“I didn’t like the idea of losing. You can either sit in your house and go ‘woe is me’ until you die, or you can try to find something to do to give you a different outlook on life,” Pendergrass said. “You can say, ‘OK, I can do this in spite of what happened.'”

Regarded by many as the ultimate sex symbol among male R&B vocalists during the ‘70s, Pendergrass enjoyed enormous success during the early years of his career. Songs like “Love TKO,” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” and “Somebody Loves You Back” were chart-toppers and his For Ladies Only concerts legendary.

However, a car accident in 1982 paralyzed his body and stage career.

Nevertheless, Pendergrass continued to record album after album, becoming the first African-American to have five platinum records in a row.

In celebration of his return to touring, a live CD from the tour, From Teddy, With Love, will be released June 11. There will also be a pay-per-view special airing June 13.

“We’re all going to fall down,” Pendergrass said. “It’s how you get up [that] is the story.”

And get up he has. Pendergrass’ triumphant return to the touring arena continues around the States through the summer months.