“Teddy Pendergrass” was an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s with his rich and powerful vocals. Known for his sensual ballads and upbeat grooves, Pendergrass became a prominent figure in the world of R&B music, earning several chart-topping hits and legions of devoted fans. In honor of his incredible talent and contributions to the genre, we have compiled a list of the 10 best Teddy Pendergrass songs of all time.
From soulful ballads like “Love T.K.O.” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” to upbeat tracks like “Come Go With Me” and “Joy,” this list showcases the range and versatility of Pendergrass’s music. Each song on this list is a testament to Pendergrass’s incredible talent as a singer and performer, showcasing his powerful vocals and ability to convey emotion through his music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Pendergrass’s music, this list is sure to feature some of his most iconic and beloved songs. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the soulful sounds of Teddy Pendergrass as we take a trip through some of his greatest hits.
1. “Love T.K.O.”
“Love T.K.O.” is a smooth and soulful R&B ballad by American singer Teddy Pendergrass. Released in 1980, the song features Pendergrass’s distinctive and powerful vocals, accompanied by a mix of guitar, drums, and keyboards. The song’s lyrics speak of the pain and confusion of a love that has gone wrong, with Pendergrass singing about the feelings of hurt and betrayal that can come with a broken heart. The song’s haunting chorus, with its repeated refrain “Love T.K.O.,” has become an iconic anthem of heartbreak and emotional turmoil.
2. “Turn Off the Lights”
“Turn Off the Lights” is a sensual and seductive R&B song by American singer Teddy Pendergrass. Released in 1980, the song features Pendergrass’s smooth and sultry vocals, accompanied by a mix of guitar, drums, and keyboards. The song’s lyrics speak of the desire and passion that can come with a romantic encounter, with Pendergrass singing about the pleasures of turning off the lights and getting lost in the moment. The song’s hypnotic chorus, with its repeated refrain “Turn off the lights and light a candle,” has become an iconic anthem of love and intimacy.
3. “Close the Door”
“Close the Door” is a smooth and sensual R&B ballad by American singer Teddy Pendergrass. Released in 1978, the song features Pendergrass’s rich and soulful vocals, accompanied by a mix of guitar, drums, and keyboards. The song’s lyrics speak of the passion and intimacy of a romantic encounter, with Pendergrass singing about the desire to be alone with his lover and the pleasure of sharing an intimate moment. The song’s seductive chorus, with its repeated refrain “Close the door and let me give you what you’ve been waiting for,” has become an iconic anthem of love and desire.
4. “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”
“If You Don’t Know Me By Now” is a soulful and emotional ballad by American singer Teddy Pendergrass, recorded with the group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. Released in 1972, the song features Pendergrass’s powerful and emotive vocals, accompanied by a mix of guitar, piano, and strings. The song’s lyrics speak of the importance of honesty and communication in a relationship, with Pendergrass singing about the pain and frustration that can come with a lack of understanding between partners. The song’s heartfelt chorus, with its repeated refrain “If you don’t know me by now, you will never, never, never know me,” has become an iconic anthem of love and self-awareness.
5. “Come Go With Me”
“Come Go With Me” is an upbeat and energetic R&B song by American singer Teddy Pendergrass. Released in 1979, the song features Pendergrass’s smooth and soulful vocals, accompanied by a mix of guitar, drums, and horns. The song’s lyrics speak of the excitement and adventure of a new love, with Pendergrass singing about the thrill of exploring new experiences with his partner. The song’s infectious chorus, with its repeated refrain “Come go with me, I’ll take you there,” has become an iconic anthem of love and romance.
6. “The Whole Town’s Laughing At Me”
“The Whole Town’s Laughing At Me” is a soulful and introspective R&B song by American singer Teddy Pendergrass. Released in 1977, the song features Pendergrass’s powerful and emotive vocals, accompanied by a mix of guitar, drums, and horns. The song’s lyrics speak of the pain and embarrassment of being publicly shamed and humiliated, with Pendergrass singing about the struggles of trying to rebuild his reputation in the face of ridicule and scorn.
7. “I Don’t Love You Anymore”
“I Don’t Love You Anymore” is a heart-wrenching and emotional R&B ballad by American singer Teddy Pendergrass. Released in 1977, the song features Pendergrass’s raw and soulful vocals, accompanied by a mix of guitar, piano, and strings. The song’s lyrics speak of the pain and regret of falling out of love with a partner, with Pendergrass singing about the difficult decision to end a relationship and the sorrow that comes with letting go. The song’s powerful chorus, with its repeated refrain “I don’t love you anymore, it’s time for me to go,” has become an iconic anthem of heartbreak and loss.
8. “When Somebody Loves You Back”
“When Somebody Loves You Back” is a soulful and romantic R&B song by American singer Teddy Pendergrass. Released in 1978, the song features Pendergrass’s smooth and powerful vocals, accompanied by a mix of guitar, drums, and keyboards. The song’s lyrics speak of the joy and fulfillment of finding true love, with Pendergrass singing about the warmth and security that comes with being in a committed relationship. The song’s uplifting chorus, with its repeated refrain “It’s so good lovin’ somebody when somebody loves you back,” has become an iconic anthem of love and happiness.
9. “Joy”
“Joy” is an upbeat and uplifting R&B song by American singer Teddy Pendergrass. Released in 1988, the song features Pendergrass’s smooth and soulful vocals, accompanied by a mix of guitar, drums, and horns. The song’s lyrics speak of the power and importance of joy in one’s life, with Pendergrass singing about the freedom and positivity that comes with finding happiness and contentment. The song’s infectious chorus, with its repeated refrain “Joy, joy, joy, joy, let it flow like a river,” has become an iconic anthem of positivity and optimism.
10. “Can’t We Try”
“Can’t We Try” is a soulful and emotional R&B duet by American singer Teddy Pendergrass and singer-songwriter Lisa Fischer. Released in 1980, the song features Pendergrass’s powerful and emotive vocals, complemented by Fischer’s stunning harmonies. The song’s lyrics speak of the pain and regret of a failing relationship, with Pendergrass and Fischer singing about the desire to make things work and the hope of rekindling their love. The song’s poignant chorus, with its repeated refrain “Can’t we try just a little bit harder, can’t we give just a little bit more,” has become an iconic anthem of second chances and redemption.
