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Thelma HoustonIllustration by Photo illustration by The Globe and Mail. Source: Jones Crow
Thelma Houston does not believe in the concept of retirement. The 81-year-old disco and soul singer averages about 200 concerts a year, and her recent appearances on The Masked Singer – where she regaled audiences with songs such as her Billboard-topping hit Don’t Leave Me This Way – have propelled her into comeback mode. She’s recorded 17 studio albums over the five decades since her debut, Sunshower, was released in 1969, and the Grammy-winning talent is currently busy cherry-picking from her vast catalogue to create a setlist for her next big gig: headlining the main stage at Pride Toronto on June 30. Between rehearsals and babysitting her great-grandkids, Los Angeles-based Houston spoke with The Globe about her prescient and provocative canon of songs, her connection to the LGBTQ community, as well as her book-club suggestions.
One of the reasons why I think the LGBTQ community is drawn to you is that you have always been so honest. Is it tough to be straightforward in this business?
No. It’s easier to be truthful than it is to lie. That goes for life too. It’s much easier to just be who you are.
What have you learned from performing at Pride for more than four decades?
We’ve made a lot of progress, but there’s so much more to go. You know? There’s much to be learned from someone like [disco singer] Sylvester. He was dedicated to his community and art and still managed to be a very good person. He didn’t let the lack of progress get him down.
Barbra Streisand said that early collaborators – who were queer – were the only ones who helped her realize her own beauty. Was it the same for you?
Well, I never thought I was ugly, honey. I would have a lot of self-doubt about my music but the gay men I had around me would be very direct with an “Oh girl, this is fabulous,” or “This song or outfit ain’t it, girl – it’s not going to work.”
Songs like Cheap Lovin’ and Midnight Mona were exploring women and sensuality in a progressive way. Do you consider yourself a pioneer?
I don’t think I was a pioneer, I’ve always wanted to sing something with a point of view. I was raised by a very independent woman. She raised me and my two sisters, so I always had a very strong guide. Let’s just say, I would never be saying Don’t Leave Me This Way to anybody in real life. I have friends who don’t feel that their life is complete if they don’t have a romantic partner. That’s kind of sad.
Let’s talk about a track you released in 1972 called Black California, which is focused on inequality. Did it feel autobiographical?
Yes. I lived in Mississippi until I was 10 years old – segregated in an all-Black community. I found out that once you crossed a bridge, it divided the white part of town from the Black part. When I moved to Long Beach, Calif., I was placed in integrated classrooms, so I found out fast that I didn’t have the same opportunities as everyone else.
You made a splash on The Masked Singer and ended up singing the theme song to the 1974 TV show, Good Times. Why this track?
Think about it. “Not getting hassled, not getting hustled, keeping your head above water, making a wave when you can!” Many people who are having a tough time can relate to these lyrics. Can you believe I had to sing it in this clock costume contraption – I could barely see or walk!
Your belted-out version of the Rolling Stones hit, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, is all over TikTok. How was your throat after you recorded it?
Sore. Let me tell you, that’s the one song that I did not want to sing, my producer pushed me. For my first album, Sunshower, I picked everything that I wanted to do, which was unheard of for any artist, especially for many Black female singers at the time. So, I thought to myself, “Thelma don’t be – I won’t say the word, but it starts with a ‘B’ and ends with an ‘H,’” and I recorded it anyway. I’m so proud of that song now, it’s so raw.
You’re an avid reader. What books have you been moved by lately and what is on your to-read list?
The writer of American Fiction, Percival Everett, wrote this wonderful book called James. It’s the story of Huckleberry Finn told through the eyes of Huck’s friend Jim, who is trying to buy his freedom. I’m excited about my next book. It is by a friend of mine, Whoopi Goldberg. It’s a memoir about her relationship with her mother and brother. I’m writing a book too, but I want it to be as well-written as Finding Me by the actress Viola Davis.
Do you have a go-to recipe that the family thinks is a winner?
I am a very good cook but don’t do it a lot. My version of collard greens is a hit usually. I make them spicy with red and green bell peppers in it, and garlic.
You released an album in Italy. Which place do you remember loving the most?
I recorded that album in a beautiful little town called Fabiano for about six weeks. All I did was eat. I had no bad meals there because every table in that country is a favourite restaurant. There is no such thing as bad food in Italy – this includes Rome and Milan.