Wheather Girls: The Dutch Dance-Pop Phenomenon

The Wheather Girls are a Dutch dance-pop vocal group best known for their global hit "It's Raining Men." Originating from the Netherlands, the group achieved massive international success in the early 1980s, with their signature song becoming a platinum-selling anthem that has endured for decades across pop culture.

Early career

The group's story begins with the American songwriting and production duo Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer. In 1979, they conceived the idea for a song titled "It's Raining Men" and sought the right voices to record it. They formed the group initially named Two Tons o' Fun, consisting of singers Martha Wash and Izora Redman, who were already known for their powerful backing vocals for Sylvester. Their first album under that name was released in 1980.

Breakthrough

The breakthrough arrived in 1982 after the group was renamed The Weather Girls. Their single "It's Raining Men," released on Columbia Records, became a worldwide sensation. The track stormed the charts, reaching the Top 10 in multiple countries including the UK, Canada, and Australia, and eventually earned a platinum certification in the UK for sales exceeding 600,000 copies.

Key tracks

It's Raining Men — The group's defining platinum-selling smash that became a gay anthem and pop culture staple.

Success — A notable track from their debut "Success" album that showcased their robust vocal style beyond their biggest hit.

Dear Santa (Bring Me a Man This Christmas) — A later holiday-themed single that cleverly played on the theme of their most famous song.

I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair — This track demonstrated their ability to reinterpret standards with a vibrant disco energy.

Following their initial success, The Weather Girls released the album "Success" and continued to tour internationally. The original duo of Wash and Redman performed together until the mid-1980s before pursuing separate projects, with Martha Wash later finding major success as the voice behind C+C Music Factory and Black Box. The Weather Girls name was revived in later years with new line-ups, including Izora's daughter Dynelle, keeping the music alive on the club circuit.

Fans of The Weather Girls' bold, soul-infused dance music also enjoy the powerful vocals of Martha Wash. Martha Wash's solo work and featured vocals define an era of house music. The iconic disco foundation is shared with Sylvester. Sylvester's flamboyant style and anthemic disco records set the stage for similar acts. The energetic Dutch dance-pop scene also includes Vengaboys. Vengaboys carried forward the tradition of catchy, high-energy European dance tracks. For those who appreciate the group's vocal power, the sounds of The Pointer Sisters are essential. The Pointer Sisters blended R&B, pop, and dance with similar charismatic force.

The Wheather Girls' classic dance tracks maintain a strong presence on radio stations dedicated to 80s hits, retro disco formats, and classic dance music channels. Their music is a staple on throwback weekends and specialty shows that celebrate the iconic sounds of the early 1980s club scene.

Listeners can discover the vibrant catalog of The Wheather Girls, including their timeless hit "It's Raining Men," by tuning into the classic dance and 80s pop radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Their enduring Dutch dance-pop continues to energize airwaves for fans old and new.