Teddy Pendergrass feature documentary in works

Los Angeles, Feb 11 (PTI) Feature documentary on R&B legend Teddy Pendergrass is in works with BBC Films co-financing the project.

The documentary will examine the life of the music icon, who became the first black male singer to record five consecutive multiplatinum albums in the US, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Known as the "Black Elvis," Pendergrass rose to fame in the '70s as the lead singer for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and achieved global success with hits including "Don't Leave Me This Way" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now."

The film is being directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Olivia Lichtenstein.

"Everyone knows his voice 'Don t Leave Me This Way,' 'If You Don t Know Me By Now,' 'Love' ... and a score of other instantly recognizable and much-covered classics but all too many have forgotten the extraordinary story of the man behind it and his unique contribution to the history of popular music and his courageous triumph over adversity," said Lichtenstein.

Storyvault Films, Tempo Productions and Wasted Talent are on board to produce "Pendergrass".

The singer's career was interrupted in 1981 when he was paralyzed in a car accident at just 31 years old, although he made a comeback in the '90s. He died in 2010 following respiratory failure.

Production on "Pendergrass" is due to start in April.