Teddy Pendergrass was the lead singer of which soul group before going solo?

Teddy Pendergrass was the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes before launching his solo career. Pendergrass joined the Philadelphia group around 1970, initially as a drummer. During a performance, he sang along, and founder Harold Melvin recognized the power of his raspy baritone and moved him into the lead-vocal role.

The group's breakthrough came after signing with Philadelphia International Records in 1971, working with songwriters and producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Pendergrass led major soul recordings including "If You Don't Know Me by Now," "The Love I Lost," "Wake Up Everybody," and the original version of "Don't Leave Me This Way." These records helped establish the polished, orchestral Philadelphia soul sound.

Pendergrass left the group in 1975 after disputes involving finances and his role in the act. He then became one of Philadelphia International's biggest solo stars, releasing five consecutive platinum albums. The name can cause confusion because Harold Melvin founded the group and remained its nominal leader, but Pendergrass was the era's principal lead singer. The Spinners, Stylistics, and Delfonics were separate Philadelphia-area soul groups.