took me til my thirties to really appreciate where this man is coming from.
...so of course I had to pick up the book...there was no me getting away from it, or it getting away from me. Admittedly, it's probably the best autobiography I've read in a while, written in straight forward language and sprinkled with humor. Some of what he shares is surprising, some of it not so surprising, but all of it is revealing, and I know it took a lot for him to share all that he did of himself, and I really appreciate that. I had just turned 13 the same month he had the car accident that left him a quadriplegic (sp?), and I remember well all the speculations and the news reports. Though I was young, I remember how much his accident really impacted me. I think in a way, reading this book, I grieved his loss all over again...(I was in such a sad mood all day yesterday...just couldn't seem to shake it)... after all, he is telling his own story here...no more speculations or rumors...just his words. I hurt that he --- or anyone --- would have to go through such a painful ordeal. As for anyone, my only hope and prayer is that he's grown through it, and has become, or is becoming, more of the person God wants him to be. I can only imagine, though, the limitations those who are physically challenged must face, and reading this book has given me a new appreciation for that, for which I'm thankful. I think there are so many things that we all take for granted day in and day out. Hopefully, we will open our eyes to see how Truly Blessed we all are, too...just as much as Teddy is.

Rating:
Summary: A must read for all hard-core Teddy Pendergrass Fans!!
Review: Although I will be only 31 years old come this November (hence far too young to attend his popular "For Women Only" performances), I have been listening to Teddy Pendergrass since his days with Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes (my father and I have copies of their 1975 LP "Wake Up Everybody" - he the LP, me the CD)and his earlier solo singles (among them, "Close the Door", "Only You" and "You Can't Hide from Yourself") are pure classics - just one example of the pure, raw, unadulterated soul music that was pumping out out of Gamble and Huff's PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL RECORDS headquartered in Philadelphia. When I heard about his near fatal car crash in early 1982 and the fact that he had no movement from the neck down, my heart sanked - will Teddy Pendergrass ever be able to share his rare amazing gift of singing again? Sad to say, his albums since then does not capture the rawness that his prior recordings did (the lone exception, his 1997 CD "You and I", my review of which you will see in AMAZON.COM's music section). Although his music was a treat to the ears for me, like so many of his fans, I had a lot of misconceptions of Teddy Pendergrass; to wit, his playboy life, lavish lifestyle and his children bore out of wedlock. However, I had the opportunity during this past Labor Day weekend to visit The City of Brotherly Love and picked up this book. This book dispells all of the misconceptions and, in the process, shows the tender side of Teddy Pendergrass, the man and the human being - from his humble beginnings in North Philadelphia, his earlier, struggling days with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, his devotion to his mother, his wife, Karen, and, most remarkably, his three children to the car crash and his daily struggles as a quadraplegic. To my fellow Teddy Pendergrass fans: ignore the image, pick up this book and read it from cover to cover. You will NOT be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: YES, You are Truly Blessed
Review: Dear Mr. Pendergrass,

Where should I begin writing this letter? I'll begin by saying, Hello. My name is Shirley Moore. I live in Rancho Cordova, CA, outside of Sacramento, CA. I pray that the lord is still blessing and keeping you in his grace. I`ve just finish reading your book "Truly Blessed". I am the one that's been truly blessed. I'm honored to have had the opportunity to read your book. It has given me a new look on life, in terms of reading and having the mind to read. Your book has had a profound effect upon my life. Having partied off your music for years, I felt compiled to write you. Before reading your book I really didn't enjoy reading, not at all. I'd like to share with you how this wonder took place. We (my husband Earl) and I heard over the radio that Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Dramatic's, Chilite's and someone else was coming to town Friday, June 20, 2000. Yes, we got some tickets. While picking up the tickets at Tower Records we decided to go into the Tower bookstore next door. I was determined to find something to read; something that would keep my interest. I wanted to read about someone that I kind of knew a little bit about. It had to be about someone that was black. That way I could relate to them. Please, don't get me wrong. I like white people. I have white people as well as other races in my family, and I love them all to death. I just wanted to read about someone that was black. This put a limitation on my selection of books. I looked, I looked and I looked. I was getting tired, so I sat on the floor. There it was on the bottom rack, you were there staring at me. I said, Ooh Ooh. Teddy has a book. Truly, (one of my favorite words as well) this was exciting to me. I'd remember having the CD "TRULY BLESSED", as well as other CD's of yours in our home. I picked it up and begun to read. I couldn't put it down. I'd always begin reading a book but never finish it. I had to purchase the book because it was time to go home and time for the store to close. My families noticed that I was on a roll, reading for endless hours. I learned you were from the same hometown as my husband, Earl. That excited me. He was born and raised in Philadelphia. He has family members remaining in Philadelphia, North 60th street. You and Earl have traveled some of the same streets. Earl graduated from West High School with Kenny Gamble in 1961; one of the owners of the record company you once recorded music with. Kenny was married to Dee Dee Sharpe. I got this information from my husband Earl. Lots of the things you would talk about in your book, I would ask Earl about, such as: names of schools, street names the Uptown theater and other things. All of this was exciting and important to me. It was an added bonus to my reading. Isn't it funny how things have a way of working out for ones good. Yes, I finished the book. Thank-you very much. I'm rather proud of myself. 40 years old and the second time in life finishing a book. That's something.

