The Weather Girls are best known for their iconic 1982 dance anthem, “It’s Raining Men.” Originally performing as Two Tons O’ Fun, the duo consisted of powerhouse vocalists Martha Wash and Izora Armstead. Their breakout hit became a global sensation and a celebrated anthem within LGBTQ+ communities. Though they had other charting songs under both group names, “It’s Raining Men” remains their signature song and pop culture legacy.
| Group Name | The Weather Girls (formerly Two Tons O’ Fun) |
|---|---|
| Origin | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Disco, R&B, Dance-pop, Soul |
| Years Active | 1977–1988; 1991–present |
| Original Members | Martha Wash, Izora Armstead |
| Current Members | Dynelle Rhodes, Dorrey Lin Lyles |
| Label | Fantasy, Columbia, Sony |
| Notable Hit | “It’s Raining Men” (1982) |
Early Career: Two Tons O’ Fun
Before they were The Weather Girls, Martha Wash and Izora Armstead were known as Two Tons O’ Fun. They began as background singers for disco icon Sylvester in the late 1970s. Their rich, gospel-infused voices helped shape the sound of Sylvester’s hits like “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” and “Dance (Disco Heat).”
As Two Tons O’ Fun, they launched their own recording career. Their 1980 self-titled debut included “Earth Can Be Just Like Heaven” and “Just Us,” which reached No. 29 on the Billboard R&B chart. Their second album, Backatcha (1981), continued their dance and soul approach with tracks like “I Got the Feeling” and “Two Tons O’ Fun,” the latter becoming a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Dance Club chart.
These songs brought them moderate success, and helped build their reputation as more than just backing vocalists.
The Birth of The Weather Girls and “It’s Raining Men”
In 1982, Wash and Armstead rebranded as The Weather Girls. The change coincided with their most famous release: “It’s Raining Men.” Written by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer (David Letterman’s bandleader), the song was originally offered to other artists, including Donna Summer and Diana Ross, who all turned it down.
Fortunately, Wash and Armstead embraced the song with energy and humor. Their vocal performance transformed “It’s Raining Men” into a disco revival hit just as the genre was fading from the mainstream.
Released in late 1982 by Columbia Records, the song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Dance chart, No. 34 on the R&B chart, and No. 46 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its impact was even greater overseas. It peaked at No. 2 in the UK and charted in the Top 10 across Europe and Oceania.
The track became a camp classic, beloved for its over-the-top style and powerful vocals. Over the years, it earned status as a party staple and a symbol of empowerment in LGBTQ+ communities.
After the Storm: Career Beyond the Hit
Although “It’s Raining Men” defined The Weather Girls, they continued to record and perform through the 1980s. Their album Success (1983) included the hit single and other tracks like “Dear Santa (Bring Me a Man This Christmas),” which has become a holiday favorite in some circles.
In 1985, they released Big Girls Don’t Cry, but it failed to produce any charting singles. Their style, rooted in classic disco and R&B, was out of step with the rise of electronic dance and synth-pop in the mid-1980s. By 1988, the group quietly disbanded.
Martha Wash: The Uncredited Vocal Legend
After the breakup, Martha Wash found new success as a studio singer. However, her contributions often went uncredited. She provided vocals for Black Box hits like “Everybody Everybody” and “Strike It Up,” as well as C+C Music Factory’s “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now).”
Frustrated by the lack of recognition, Wash filed lawsuits demanding proper credit and royalties. Her legal efforts helped shape the way vocal credits are handled in the music industry today.
Eventually, she established herself as a solo artist. Her 1993 debut album included “Carry On” and “Give It to You,” both Top 10 dance hits. Wash remains active as a performer and advocate for artist rights.
Izora Armstead and the New Weather Girls
Meanwhile, Izora Armstead relocated to Germany and revived The Weather Girls with her daughter Dynelle Rhodes. The new version of the group released albums such as Double Tons of Fun (1993), Think Big! (1995), and Puttin’ On the Hits (1999). These records catered more to European club audiences and featured a mix of original songs and covers.
They performed extensively across Europe and even attempted to enter the Eurovision Song Contest to represent Germany. Although their entry “Get Up” didn’t reach the finals, it showed the group’s ongoing popularity overseas.
Tragically, Izora Armstead passed away in 2004 at the age of 62 due to heart failure.
Continued Legacy and New Lineups
After Izora’s death, Dynelle Rhodes continued performing as The Weather Girls. She was later joined by singer Ingrid Arthur. This lineup recorded and toured throughout Europe, focusing on dance and gospel-infused pop.
As of 2020s, Dynelle performs with Dorrey Lin Lyles. The group continues to appear at pride festivals, retro events, and dance venues. Though they haven’t achieved the same level of fame as in the early 1980s, The Weather Girls maintain a loyal following.
“It’s Raining Men” in Pop Culture
The enduring success of “It’s Raining Men” is a major reason The Weather Girls are often labeled as a one-hit wonder. The song has taken on a life of its own in pop culture:
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In 2001, Geri Halliwell (formerly of the Spice Girls) covered it for the Bridget Jones’s Diary soundtrack. Her version hit No. 1 in the UK.
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The song has appeared in shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, Friends, Family Guy, and countless commercials.
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It’s also been sampled, remixed, and referenced in club hits, film scenes, and drag performances globally.
Its anthemic quality, paired with the powerful vocals of Wash and Armstead, make it one of the most recognizable dance tracks of all time.
Conclusion
Though often remembered for just one massive hit, The Weather Girls brought talent, humor, and authenticity to their music. As both Two Tons O’ Fun and The Weather Girls, Martha Wash and Izora Armstead made their mark in R&B and dance music history.
More importantly, their voices helped define a sound—and an era—that still resonates today. From chart-topping success to underground dance hits and legal advocacy, their legacy goes far beyond one song. “It’s Raining Men” may be their calling card, but it’s their talent that truly weathered the years.