Weather Girls: The Pioneering American Dance and Hi-NRG Duo

The Weather Girls were 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 achieved global fame and became foundational figures in the Hi-NRG and dance-pop genres. Their signature song became a cultural touchstone, earning multi-platinum certifications worldwide and securing its place as a perennial LGBTQ+ anthem and dance floor staple.

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 the name Two Tons O' Fun, they provided the formidable vocal support on hits like "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)." Their success led to a solo deal with Fantasy Records, where they released two albums and scored disco hits like "Just Us" and "Do You Wanna Boogie, Hunty?" in 1980.

Breakthrough

The duo's career transformed in 1982 after signing with Columbia Records and changing their name to The Weather Girls. They released their debut album "Success" that same year, featuring a song written by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer. "It's Raining Men" became a monumental, if not immediate, smash, peaking at No. 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 but climbing to No. 2 on the Dance Club Songs chart. Its true impact was long-term, eventually selling millions of copies globally and being certified Gold in the United States and Platinum in several other countries.

Key tracks

It's Raining Men — The duo's defining record, this Hi-NRG anthem became a worldwide phenomenon and a certified dance classic.

Success — The title track from their 1982 album showcased their vocal power and solidified their new identity beyond backup singing.

Dear Santa (Bring Me a Man This Christmas) — A popular holiday follow-up that cleverly played on the theme of their biggest hit.

I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair — This 1984 release demonstrated their ability to deliver energetic covers with their own distinct, powerful style.

Following their initial success, The Weather Girls released the album "Big Girls Don't Cry" in 1985 but disbanded shortly after. Izora Rhodes continued performing with her daughter under The Weather Girls name, while Martha Wash embarked on a highly successful solo career, becoming one of the most sampled voices in dance music on tracks like Black Box's "Everybody Everybody." The original duo reunited briefly in the 1990s before Izora's passing in 2004. Martha Wash continues to perform and honor their legacy.

Fans of The Weather Girls' bold, soul-infused dance music often enjoy the work of similar artists. Sylvester features the same powerhouse vocals and iconic disco energy. The Pointer Sisters share a similar blend of R&B roots with vibrant, chart-topping pop-dance crossover appeal. Martha Wash carries the legacy forward with her unparalleled solo work in house music.

The Weather Girls' catalog remains a fixture on dance music radio stations and classic hits channels, particularly on specialty shows dedicated to 80s music and dance anthems. Their music is frequently featured on online radio streams that celebrate disco, Hi-NRG, and LGBTQ+ music history, ensuring new generations discover their influential sound.

Listeners can explore the vibrant legacy of The Weather Girls and hear their iconic hits on the dance and classic pop radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to experience the enduring power of one of dance music's most unforgettable duos.