Funeral plans set for Teddy Pendergrass

Funeral plans set for Teddy Pendergrass

PHILADELPHIA — Funeral arrangements are set for R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass, who died at a hospital near Philadelphia this week. A public viewing is scheduled for Friday at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia. The funeral will be there the next day. Burial will be at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in neighboring Bala Cynwyd. Best known as the singer of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” and other hits, Pendergrass died of colon cancer Wednesday at age 59.

Madonna gives $250,000 to help people of Haiti

NEW YORK — Madonna says she has donated $250,000 to help the people of Haiti — and she is urging her fans and friends to do the same. The pop queen said Friday in a statement that her prayers are with the people of Haiti. She says she donated to Partners In Health, a longtime health-care provider there.

Clarence Clemons doing well after surgery

NEW YORK — E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons says he’s “in great spirits” after undergoing back surgery. Bruce Springsteen’s longtime sidekick issued a statement to The Associated Press on Friday saying he’s “looking forward to a brighter future and playing more music!”

The Big Man’s already doing a little tweeting. Clemons, who turned 68 on Monday, sends his love to fans via Twitter. He adds that after he recovers, “We can dance again!” Clemons had the surgery Wednesday at a Manhattan hospital.

Today’s birthdays

Country singer Ronnie Milsap is 67. Country singer Jim Stafford is 66. Talk-show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger is 63. Director John Carpenter is 62. Actress-dancer Debbie Allen is 60. Singer Sade is 51. Supermodel Kate Moss is 36.