Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

HOUSTON, Thelma

(b Thelma Jackson, 7 May 1946, Leland MS) Gospel-based singer with a fine voice who has made otherwise routine disco records palatable. She sang in her local Baptist church; moved to Los Angeles and sang after high school with gospel group the Art Reynolds Singers. Married at 17, had two children; worked for social services; performed in Los Angeles clubs and was discovered in 1968 by Steve Gordon, manager of the Fifth Dimension; her debut album Sunshower produced by Jim Webb included a classic version of the Rolling Stones' 'Jumping Jack Flash'.

In three years on Dunhill she had only the mild hit 'Save The Country' (no. 74, '70); moved to Motown/Mowest and won a '74 Grammy nomination for 'You've Been Doing Wrong For So Long'. She recorded themes for films '76 The Bingo Long Travelling All-Stars And Motor Kings and Norman -- Is That You?, worked on other films Death Scream and The Seventh Dwarf. She made a breakthrough with Gamble-Huff disco success 'Don't Leave Me This Way', no. 1 USA '77; included on Tamla LP Any Way You Like It, a no. 11 chart LP USA '77; The Devil In Me also charted '77. Duet LP with Jerry Butler Thelma And Jerry on Motown did well in the charts '77, so it was followed by Two To One '78. Made direct-to-disc album for Sheffield Labs label I've Got The Music In Me with session band Pressure Cooker. To RCA for Never Gonna Be Another One '81; MCA for Thelma Houston '83 and Qualifying Heat '84 (including executive producer credit); Throw You Down '90 appeared on Reprise and single 'Out Of My Hands' made Hot 100. A Woman's Touch was a new album in 2007 on Shout! Factory.