Don’t Leave Me This Way – Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes Feat. Teddy Pendergrass

“Don’t Leave Me This Way” is probably better known as a cover by Thelma Houston or The Communards, who both do a nice job. But my favorite version is the original, written by the renowned duo Gamble and Huff, with help from Cary Gilbert, and performed by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes (sung by Teddy Pendergrass).

I don’t actually know when the first time I heard “Don’t Leave Me This Way” was, but I do vividly remember “Love TKO” being the first time I heard Teddy’s legendary voice. “Don’t Leave Me This Way” features one of my favorite build-ups and explosions in all of music, with the first minute or so featuring some nice bongos, strings, and Teddy’s humming, which could be an album in itself. The second minute continues to build up, replacing the humming with some actual lyrics being sung, and a noticeable pick-up in momentum. Right at a minute and 52 seconds in, the fuse hits the dynamite and the song explodes into one of the funnest pieces of music I’ve ever heard. Energetic, powerful, fun, this is a go-to song for when I’m in a good mood. Lyrically, this is just a standard 70’s soul song, but the music and Teddy’s voice are what make this one of my all-time favorites.

Sidenote – At 3:52, Teddy lets loose an “aHaaHaahAH” that always makes me smile.

Link to song – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnIkcB8GObo

Link to live performance – I actually can’t find a live version of Teddy singing this one