Who is Thelma Houston?
Thelma Houston is a Grammy Award-winning American singer and actress. She was born in Mississippi in 1946 and raised in California. She began her career singing in church and later joined a group called The Art Reynolds Singers.
The Song “Don’t Leave Me This Way”
“Don’t Leave Me This Way” is a disco song written by Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, and Cary Gilbert. It was first recorded by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in 1975. Thelma Houston recorded a cover of the song in 1976, which became a hit and won her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” are about a person who is pleading with their lover not to leave them. They are desperate to keep their relationship intact and are willing to do whatever it takes to make it work.
The song starts with the following lines:
Don’t leave me this way
I can’t survive, I can’t stay alive
Without your love, oh baby
Don’t leave me this way
The chorus repeats the phrase “don’t leave me this way” several times, emphasizing the desperation of the singer. The song ends with the following lines:
Don’t leave me this way
I can’t exist, I’ll surely miss
Your tender kiss
Don’t leave me this way
The Significance of the Song
“Don’t Leave Me This Way” is considered a classic disco song and has been covered by many other artists over the years. It is also significant because it was one of the first disco songs to have a message of empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community.
The song became an anthem for the community and was often played at gay clubs and events. Thelma Houston has said that she is proud to have been a part of that movement and that the song continues to have a special meaning for her.
Conclusion
“Don’t Leave Me This Way” is a timeless disco classic that continues to be popular today. Thelma Houston’s powerful vocals and the song’s message of desperation and empowerment make it a standout track in music history.
