SO LONG TEDDY P

Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes: Bad Luck
From To Be True (Philadelphia International/Epic, 1975)

In another week's time, another soul legend has passed on. Last week Willie Mitchell, and now Teddy P. Each left their indelible marks on popular music. Teddy really hit his high point with his Ladies Only concerts that wouldn't have been made possible without that bedroom baritone delivered with such raw energy whether on a dance number or a slow song.

His professional training ground was with the popular Philly group Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes for which he used to play drums. Incidentally, when Gamble and Huff heard him sing, he was asked to do lead vocals during their most fruitful period in the early to mid-70s.

Around my house growing up, my mom was (and still is) a huge fan of disco. We listened to “Bad Luck” so many times that the cassette it was on is probably in shreds by now. It wasn't the group's only foray into disco as another album they released within the same year had the original version of “Don't Leave Me This Way” that is better known to most through the Thelma Houston version.

His solo career saw equal, if not greater, success with songs such as “Love TKO” and “Close The Door” - songs that could get anyone in the mood, even Sherman Klump from “The Nutty Professor.” The minister of love has left us, but not before making some beautiful sermons through music during the last 35 years.