“Don’t Leave Me This Way” is a disco and soul anthem originally recorded by American singer Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in 1975. However, it was Thelma Houston’s version of the song, released in 1976, that became a massive hit and a disco classic.
The lyrics of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” convey a plea from the narrator to their lover, asking them not to leave and to stay in their life. The song captures the desperation and heartache of a person fearing the end of a relationship.
Thelma Houston’s rendition of the song features powerful vocals and a lively disco arrangement, with infectious beats and energetic horns. Her soulful delivery and the song’s catchy melody made it an instant hit in the disco era.
“Don’t Leave Me This Way” became one of the biggest disco hits of the 1970s, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a dancefloor favorite. Thelma Houston’s version of the song has continued to be celebrated for its upbeat energy, memorable melody, and powerful vocals, solidifying its status as a classic in the disco and soul genres.
