TEDDY PENDERGRASS: IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME - A great way to get to know an amazing man…
Set out in a classic way, TEDDY PENDERGRASS: IF YOU DON’T KNOW ME BY NOW charts the early life, up until a few years after a terrible accident changed his life forever, of one of the most talented black soul/R&B singers the world has known. He was also a singer who was maybe even destined for superstar status, if the accident hadn’t stopped him.
Teddy Pendergrass had the voice, the talent, the charisma...
Teddy Pendergrass had the voice, the talent, the charisma, sex appeal and the looks that some were predicting could’ve propelled him up to the same giddy heights as Elvis Presley or Michael Jackson, but his life, some might say was destined for greatness in a different way. For like ‘A’ list actor, Christopher Reeve, the accident that paralysed Teddy, irrevocably confined him to a wheel chair from 1982 onwards. However, although successful, Teddy Pendergrass was still technically on the way up when it happened, which meant he was still young and had a lot to give. After a lot of inner turmoil, this he did, and forever after, until his passing in 2010. He supported and tirelessly promoted research into spinal injury, and also made a brave, live appearance on stage to sing at ‘Live Aid,’ in 1985. He then went on to make several gold selling studio albums after.
With great editing and thoughtful storytelling, the documentary fairly tells his story...
With great editing and thoughtful storytelling, the documentary fairly tells his story, with humour and with an honesty which engages the viewer on far more than a factual, informative level. With just the right touch, we hear about Teddy’s early life, through his mother and other close associates, and the women he knew and loved, and of course about his time with Harold Melvyn and the Blue Notes, and about the transition into single performer. What is startling is just how many of the Harold and the Blue Note’s songs were in fact made wonderful by his singing. In this way, his early career was very much like Michael Jacksons was with the Jackson Five.
There’s also some wonderful footage of the 1970’s which shows just how much talent and good music there was in Philadelphia...
There’s also some wonderful footage of the 1970’s which shows just how much talent and good music there was in Philadelphia at the time. Sure, there was also some terrible fashion choices too, and peppered with some very funny moments, the documentary is a real treat from a visual and audio perspective.
So, sit back, tune in to what is a wonderful documentary...
So, sit back, tune in to what is a wonderful documentary put together by accomplished director, Olivia Lichtenstein, and strangely for such a true American performer, was produced in the UK. Then celebrate the life of a wonderful man, whose legacy is wonderful voice and songs that will always be with us.Currently on at cinemas in Glasgow and London, Britflicks saw ‘Teddy Pendergrass. ‘If you don’t know me by now,’ at the Regent Cinema on Regent Street, London W1, which always screens and champions a selection of some great documentaries and independent films, and has great bar prices too! www.regentstreetcinema.com
Find a Cinemas screening TEDDY PENDERGRASS: IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME
Jane Foster
janecreates@23-films.com