The concert was FANTASTIC. The Blue Notes were great. They sang lots of songs that you sang back in the day. They sounded good, but not like you. There is only one "Teddy Pendergrass" and that's you. You are the best at what you do.

Earl and I (my first time) and 14 years old daughter visited Philly last August for vacation and our anniversary to see his dad, stepmother and his mother up in NYC. I LOVED IT. We had to return to Philadelphia this past January for Earl's sister funeral service. Under the circumstances I still had a wonderful time, I realized when I returned home to Sacramento, California, that I hadn't left the house but one time, and that was for the funeral services. Philly is the Bomb.

Your life story is somewhat like my husband's family. Earl's stepmother has had stroke after stroke, after stroke. Today, she is bedridden. She has no concept as to who she is or what is going on in her life. She has been in this condition for over 21 years at home. Earl's father is and has been taking extremely good care of Mom for all those years and many more before those strokes began. See again, you are truly blessed.

You're such a remarkably incredible man Mr. Pendergrass. The courage that you possess, makes you one of a kind. Yes, childhood life was hard and sometimes it carries itself into ones adulthood, but throughout your life you have struggled. Pressing on, toward the mark, done the best that you possible could. You've always come out a winner, sitting pretty in the father's hand. When you look back you can say it really hasn't been so bad. And in my book that is what it's all about, it's a wonderful thing; it's a miracle. Pressing on, never giving up. There is never nothing that you can't do. You may have to take another route, maybe even a longer route, of getting it done, but I'm sure it will get done. Remember that you are Teddy. SMILE.

Earl and I, and our children have plans to come home to Philly in August of this year for vacation and our anniversary (again). This time my plans are to go out of the house and see Philadelphia. SMILE. Earl's 4 grown children will meet they're grandparents, for the first time. That's another long wonderful story. See the LORD is in the blessing business. And we are here to accept them. I am hoping that I will/could have an opportunity to meet with you and Karen. Karen... a wonderful and caring women. There you go again... being truly blessed. She has a wonderful spirit within her. She was made for you, and has made you happy. I'm glad you recognize that.

I know this is asking for much BUT I'd like very much if we could meet with you and your family while we're in Philadelphia. Please? We don't get to come that way often. This would be a dream come true. Thank-you so much in advance. Thank you so much for your inspiration. The enthusiasm and the joy that you've brought into my life, as well as others. I know that the LORD will continue to bless and keep you.

Sincerely yours, Shirley Moore

P.S. I would like to let you know that I'm currently reading insights on life and love of Barry White "Love Unlimited" book, all because of you.

Again, thank you.

Rating:
Summary: a great book
Review: teddy pendergrass's book is very well written.i feel it's one of the best bio's that i have ever read.it explains alot of things regarding his music&life.hearing how he started as a drummer before taking over the mic and his years with harold melvoin&the blue notes.a great book.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent account of how God works in a persons life
Review: Teddy seemed to be very candid in the writing of his book. My dad was in a logging accident last year that left him unable to walk. I am the first to admit that when you (an able bodied individual) have not experienced such a tragedy it is difficult to relate to someone who has and will always continue to go through this process. My dad was very active, he was a firefighter, fished, hunted and all sorts of other hobbies that he liked to do. Reading Teddy's book provided me with more of an understanding of what a spinal cord injury patient can go through. Taking me through the process of the insensitivity of his doctor's, of not accepting the situation that he was in and simply wanting to give up is exactly what my dad is dealing with. First, all praises should go up to God for allowing Teddy, my dad, and whomever else is experiencing spinal cord injury for bestowing the opportunity upon them to live a second life. What is also important is that despite being a quadraplegic Teddy continued to find and seek out his blessings. At this stage, I believe that my dad has given up. I am hoping and praying that after I send this book to my dad for him to read that he will find the motivation to get up and move forward. Teddy, thank you for sharing your blessings in order that others who share your lifestyle may be blessed as well.

Rating:
Summary: It was "alright"...
Review: This book is for die hard Teddy P fans. The story is o.k., but unless you are a true Teddy fan, don't waste your time.

Rating:
Summary: The Essence of Manhood
Review: This book moved me like none other in years and I read at least 2 to 3 books a month. I felt when I read it as if I were sitting across from Teddy and he was telling me how it felt to have a woman throw panties at him for the very first time. How it felt to be the front man for Harold Melvin & the Blues Notes for the first time. I also found how deep the scars are when your life is changed in a twinkle of an eye. I felt how painful it must have felt when a woman looked at him and said "F*ck you, you crippled motherf*cker." The book came alive for me and I knew for the first time why I was so moved when I was 18 years old and heard for the first time "Singer Teddy Pendergrass is paralyzed." Yes, I bought his albums and remember playing his live "8-track" over and over again. The reason I was so moved that day in 82' is becasue Teddy to me was my manhood. He was "our" manhood. He could be sensitive yet masculine. He could be both sexy and spiritual and be genuinely true to both. But what I learned after reading his book is that even now, all of the things he was, he is even more so. He is even more sexy and sensitive and masculine and spiritual becasue after reading the book I found out that Teddy was comfortable with himself.

Teddy Pendergrass to me is still and will always be the true essence of manhood.