Disco Dessert 11/20/18 - "Don't Leave Me This Way" from Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes...

While "Don't Leave This Way" is best known from the classic disco anthem from Thelma Houston, the original version of the song was actually recorded by early genre kings Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, with the late Teddy Pendergrass providing lead vocals. Appearing on the band's album Wake Up Everybody in 1975, the song written by the production team of Gamble and Huff with Cary Gilbert wasn't promoted as a single in the States, but two years later, helped by the remix from Tom Moulton, it went to #5 in the UK singles chart. The song was a part of the label compilation Philadelphia Classics, which managed to chart on Billboard magazine's Disco/Dance Tracks list for a week at #34. It's personally my favorite version of the song, and one of the best disco tracks ever.