Ren

Ren (born Joseph Postell from Chicago, Illinois) was a male R&B singer from the early ‘2000s. Not much information is given about him, but he was signed to the Music Mind Records.
In 2001, Ren released his self-titled and only album. It’s unknown how or if the album charted at all.
The only single to chart from the album was “Calling My Name” (featuring artists Christina Sanchez & Rhyme) which peaked at #92 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for only 24 weeks.

Another single “Breathe Again” was released, but didn’t chart. After that, it seems as if Ren has faded into obscurity. It’s unknown what he is up to these days.

To see a fan-made video for “Calling My Name,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Breathe Again,” go to:

Jennifer

Jennifer was a female R&B singer from the 2000s. Not much informations is given about her, but she was signed to the B-Town Records label.

In 2000, she released her debut and only album. It’s unknown how or if the album charted at all.

The two singles released from the album “Y U Calling Me” and “Feel Like Making Love” also flopped as well.

After that, it seems as if Jennifer has faded into obscurity. It’s unknown what she’s up to these days.

[Note: There are no videos available for this entry]

Charly McClain

Charly McClain (born Charlotte Denise McClain on March 26, 1956 in Memphis, Tennessee) is a country music singer from the ’70s and ’80s. She got her nickname “Charly” from the neighborhood friends she used to play with as a child.

At the age of 8, Charly was inspired to start recording after her father Niles was hospitalized with tuberculosis and communicated with him through a tape recorder since she was unable to visit him in the hospital.

When she was 12 years old, she began her music career performing with her brother, Mike and his band, Charlotte & the Volunteers. By the age of 17, Charly was a regular on the club circuit and appeared at a show in Memphis called “Mid-South Jamboree” from 1973 to 1975.

When she was 20 years old, Charly signed a recording contract with Epic Records in 1976 and released her debut single “Lay Down” which managed to peak at #67 on Hot Country Singles chart.

In February of 1977, she released her debut album “Here’s Charly McClain” which failed to make Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

The follow-up singles from the album “Lay Something on My Bed, Besides a Blanket” (which peaked at #82 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart) and “It’s Too Late to Love Me Now” (which peaked at #87 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart) were not as successful.

In October of 1978, Charly released her sophomore album “Let Me Be Your Baby” which peaked at #47 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

The first single released from the album “Make the World Go Away” peaked at #73 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. The second single, the title song peaking at #13 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

The third single “That’s What You Do to Me” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, making it the highest charting single from the album & Charly’s first top 10 hit on the country music charts.
The last single from the album “Take Me Back” peaked at #24 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.
In July of 1979, Charly released her third album “Alone Too Long” which failed to chart at all on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
The first single “When Love Ain’t Right” peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles. chart.
The second single “You’re a Part of Me” peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. The last single, a duet with singer Johnny Rodriguez called “I Hate the Way I Love It” peaked at #16 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.
In April of 1980, Charly’s fourth album “Women Get Lonely” was released. The album peaked at #73 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
The lead single from the album “Men” was a top 10 hit, peaking at #7 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

The follow-up single “Let’s Put Our Love Together” peaked at #23 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. The title song peaked at #18 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

In November of that same year, Charly released her fifth album “Who’s Cheatin’ Who” which peaked at #28 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

The title song became Charly’s first number-one hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, topping the chart for a week in February of 1981. Seventeen years later in 1997, Alan Jackson would cover the song for his album “Everything I Love” and his version peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.

In May of 1981, Charly released her sixth album “Surround Me With Love” which peaked at #9 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. The follow-up single “Sleepin’ with the Radio On” peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, making it the highest charting single from the album.

The last single from the album “The Very Best is You” peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

During that same year, she guest-starred on an episode of the television series “Hart to Hart” and her life on the road was chronicled in an HBO network special called “So You Wanna Be a Star.”
In July of 1982, Charly’s seventh album “Too Good to Hurry” was released, peaking at #22 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
The first single “Dancing Your Memory Away” peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. The follow-up single “With You” peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.
In April of 1983, Charly released her eighth album “Paradise” which peaked at #21 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

The lead single “Fly into Love” peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. The follow-up single “Paradise Tonight” (featuring singer Mickey Gilley) topped Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart for a week in October of 1983, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

In December of that same year, Charly released her ninth album “The Woman in Me” which peaked at #6 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

The single “Sentimental ‘Ol You” peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. The follow-up single, a cover version of Freda Payne’s 1970 song “Band of Gold” peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

In April of 1984, Charly released her first duet album “It Takes Believers” with Mickey Gilley which peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

The singles “Candy Man” (which peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart) and “The Right Stuff” (which peaked at #14 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart) were moderately successful. During that same year, Charly got married to former soap opera actor\singer Wayne Massey.

