Thelma Houston is an American singer and actress, best known for her Grammy-winning rendition of "Don't Leave Me This Way", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977. Houston's vocal style draws from soul, pop, and disco, synthesizing these elements into a sound that played a significant role in the disco era. Despite being primarily recognized for her disco music, Houston displayed versatility across different genres throughout her career which spanned over five decades. Her influential work in music and her contributions to the disco era have cemented her place in music history.