Son, Widow Fight Over Teddy Pendergrass Estate
Money war develops amonst family members about Teddy Pendergrass’s legacy and estate
Nasty things usually ensue over money.
Another footnote in the battle over wills and royalties, the son and second wife of the late Teddy Pendergrass are fighting over possession over the R&B singer’s estate.
Teddy Pendergrass II and Joan Pendergrass have produced conflicting wills since the singer died in January.
The son claims a will from May 2009 names him executor and sole beneficiary. The widow claims a later document on which she signed her name as the singer’s attorney gives her control.
Teddy Pendergrass II tells The Philadelphia Inquirer that his father left him in charge of the family. Joan Pendergrass’ attorney denies a money grab, saying the estate has few assets.
Teddy Pendergrass, one of the most popular soul vocalists to emerge out of the Philly soul tradition, began his recording career singing with Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. The success behind songs like “I Miss You,” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “Satisfaction Guaranteed (And Get Your Love Back)” and “Wake Up Everybody” lead him to a solo career with the Philadelphia International Records label. His career continued to flourish until a 1982 car crash left him paralyzed; stalling his career indefinitely.
Kevon Glickman, an attorney for Joan Pendergrass, said that the divide has very little to do with money and focuses more on the singer’s legacy. “To say it’s a money grab is ludicrious – there’s just no money to fight about,” he claims.
Pendergrass did not write most of his songs so his estate has little royalty income.
Attorney on both sides met with a judge last week to help resolve the issue.
A bank next month is set to auction off his home in Penn Valley, now worth perhaps half its former $1.5 million sale price.
