Thelma Houston Will Perform at Taste of Soul Festival
The R&B legend will headline the 21st annual festival on October 17, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in R&B
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Singer Thelma Houston is set to perform at the 21st annual Taste of Soul Family Festival on October 17, 2026, along Crenshaw Boulevard. This appearance comes as she celebrates the 50th anniversary of her chart-topping hit "Don't Leave Me This Way."
Why it matters
The performance serves as a landmark moment for the longtime artist, who continues to maintain an active music career nearly six decades after signing her first recording contract. It highlights her enduring influence on R&B and dance music as she prepares to release an upcoming memoir.
Thelma Houston's iconic song reached No. 1 on the pop, R&B, and dance charts following its 1976 release. In 1978, she earned the Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female.
The players
Thelma Houston
Thelma Houston is a renowned R&B vocalist and recording artist who has been a major figure in the industry since the late 1960s.
Bunny Hull
Bunny Hull is a songwriter and collaborator who co-wrote the 2026 single "Love Is the Power" with Thelma Houston.
The details
Houston, who recently collaborated with Bunny Hull on the single "Love Is the Power," will bring her catalog of hits to the festival. The Taste of Soul event in Los Angeles features a blend of live music, food, community resources, and local business showcases.
Timeline
Thelma Houston signed her first recording contract in 1967.
The hit song "Don't Leave Me This Way" was released in 1976.
Houston won her Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance in 1978.
The single "Love Is the Power" was released on June 3, 2026.
The performance at the Taste of Soul Festival is scheduled for October 17, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
Thelma Houston's enduring presence at major festivals reflects the sustained cultural value of legacy R&B artists in the modern live music industry. Her career trajectory demonstrates how consistent touring and new music releases remain vital for artists bridging the gap between Motown history and current fan bases.
Attendees of the Taste of Soul Family Festival can access live entertainment and community resources on Crenshaw Boulevard on October 17, 2026. The free-to-attend community event offers residents a direct opportunity to see the legendary performer in a local setting.
The takeaway
Legacy artists often sustain long-term relevance by balancing anniversary celebrations of past hits with the release of fresh material. Fans attending live events like Taste of Soul provide crucial support for the ongoing cultural contributions of veteran performers.
Further reading
Learn more about local artists in the R&B section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Sentinel.
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