Teddy Pendergrass' Posthumous Single Released On Streaming
Teddy Pendergrass’ Posthumous Single, “I Am Who I Am,” Released On DSPs
15 years after his passing, soul music legend Teddy Pendergrass‘ music continues to live on, and now fans have something new to add to their digital playlist.
On Friday, June 13, Pendergrass’ posthumous single, “I Am Who I Am,” was re-released on digital streaming platforms (DSPs) for the first time in years to commemorate what would’ve been the singer’s 75th birthday (Mar. 26). Released by the singer’s estate and Primary Wave, the track was one of the last songs Pendergrass recorded before his passing on Jan. 13, 2010.
In a statement posted on Instagram, the estate gave more insight on the inspirational track:
Composed by Teddy and his longtime friend and musical director Bill Jolly, “I Am Who I Am” is an inspirational and autobiographical gem that sees Pendergrass reach into the depths of his soul to share a song about his life that he hoped would be an inspiration for all. As he told Bill Jolly, “I want to share a song about my life that will inspire people by shedding light on the times I was regretful, yet how I found strength and self-acceptance down the line.”
According to SoulTracks, the track was originally recorded in the summer of 2006, and wasn’t released to the public until 2011, one year after his death. Pendergrass only performed it once, at a “Teddy 25” anniversary event in 2007, marking 25 years after the car accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Jolly shared at the time of the song’s initial release, “Teddy told me, ‘I want to share a song about my life that will inspire people by shedding light on the times I was regretful, yet how I found strength and self-acceptance down the line. I want this song to live on long after I am gone.’”
Added Teddy’s widow, Joan: “Feeling incredibly whole and wanting to express to his fans the truth about his struggles and triumphs, he wrote these lyrics with no regrets for the world to hear…and he was proud about it. Forget his disability! When he recorded this song 25 years after the accident, he was standing tall in his spirit…still the same man… declaring ‘I Am Who I Am.’ This song should be an inspiration to all.”
Listen to “I Am Who I Am” below.
Teddy Pendergrass’ Posthumous Single, “I Am Who I Am,” Released On DSPs was originally published on myclassixatl.com