In May of that same year, Charly released her tenth solo album “Charly” which peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The only single released from the album “Some Hearts Get All the Breaks” which peaked at #25 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

In April of 1985, Charly released her eleventh album “Radio Heart” which peaked at #15 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

The title song became Charly’s second number-one solo hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, topping the chart for a week in May of 1985.

The second single from the album “With Just One Look in Your Eyes” (a duet with her husband, Wayne Massey) peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

The third single, another duet with Wayne called “You Are My Music, You Are My Song” peaked at #10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. The last single from the album “So This is Love” peaked at #41 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.
In February of 1986, Charly and Wayne released a duet album called “When Love is Right” which peaked at #29 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

The lead single from the album “When It’s Down to Me and You” peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart and the title song peaked at #74 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

In March of 1987, Charly released her twelfth solo album “Still I Stay” which peaked at #35 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

The single “Don’t Touch Me There” which peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

The second single “And Then Some” peaked at #51 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. The last single, the title song peaked at #60 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. After completing her contract with Epic Records, Charly left the label.

In September of 1988, Charly released her self-titled and last album to date on the Mercury Records label.

The first single “Sometimes She Feels Like a Man” peaked at #55 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. The follow-up single “Down the Road” peaked at #58 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

The last two singles from the album: “One On Your Heart, One on Your Mind” (which peaked at #50 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart) and “You Got the Job” (which peaked at #65 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart) were moderately successful.

By the early ’90s, Charly retired from touring & performing to spend time with her husband & their families. She took care of her mother, Virginia until her death in 2009.

These days, Charly and Wayne Massey reside in the Memphis, Tennessee area.

To see a fan-made video for “Lay Down,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Let Me Be Your Baby,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “That’s What You Do to Me,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Men,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Who’s Cheating Who,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Surround Me With Love,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Dancing Your Memory Away,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Sentimental ‘Ol You,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Radio Heart,” go to:

To see a video of Charly McClain and Mickey Gilley performing “Paradise Tonight,” go to:

To see a fan-made video of Charly and Wayne Massey’s song “With Just One Look in Your Eyes,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Don’t Touch Me There,” go to:

 

 

 

Sandra Sidwell

Sandra Sidwell was an R&B singer from the early ’80s. Not much information is given about Sandra, but she was signed to the Sutra Records label.

In 1981, she released her only single to date “Chant A’ Moi.” It’s unknown how or if the song charted or how much impact it made.

After that, it seems as if Sandra Sidwell has faded into obscurity. Not much has been heard from her since the ’80s.

[Note: There are no videos available for this blog entry.]

McFadden & Whitehead

McFadden & Whitehead were an R&B music duo, songwriters & producers from the ’70s that consisted of Gene McFadden (born on January 28, 1949 in Olanta, South Carolina) & John Whitehead (born on July 10, 1948 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).

As teenagers, McFadden & Whitehead formed a music group called The Epsilons who were discovered by the late Otis Redding & toured with him until Redding’s tragic death in an airplane crash in 1967.

In 1970, they signed a record deal with Stax Records and had some moderate success with a song called “The Echo.” They later joined the Philly International Records label where they wrote several hit songs for artists such as the O’Jays (whose 1972 song “Back Stabbers” topped Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart).

They also wrote songs for other artists such as The Intruders, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Lou Rawls, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass and Archie Bell & Drells.
In 1977, McFadden & Whitehead formed a music duo together. Two years later in 1979, they released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #23 on the Billboard 200 and #5 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The album would later be certified Gold by the RIAA.
The lead single from the album “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” became a hit, topping Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart for a week in June of 1979. It also reached the pop charts, peaking at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 (making it their only pop hit to reach the Hot 100) & peaked at #10 on Billboard’s dance music chart as well.

The song sold over 8 million copies worldwide and was even nominated for a Grammy Award. Since then, it has been covered by various artists such as Luther Vandross, Wayman Tisdale and George Michael during his 1991 “Cover to Cover” tour.
The follow-up single released from the album “Mr. Music\Do You Want To Dance” didn’t appear to make any impact on the charts at all.
The last single released from the album “I’ve Been Pushed Aside” peaked at #73 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 7 weeks).
In 1980, McFadden & Whitehead released their sophomore album “I Heard It in a Love Song” which peaked at #153 on the Billboard 200 and #29 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The title song peaked at #23 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 15 weeks) and #74 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart.
The follow-up single from the album “That Lets Me Know I’m In Love” failed to make any impact on the charts at all.
In 1983, the duo released their last studio album “Movin’ On” on Capitol Records which flopped, failing to make any impact on the album charts at all.
The only single to chart from the album “One More Time” managed to peak at #58 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 10 weeks).
In 1984, McFadden & Whitehead revisited their hit song “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by releasing the single “Ain’t No Stoppin’ (Ain’t No Way)” which managed to peak at #81 on the U.K. Singles chart, but didn’t appear to make any impact at all in the United States.

