LaSalle's original version became a major hit on the American R&B music chart in 1976, reaching the top 20 that year.

Denise LaSalle had initial success in 1971 with her R&B crossover pop hit "Trapped by a Thing Called Love".

[3] The song discusses both sides of a couple's struggle to hide their external love affairs to avoid hurting each other's feelings.

The single was pressed as a seven inch vinyl recording containing a B-side titled "Who's the Fool" (also penned by LaSalle).

[1] 7" vinyl single[3] "Married But Not to Each Other" was notably covered by American country artist Barbara Mandrell in 1977.

[10] The single spent 17 weeks on America's Billboard country songs chart, peaking at number three by June 1977.