TEDDY PENDERGRASS R.I.P.

R&B superstar Teddy Pendergrass, 59, who overcame a paralyzing car accident that left him wheel-chair bound, succumbs to colon cancer.

Teddy began his career as lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes before embarking on a solo career.

Pendergrass was an international music superstar with his smooth sexy stylish on such hits as "Close the Door", "It Don't Hurt Now", "Love TKO" and others that made grown women swoon.

Pendergrass' music bordered on raw eroticism without explicit lyrics or coarse language - just through the sensuous emotion of his voice.

One of his bigger hits "Turn Off the Lights" was tender and coaxing yet strong as the song climaxed.

"The females loved Teddy Pendergrass. The females were very attracted to him and his music," long time pal producer Kenny Gamble said.

But after his accident in 1982 left him paralyzed, Teddy's image of a manly, potent sex machine suffered greatly.  He could still sing but without his signature power.

Resolved to soldier on, and not full prey to depression and bitterness,  Teddy created a new identity as a role model, founding the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance to help others with spinal cord injuries.

"He never showed me that he was angry at all about his accident,"  Gamble divulged.

 "In fact, he was very courageous."