Throughout the rest of the ’80s, the duo continued to write songs for artists such as Freddie Jackson & Melba Moore. John Whitehead’s sons, Kenny and John Whitehead Jr. formed a music duo of their own (under the name “The Whitehead Brothers”), releasing their debut album in 1986.
After serving time in prison for tax evasion, John released a solo album called “I Need Money Bad.” The title song was moderately successful on the R&B charts.

During the ’90s, McFadden and Whitehead reunited to perform at various nostalgia shows and corporate functions.

Tragically on May 11, 2004, John Whitehead was shot to death while working on his car outside of his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was 55 years old and his murder remains unsolved.

During that same year, Gene McFadden was diagnosed with lung & liver cancer. Sadly on January 27, 2006 (almost two years after John’s death), he died from the disease just one day shy of his 57th birthday.

To see a fan-made video for “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Mr. Music,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Do You Wanna Dance,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “I’ve Been Pushed Aside,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “I Heard It in a Love Song,” go to:

To see a video for “That Lets Me Know I’m in Love,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “One More Time,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Ain’t No Stoppin’ (Ain’t No Way),” go to:

As a bonus, to see a fan-made video for John Whitehead’s song “I Need Money Bad,” go to:

Yellow Sunshine

Yellow Sunshine was an R&B\funk\rock music band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that consisted of brothers Karl (who played drums) & Roland Chambers (who played guitar), percussionist Lester Young, bass player Idres Young and later keyboardist Dexter Wansel & saxophonist Ron Harding.
In 1973, the band released their debut (and only) self-titled album on Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff’s record label, Gamble.
The album didn’t appear to chart at all nor did the single “Yellow Sunshine/ Don’t Tell Me Later Girl”.

The band broke up after Dexter Wansel joined Gamble & Huff’s creative staff. Since then, he has gone on to produce & write songs for numerous artists along with releasing a couple of solo albums.

The Chambers brothers went on to join the band MFSB (which was formed by Gamble & Huff). They also produced & wrote music for other artists as well. On February 24, 2002, Karl died of cancer and six months later, Roland died on August 5, 2002 from heart issues.

It is currently unknown what Lester Young, Idres Young and Ron Harding are up to these days.

To see a fan-made video for “Yellow Sunshine,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Don’t Tell Me Later Girl,” go to:

J’Leish

J’Leish was a female R&B music trio from the United Kingdom. Not much information is given about them, but it looks like they were signed to the Washington Classic record label.
In 2001, they released their only single “Ain’t Got the Time” which didn’t appear to make any impact at all.

After that, it seemed as if J’Leish had faded into obscurity. It’s unknown what the members of the trio are currently up to these days.

To see a fan-made video for a remixed version of “Ain’t Got the Time,” go to:

Tika

Tika was a female R&B artist from the 2000s. Not much information is given about this artist, but she was signed to the Doe Mac Records label.
In 2002, she released her only album “The Never Ending Story.” It’s unknown how much impact or publicity the album received or if & any singles were released from the album at all.

After that, it seems as if Tika has faded into obscurity. It’s unknown what she is currently up to these days.

[There are no videos available for this entry.]

Thelma Houston

Thelma Houston (born on May 7, 1946 in Leland, Mississippi) is an R&B\disco singer\songwriter and actress who scored her one and only number-one charting song back in 1977.

Thelma was born in Leland, Mississippi where her mother worked as a cotton picker. She would later move to Long Beach, California with her family where she primarily grew up. After getting married and having two children, she joined the Art Reynolds Singers gospel group where she was the lead singer of the group.

Between 1966 and 1967, Thelma released the singles “Baby Mine” and “Don’t Cry My Soldier Boy”, but neither of them made the charts at all. After that, she signed a record deal with the Dunhill Records label.

In 1969, she released her debut album “Sunshower” which managed to peak at #50 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The album was produced by Jimmy Webb.

The four singles released from the album: “Everybody Gets To Go To The Moon”, “Sunshower”, “If This Was The Last Song” and a cover version of the Rolling Stones song, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” failed to make any impact on the charts at all.
In 1970, Thelma released the single “Save the Country” which managed to peak at #70 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In 1971, she signed a record deal with Motown Records and in 1972, she released her third self-titled album under the MoWest record label. It’s unknown how or if the album made the charts at all.
A cover version of Roger Miller’s song “Me and Bobby McGee” was released as a single, but didn’t make the charts.

