Released as a single on 3 December 1977, the song is included on Heatwave's debut album Too Hot to Handle (1976) and has been covered by numerous artists, becoming something of a standard.

[1][2] In the UK, the songs "Too Hot to Handle" and "The Groove Line" were released before a double A-sided "Always and Forever" / "Mind Blowing Decisions" was issued in November 1978.

A ballad featuring lead vocals by Johnnie Wilder, Jr., "Always and Forever" stood out among the band's predominantly disco repertoire and became a successful U.S. hit song in early 1978.

Vandross's single made the Hot 100 at number 58 and also appeared on Billboard's adult contemporary and rhythmic top 40 charts.

He added, "Layered with glorious strings and the golden input of producer Walter Afanasieff, single has the potential to go where his "Endless Love" duet with Mariah Carey did not–right to the top of the Hot 100.

"[18] Among many artists who have recorded versions of "Always and Forever" is the American R&B vocal group Whistle, who released their single in 1990 from their album of the same name.