Pelenton Lemuel “Teddy” Huffam Jr. (November 6, 1936-April 3, 1991)

Biography

Born in 1936, Teddy Huffam was the son of Pelenton Lemuel Huffman Sr and Sarah Kyles. He served in the US Army during the early 1960s.

In the late 1960s, Huffam formed the group that eventually became known as Teddy Huffam And The Gems in the Richmond, Virginia area. Huffam sang lead and played piano. The group began to be noticed when they won the talent competition in 1973 at the annual Watermelon Park Singing in Berryville, Virginia. They were further accepted by the Gospel industry and fans when they recorded the song “Gone” written by Eldridge Fox. The song was so popular that it remained in the Top 40 of the Singing News airplay chart for two years.

On September 23, 1979, Huffam was shot twice as he fought off a would-be robber in Richmond, Virginia. With a bullet lodged in his chest, Huffam traveled to perform for three events including PTL Club, the Huff-Cook TV program, and a chapel service at the National Quartet Convention. Back in Richmond, he had the bullet removed and was released on October 12. The following night, he appeared on stage again with his group in Charlotte, North Carolina for a big event promoted by Bill Hefner.

Huffam and his group remained popular throughout the 1980s, but his life was cut short in the early 1990s. Huffam left the road in 1990. He suffered a series of strokes on April 3, 1991 at the age of 54.

Awards

Singing News Fan Awards Favorite Black Artist - (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986)

Solo Discography

hi-res
1982 The People's Choice (Artist's Recording): Joy In Jesus; He's The Landlord; It's Real; Ninety And Nine; Jesus Is My Anchor; If It Hadn't Been; Walking By Faith; The Weight Of Sin; All For Me; His Name Says It All.

1984 Walking By Faith With The Lord (Atlantic International Record Company/10081): Walking By Faith With The Lord; He’s The Landlord; His Name Says It All; It’s Real; Ninety And Nine; All For Me; The Joy Of Jesus; Jesus Is My Anchor; The Weight Of Sin; If It Hadn’t Been.

Songwriter's Résumé

(Partial List)

Hang Out Your Tears To Dry
His Name Says It All
I Saw God
It's Real
Jesus Is My Anchor
Living In The Light Of God
Looking To Jesus
Not A Moment To Lose
The Ninety And Nine
The Weight Of Sin
Walking By Faith
Where There Is Love
You Never Miss Your Water Til The Well Runs Dry