In 1973, Thelma was set to start in a biopic of singer Dinah Washington, but the project ended up getting cancelled due to difficulties in getting clearance from Dinah Washington’s relatives.
In 1974, Thelma released the single “You’ve Been Doing Wrong for So Long” which peaked at #64 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. The song earned her a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.”

During that same year, Thelma joined the cast of The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine where she portrayed various characters during the show’s skit, but the show was cancelled in August.
In 1975, Thelma released her third album “I’ve Got the Music in Me” featuring a group of session players called Pressure Cooker under record label Sheffield Lab.

It’s unknown how or if the album was successful or not, but the album went on to become a benchmark vinyl recording for audiophiles. During that same year, she appeared in a made-for-television film called “Death Scream.”

In 1976, Thelma recorded songs for the soundtrack of the film “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” (which starred actors James Earl Jones & Billy Dee Williams).

During that same year, she was featured in a tribute to Berry Gordy during the American Music Awards broadcast where she sang the song “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy.”

Thelma’s version of the song “Do You Know Where You’re Going To” which was supposed to be released as a single, but it ended up getting pulled & Diana Ross ended up recording the song for the film “Mahogany” (which she also starred in).

In 1976, Thelma sang backing vocals for Jermaine Jackson’s album “My Name Is Jermaine.”
In late October of that same year, she released her fourth album “Any Way You Like It” which peaked at #11 on the Billboard 200 chart and #5 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The lead single from the album, a cover version of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes’ song “Don’t Leave Me This Way” was originally given to Diana Ross, but it was reassigned & given to Thelma instead. After a record pool in Boston unanimously reported positive reception from audiences in discos, “Don’t Leave Me This Way” was released as a single.

The song first topped Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart for a week in February of 1976, but nine weeks later, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a week in April of 1976, becoming Thelma’s only number-one hit song to date.

“Don’t Leave Me This Way” was also successful in other countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Australia, France & Italy. It also earned Thelma a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female” at the 20th Annual Grammy Awards in 1978.
The follow-up single, the title song managed to top Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (along with “Don’t Leave Me This Way).
The last single released from the album “If It’s the Last Thing I Do” peaked at #47 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 13 weeks). It also managed to chart in Canada as well.
A cover version of Stevie Wonder’s song “I Don’t Know Why I Love You” was released as the second single in Europe. It’s unknown how or if the single charted there.
In 1977, Thelma and singer Jerry Butler released their first duet album together called “Thelma & Jerry” which peaked at #53 on the Billboard 200 & #20 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The two of them managed to make the Billboard charts with the single “It’s a Lifetime Thing” which peaked at #84 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for only 3 weeks).
During that same year, Thelma released her fifth album “The Devil in Me” which peaked at #64 on the Billboard 200 chart and #29 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The lead single “I’m Here Again” peaked at #21 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 17 weeks) and #18 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart.
The follow-up single “I Can’t Go On Living Without Your Love” flopped, failing to make the Billboard charts at all.

Thelma also appeared in the film “Game Show Models” and was supposed to star in a film version of the play “Me and Bessie,” but apparently, it looks like those plans never materialized & the film was never released.
In 1978, Thelma was featured on the soundtrack to the film “Thank God It’s Friday” with the track “Love Masterpiece.” The song was released a single, but didn’t make the charts.
During that same year, she released her sixth album “Ready to Roll” which peaked at #74 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, but missed the Hot 100.
The only single to chart was “Saturday Night, Sunday Morning” which peaked at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100, #19 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 17 weeks) and #33 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart.
Also in that same year, she released her second duet album with Jerry Butler called “Two To One.” It’s unknown how or if the album was successful (unlike their first duet album).
In 1979, Thelma released her eighth album “Ride to the Rainbow” which was a commercial flop, failing to make any impact on the charts at all.

