Silky voiced soul singer Teddy Pendergrass, whose hits “Turn Off the Lights” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” set the mood for millions of fans, has died at age 59.

The singer’s son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said his father died Wednesday night at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Pendergrass’ son said his father underwent colon cancer surgery eight months ago and had “a difficult recovery.” {Source}

My heart is broken. My Old School Friday people know how much I love Teddy Pendergrass. Words just can’t express what his music does to me. In spite of the car accident of 1982 that left him paralyzed, he was one of the sexiest singers in my mom’s generation. My mother said, at concerts women would literally throw their panties on the stage. (We can’t relate to that because none of today’s artist have that much power with their voice).

Teddy Pendergrass started his career with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, with hits like If You Don’t Know Me By Now and Wake Up Everybody. But Teddy is most famous for his solo career that sparked hits like Love TKO and Turn Off the Lights. Love TKO is probably one of the most sampled tracks in Hip-Hop history.

So here’s my tribute to the Latest, Greatest Inspiration in music history: (I’m going to go and make a baby right quick).