Ep 5. Thelma Houston

Thelma Houston is the focus of episode 5 of season 18 of the hit TV show, UnSung. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the life and career of one of the most iconic voices in soul and gospel music. With a career spanning over five decades, Thelma Houston has cemented her place in music history as a powerhouse performer and a trailblazer for female artists.

The episode begins with a look back at Thelma's early years growing up in Mississippi and how her love for music and singing was cultivated from a young age. We see how her family's move to California as part of the Great Migration opened up new opportunities for Thelma to pursue her passion for music.

From there, the episode traces Thelma's rise to fame, from her time as a backup singer for some of the biggest names in the business to her breakout moment when she was discovered by Motown Records and signed to their label. Viewers get an inside look at Thelma's experiences navigating the music industry as a young Black woman in the 1960s and 1970s and the challenges she faced in trying to establish herself as a solo artist.

The episode features interviews with some of the key players in Thelma's career, including other musicians, record executives, and music journalists. These interviews provide valuable insights into Thelma's creative process and the ways in which she was able to constantly reinvent herself and stay relevant in an ever-changing music industry.

Throughout the show, viewers are treated to some of Thelma's most iconic performances, including her hits "Don't Leave Me This Way" and "If It's the Last Thing I Do." These performances serve as a powerful reminder of just how incredible Thelma's voice truly is and how important she has been to the world of soul and gospel music.

One of the most compelling themes that emerges throughout the episode is Thelma's commitment to using her platform to advocate for social justice and to support important causes. From her work with the Black Panthers to her involvement in the AIDS and LGBT communities, Thelma has always been a fierce advocate for marginalized groups, and the episode does an excellent job of highlighting this aspect of her life and career.

Overall, the UnSung episode on Thelma Houston is a moving tribute to one of the most talented and influential artists of our time. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the music industry and the ways in which artists have had to navigate it over the years. But most importantly, it celebrates Thelma's incredible legacy and the lasting impact that she has had on the world of music and beyond.