THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

725-Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes-Don’t Leave Me This Way.

1977-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 3.13.Because of the bands billing, you could be forgiven for thinking that Harold Melvin (1940-1997) was the lead singer, but he wasn’t.

Originally known as The Charlemagnes, they became ‘The Blue Notes’ in 1954, originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.In 1970 the group recruited Teddy Pendergrass (1950-2010) as their drummer, and later that year he replaced John Atkins as lead singer. Their breakthrough occurred in 1972 when signing with Philadelphia Records, whose founders were Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff.

‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ was written by the legendary song writing team of Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff, with lyrics by Cary Gilbert (1942-1993.)Together Gamble, and Huff have written, or produced 175 Gold, and Platinum records (see also best songs 1001-896-648-604 and 322.) The song was originally recorded in 1975, and released on Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes final Album,’Wake Up Everybody,’ with Teddy Pendergrass as lead singer, the song was not released at that time due to contractual legalities. Philadelphia International records main competitors in the ‘Soul’ market at that time were Tamla Motown, and they took advantage releasing a version by Thelma Houston which went to Number 1 on Billboard in 1977, and Number 13 in the UK. In 1986 the British duo The Communards (see also best songs 318) released their version of the song, which spent four weeks at Number 1, and also became the best selling song of that year.

‘Oh baby, my heart is full of love, and desire for you, so come on down, and do what you gotta do.’