A remixed version of the song “Saturday Night, Sunday Morning” was featured on the album in its 12-inch version. During that same year, she appeared in an independent film called “The Seventh Dwarf.”
In 1980, Thelma released her ninth album “Breakwater Cat” on RCA Records which didn’t appear to make the Billboard album charts at all.
The sole single released from the album “Suspicious Minds” became a popular club hit, but it’s unknown how or if the song made the charts.
In 1981, Thelma released her tenth album “Never Gonna Be Another One” which peaked at #144 on the Billboard 200 chart and #51 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The lead single “If You Feel It” peaked at #6 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart and #35 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 13 weeks).
The follow-up single, a cover version of Question Mark and the Mysterians’ song “96 Tears” peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart and #76 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 5 weeks).
In 1982, Thelma’s eleventh album “Reachin’ All Around” was released. The album consists of previously unreleased music that was recorded while Thelma was signed to Motown Records. It’s unknown how or if the album charted at all.
By 1983, Thelma had moved on to MCA Records where she released her twelfth self-titled album. The album failed to chart at all on the Billboard charts.
The first single from the album “Working Girl” peaked at #46 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 8 weeks).
The follow-up (and last) single from the album “Just Like All the Rest” peaked at #80 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 5 weeks).
In 1984, Thelma released her thirteenth album “Qualifying Heat” which peaked at #30 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The lead single “You Used To Hold Me So Tight” peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart, #13 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 15 weeks) and managed to peak at #49 on the U.K. Singles chart, making the highest charting single from the album.
The second single “Fantasy and Heartbreak” failed to make any impact on the charts at all.
The third single “I’d Rather Spend the Bad Times with You, Than the Good Times with Someone New” peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart.
The last single to chart from the album “(I Guess) It Must Be Love” peaked at #80 on the U.K. Singles chart and #59 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 9 weeks).
In 1985, she was featured on the soundtrack to the film “Into the Night” with the track “Keep it Light.”

During the mid-1980s, Thelma guest-starred in television shows such as “Cagney & Lacey” and “Simon & Simon.” In 1987, she also appeared in the CBS Afterschool Special “Little Miss Perfect” and a year later, she appeared in the film “And God Created Woman.”
In 1989, Thelma released a cover version of Bill Withers’ song “Lean on Me” (featuring gospel music group The Winans) which was featured in the Morgan Freeman film also entitled “Lean on Me.” Her version managed to peak at #73 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 6 weeks).
In 1990, Thelma released her fourteenth studio album “Throw You Down” on Reprise Records. It’s unknown how or if the album made any impact on the charts at all.
The lead single “Out of My Hands” peaked at #82 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart (staying on the chart for 5 weeks).
The follow-up single “High” peaked at #6 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart.

In 1994, Thelma participated in an AIDS benefit in New York, performing gospel music with artists such as Cece Peniston, Chaka Khan and Phoebe Snow under the name “Sisters of Glory” where they released an album called “Good News in Hard Times” in 1995.
In 1995, “Don’t Leave Me This Way” was revived in several remixes and it managed to peak at #19 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart and #35 in the United Kingdom.

After that, Thelma released the singles “I Need Somebody Tonight” (in 1996) and “All of That” (in 1998). She also provided lead vocals on guitarist Scott Henderson’s album “Tore Down House” in 1997 & in 1998, she appeared in the films “54” and “Beloved.”

In 2000, Thelma toured in Australia as a cast member in the stage musical version of “Fame.” After returning to the U.S., she toured with Nile Rodgers & Chic and was even one of the opening acts of Cher’s “Farewell” tour in Toronto in 2003.

On September 20, 2004, Thelma’s version of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in New York City.
In August of 2007, she released her first album in 17 years claled “A Woman’s Touch” on Shout Factory Records. In 2009, Thelma appeared on the TV shows “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent” performing “Don’t Leave Me This Way.”
In 2013, Thelma collaborated with Los Angeles-based producer Janitor and released an EP called “Forty-Two” on SoundCloud.
These days, Thelma continues to be active in the entertainment business. She is still touring all over the U.S. and even has own 90 minute band show called “Thelma Houston: My Motown Memories & More.”

To see Thelma Houston’s official website, go to:
http://www.thelmahouston.com/

To see a fan-made video for “Baby Mine,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Don’t Cry, My Soldier Boy,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (from her debut album “Sunshower”), go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Save the Country,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Me and Bobby McGee,” go to:

To see a video of Thelma performing “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Any Way You Like It,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “If It’s the Last Thing I Do,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “I Don’t Know Why I Love You,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “I’m Here Again,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “I Can’t Go on Living Without Your Love,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “It’s a Lifetime Thing,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Love Masterpiece,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Saturday Night, Sunday Morning,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Suspicious Minds,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “If You Feel It,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “96 Tears,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Working Girl,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Just Like All the Rest,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “You Used to Hold Me So Tight,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Fantasy and Heartbreak,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “I’d Rather Spend the Bad Times with You, Than the Good Times with Someone New,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “(I Guess It Must Be Love),” go to:

To see the music video for “Lean on Me,” go to:

To see the music video for “Out of My Hands,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “High,” go to:

To see the music video for the 1995 remixed version of “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “I Need Somebody Tonight,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “All of That,” go to: