From gospel roots to a global anthem for queer identity
In short: Before they were icons of disco, Martha Wash and Izora Armstead were church-going neighbors in San Francisco. Their journey from background vocalists to the architects of a definitive gay anthem illustrates how underground musical movements can eventually reshape mainstream culture and social advocacy.
The Weather Girls began as Two Tons O' Fun, a female backup duo for disco singer Sylvester starting in 1976. Wash and Armstead met as children attending neighboring churches—Wash at the Church of God in Christ and Rhodes at a Baptist church. They honed their craft in gospel groups like N.O.W. before transitioning to professional roles; Wash worked as a secretary while Rhodes balanced work as a bartender, nurse assistant, and vocal teacher.
Their commercial breakthrough came in 1982 with 'It's Raining Men.' The song peaked at number one on the US Dance Chart and reached number forty-six on the Billboard Hot 100. While the group never achieved a top 40 hit on the main Hot 100, the track became a cultural cornerstone. It was later recognized by Rolling Stone as an essential LGBTQ Pride song in 2017 and ranked among the best gay anthems of all time by Billboard in 2018.
The group's legacy is marked by its endurance and evolution. After disbanding in 1988, Armstead reformed the duo with her daughter Dynelle Rhodes in 1991. Despite various lineup changes following Armstead's death in 2004—including the addition of Ingrid Arthur and Dorrey Lin Lyles—the brand remains active. Today, Rhodes holds the rights to the name as the group continues to perform across Europe, bridging their disco origins with modern advocacy.
The song 'It's Raining Men' also serves as a notable example of music as political protest. In 2014, a Facebook campaign used the track to fight against a UKIP councillor who linked floods to gay marriage; the song reached number 31 on the UK Singles Chart that week. This highlights how their 'brain food' for the dance floor became fuel for social movements.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Weather Girls
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