R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass has died of colon cancer. He was 59.

The singer, whose success and popularity soared before a car tragic accident 28 years ago left him paralyzed, died Wednesday in Philadelphia, where he spent months in hospital.

According to reports, the singer's son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said his father was experiencing a difficult recovery from colon cancer surgery he underwent eight months ago.

A veritable international star and sex symbol, especially before the crash, Pendergrass began a new era of R&B with vocals that exuded raw masculinity and passion, featured in such songs as "Close the Door," "It Don't Hurt Now," and "Love T.K.O." which have become classics.