Philadelphia Renames Street After Teddy Pendergrass
Philadelphia officially honored one of its most beloved musical sons on Saturday, July 27, 2025, renaming the 400 block of South Broad Street as "Teddy Pendergrass Way" in a ceremony that celebrated the legacy of the legendary R&B singer who helped define the Sound of Philadelphia.
A Long-Awaited Recognition
The street renaming ceremony took place at the intersection of Broad and Pine Streets, where approximately 100 fans, family members, and city officials gathered to witness the unveiling. Councilmember Mark Squilla read the proclamation renaming the block and acknowledged the timing of the honor, asking the crowd: "This is something that we probably should have done 20 years ago, right?"
The newly designated Teddy Pendergrass Way holds special significance in Philadelphia's musical landscape. The block is located down the street from the former site of Philadelphia International Records, the label that released Pendergrass' first five platinum solo albums and helped establish him as one of the defining voices of the Philadelphia Sound.
Family and City Officials Celebrate
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker delivered remarks at the ceremony, emphasizing Pendergrass' lasting impact on the city and its residents. "You helped the music come off the sheets and into the spirits and souls of the people who were listening and Teddy made the words, the poetry become a part of our lives," Parker said.
The mayor also presented Pendergrass' family with the highest honor the city can bestow upon a citizen's family: a replica of the Liberty Bell, symbolizing the enduring respect Philadelphia holds for the singer's legacy.
Joan Pendergrass, the singer's widow, expressed her gratitude during the emotional ceremony. "It's an honor. I'm humbled," she said. "There's no words to describe the way I'm feeling. This had been a long journey." Joan revealed that the street renaming had been in development for over two years, calling it the realization of a long-held dream.
Teddy Pendergrass Jr., one of the singer's three children, reflected on the significance of the honor: "It's been so many years just thinking about dad and what he meant to the city of Philadelphia. It feels good. He'd have a big smile on his face right now."
Teddy Pendergrass: A Philadelphia Story
Born in Kingstree, South Carolina, Teddy Pendergrass was raised in North Philadelphia by his mother, Ida, who worked at Sciolla's Supper Club in Northeast Philadelphia. It was there that young Pendergrass was exposed to legendary performers like Jackie Wilson and Connie Francis. At age 13, he snuck into the showroom to teach himself drums, beginning his journey toward musical stardom.
After dropping out of high school in the late 1960s, Pendergrass began working as a touring musician before becoming the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in the early 1970s. The group achieved chart-topping success with hits including "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "Wake Up Everybody."
When Pendergrass left the group in 1975 to pursue a solo career, he found immediate success. His first five solo albums—from his 1977 self-titled debut through 1981's "It's Time for Love"—all achieved platinum status, establishing him as one of Philadelphia International Records' biggest solo artists alongside hits like "Turn Off the Lights," "Love T.K.O.," and "Joy."
Triumph Over Adversity
In 1982, at the height of his career, Pendergrass' life changed dramatically when he was involved in a car crash on Lincoln Drive in Philadelphia's East Falls section. The accident left him paralyzed from the chest down after breaking his neck. Despite this devastating setback, Pendergrass demonstrated remarkable resilience.
He returned to the spotlight in 1985 with a memorable performance at the historic Live Aid concert in Philadelphia, marking his first public performance since the accident. The appearance showcased his determination to continue his musical career despite his physical limitations.
Throughout the remainder of his life, Pendergrass remained positive and dedicated to helping others facing similar challenges. In 1998, he established the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, an organization dedicated to aiding people with spinal cord injuries. As he reflected in 2007: "This is not a cartoon. This is not a movie. This is real life. I want to know, after something happens like this, how do you have a productive life in the meantime?"
A Musical Block Party
The 400 block of South Broad Street now joins other nearby streets honoring Philadelphia's musical legends. The adjacent 300 block has been known as Gamble and Huff Walk since 2010, honoring Philadelphia International Records founders Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The 200 block was renamed Patti LaBelle Way in 2019, creating a corridor that celebrates the city's rich musical heritage.
Kenny Gamble himself paid tribute to Pendergrass on social media, stating: "If there wasn't no Teddy, there wouldn't have been no big-time Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff either. Teddy had power, presence, and pure soul. He gave everything — in the studio, on stage, and in life."
Continued Legacy Work
Joan Pendergrass has been instrumental in preserving her late husband's memory through various initiatives. The Teddy and Joan Pendergrass Foundation created a music therapy program at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, where Pendergrass underwent treatment, to help patients with spinal cord injuries regain their vocal abilities.
Joan emphasized her husband's deep connection to Philadelphia throughout his life: "Philadelphia meant everything to Teddy Pendergrass. He was born and raised in Philadelphia and passed on in Philadelphia, so Philadelphia was his heart and soul. Philly is his heart. He lived in Philly. He never moved from Philly, even when he had the opportunity to do so. He just wanted to stay in his hometown, because it's rich with culture, with peace, love, and harmony."
The Ceremony and Beyond
The renaming ceremony was hosted by WDAS-FM radio personality Patty Jackson and featured appearances by other notable figures including Black Music Month founder Dyana Williams. Following the street unveiling, a Teddy Pendergrass tribute band performed at City Winery, extending the celebration of his musical legacy.
Pendergrass' stepdaughter, Jessica Avila, spoke during the ceremony about the broader significance of the honor: "Teddy's story was never just about fame, it was about resilience, about love and about truth, and today his name becomes a part of the city's landscape, so may his legacy continue to guide us."
A Lasting Impact
Teddy Pendergrass passed away in 2010 at age 59 from respiratory failure, following complications from colon cancer surgery the previous year. His death marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned over four decades and helped define an era of American soul music.
The City Council resolution renaming the block was introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla in May 2025 and passed unanimously, reflecting the widespread recognition of Pendergrass's contributions to Philadelphia's cultural heritage.
As WDAS-FM host Patty Jackson noted during Saturday's ceremony: "When you drive by this way, you will see Teddy Pendergrass Way." The street renaming ensures that future generations of Philadelphians and visitors will be reminded of the singer's remarkable journey, his musical genius, and his inspiring resilience in the face of adversity.
The honor comes at a time when Philadelphia continues to celebrate its rich musical heritage, recognizing that the Sound of Philadelphia wasn't just a marketing slogan—it was a cultural movement that touched hearts around the world, with Teddy Pendergrass serving as one of its most powerful and enduring voices.
