Weather Girls: The Pioneers of Hi-NRG Dance Music

The Weather Girls are an American vocal duo best known for their thunderous 1982 dance anthem "It's Raining Men." Originally formed as Two Tons o' Fun, the powerful singers Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes became international stars synonymous with the burgeoning Hi-NRG and disco scenes. Their signature song became a global phenomenon, selling millions of copies and cementing their status as dance music legends.

Early career

The story begins in San Francisco in the late 1970s when powerhouse vocalists Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes started as backup singers for the famed disco artist Sylvester. Under his guidance, they initially performed and recorded as Two Tons o' Fun, a name reflecting their formidable vocal and physical presence. Their self-titled debut album in 1980 on Fantasy Records yielded two number-one hits on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, "Just Us" and "I Got the Feeling," establishing them as a formidable act in their own right.

Breakthrough

The duo's career transformed in 1982 after they changed their name to the Weather Girls and signed with Columbia Records. They released their album Success that year, featuring a song written by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer titled "It's Raining Men." The track became an instant and enduring club smash, reaching number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and peaking at number 46 on the Hot 100. It achieved platinum certification in the United States and became a cultural touchstone, later covered by numerous artists including Geri Halliwell.

Key tracks

It's Raining Men — This platinum-selling global anthem defined the duo's career and remains one of the most recognizable dance records of all time.

Success — The title track from their breakthrough album showcased their vocal power and solidified their new identity beyond backup singing.

I Got the Feeling — A number-one dance hit from their Two Tons o' Fun era that proved their chart prowess before their mainstream breakthrough.

Dear Santa (Bring Me a Man This Christmas) — A popular holiday-themed follow-up that capitalized on their bold, campy style and vocal delivery.

Following their initial success, the Weather Girls released the album Big Girls Don't Cry in 1985 but could not replicate the massive impact of their signature hit. Izora's daughter, Dynelle Rhodes, eventually replaced Martha Wash after she departed for a highly successful solo and session career, famously lending her voice to countless dance records in the 1990s. The Weather Girls, with various lineups, continued to perform internationally, celebrating their legacy in dance music for decades.

Fans of the Weather Girls' powerful, gospel-inflected dance music often enjoy the work of similar American acts. Sylvester features the same soaring vocals and disco foundation as the duo's early work. Martha Wash pursued a solo career and became the iconic voice on massive C+C Music Factory and Black Box hits. Thelma Houston shares a similar blend of soulful power and dancefloor energy, best heard on her classic "Don't Leave Me This Way."

The Weather Girls' timeless catalog, especially the perennial favorite "It's Raining Men," maintains a strong rotation on classic dance and retro pop radio stations. Their music is a staple on dedicated 80s FM channels and online radio streams that celebrate the golden era of disco and Hi-NRG, ensuring new generations discover their joyous sound.

Listeners can explore the vibrant legacy of the Weather Girls and hear their iconic hits on the classic dance and retro pop radio stations featured on our website. Tune in via onairium.com to discover where this pioneering American duo is currently lighting up the airwaves with their unforgettable anthems.