Dick Clark Interviews Sylvester - American Bandstand 1978

Dick Clark interviews Sylvester on American Bandstand in 1978. Sylvester discusses hiring his new backup singers, their gospel background and his time in San Francisco. He talks about how living in Northern California is about being yourself while Southern California is about playing a part.
License American Bandstand Clips Here: dickclarklicens...

[@willmac5642]

Dick Clark was amazing. He talked to anyone on the same level, all the way back to the start of his tv show. Surprised no one mentions him nowadays

[@ErikaMcQueen89]

They'll never be another Sylvester nor Dick Clark

[@bobdereimer5210]

I met Sylvester in Atlanta at a record store. I miss him so much. You Make Me Feel Mighty Real!

[@leah919]

What was he like in person?

[@bobdereimer5210]

@@leah919 - Sylvester was kind and appreciative that a DJ drove to the record store to meet him. He signed my STEP II vinyl album cover.

[@icare4you123]

What a memory!

[@lavendertahruecii7644]

😁🙂Awww such a beautiful memory may you continue to treasure that in your heart ❤️ always!!!🤗

[@jmfia2391]

Stop lying. And who cares.

[@richardlazenby7749]

He was true to himself no matter what anyone think or said about him . Bless him 🙏

[@edshoaff3055]

Sylvester lived on Castro Street in an apartment above The Gilded Age antique shop and shortly before he passed away during a Castro Street Fair the crowd chanted his name below his apartment….but he was too ill to come to the window. The only time I got to see him was when he performed on a float at the Pride Parade on Market Street and as his float drove down to City Hall I followed him because I am such a huge fan.REST IN PEACE DEAR HEART & THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES !

[@entidadewolf]

Thanks for sharing that

[@danielpena2726]

The women went on to become The Weather Girls, who had the smash hit "It's Raining Men", which is still played nightly in discos to this day.

[@SmartRobot-wc2fb]

Daniel Pena: Martha Wash, the member from Two Tons of Fun/The Weather Girls at your left went on to record years later the 1990 CC Music Factory's international mega hit "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)", plus most of the hits from 1990 Black Box "Dreamland" album. Both acts sparked controversy because they replaced Martha by skinny models on their videos lypsincing her vocals. She ended up filling 2 law suits against them and their labels for that which set a precedent in US federal law. They were forced to paying Martha a total of nearly 1 million dollars. Afterwards, also in the 90's, she teamed up with House DJ Todd Terry and singer Jocelyn Brown in his 1996 international hits "Keep On Jumpin'" and "Something's Going On"...

[@simonsansome4100]

What an amazing talent! I was a young lonely gay teen living in a crap town in the UK. My life and outlook changed when I watched this incredible, beautiful man on TV. RIP you gorgeous creature! xxx

[@dalilap4743]

Dick Clark was quite progressive wasn't he, and so was his audience. Terrific.

[@I-AM-BELIEVER]

If you listen close, they were actually making fun of him.

[@ThatFilmisGnarly]

@@I-AM-BELIEVER no they weren't. those are your own demons youre hearing.

[@I-AM-BELIEVER]

@@ThatFilmisGnarly yes they were. Its very audible. That was ridicules back then and still is now.

[@augusts1]

@@I-AM-BELIEVER you are delusional if you think all that screaming was ridicule. They're loving Sylvester!

[@ADawg3]

@@ThatFilmisGnarly 😆 at "your own demons". Good one!

[@TheRichmondTiger]

Is that the iconic "It's raining men" Girls?

[@funkmike]

Yep. They went by the name "Two Tons Of Fun" as Sylvester's backing singers before they split off to be their own act as The Weather Girls in the 80s.

[@xoxxobob61]

Just another note about "It's Raining Men" the song was written by no other than Paul Shaffer who is David Letterman's band director ! (Yes the bald guy with the glasses !)....The song had been offered to Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Cher, and Barbra Streisand and they all passed !

[@blkindians7974]

Xoxxo Bob thanks,, a love these little nuggets that we never knew.

[@SmartRobot-wc2fb]

@@xoxxobob61 I never saw Martha (Wash) so slim like in here...she was a truly attractive beautiful woman...she should've just stayed that way...she could've had a totally different career...as a frontwoman...

[@dgpolizzi]

Will you PLEASE up load the other song Sylvester sang on Dick Clark's.. It was MIGHTY REAL.. He sang it alone. I was a dear friend of Sylvester & I designed a lot of his costumes. I did the blue piece he's wearing here. , It is all hand painted with "DISCO FANS"

[@borbor8480]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXiVmquPf5xsn6c&index=2&list=PL0RoKlym5ohCLKVadSq6dPyL2VJJI8jpO an early music video style performance.

[@CuirPhotodotNet]

Bravo.....bravo....bravo....

[@903thestadium]

David, you just don't know how your style helped change a nation. Kudos to you...

[@dawnrismond4846]

Openly gay blk and proud of it. I remember just being amazed whenever he performed for me my favorite song that bring tears to my eyes is You are my friend 😃

[@sonjasuracha]

OMG! That's so awesome that you had the chance to be among one if the greats. I remember listening to him growing up. You made his clothes!What an honor that is for you.

[@madonnannodam]

You are judging Dick with todays standards...keep in mind that this was 34 yrs. ago ... Dick paved the way for many many artists

[@mercedesrepair6838]

He had such an honest spirit. Always loved him and the Ladies.

[@zacharylavender1568]

Gone much too soon! Great talent!

[@donniehagy970]

I remember this when it originally aired! Sylvester and 2 Tons of Fun TORE IT UP--the crowd went crazy, and Sylvester finally knew he had indeed made it! Loved him then, love him now, and miss him so much!

[@sharonh140]

Sylvester is in heaven making all the angels feel mighty real with his beautiful voice RIP😘

[@HEADBANGRR]

🤣 😁

[@erictaylor479]

Facts

[@rickm2608]

Sylvester will ALWAYS be the GREATEST!!!!!!!! Gone too soon!! I love you SYLVESTER.

[@kensuazo1957]

Me too

[@ekcj1]

I have so much respect for Sylvester. Mr. Clark was very cool.

[@alfonsogreen2722]

R.I.P Dick Clark Sylvester n Isora

[@myfonk6961]

the lie of black folks being homophobic......seen plenty of sylvesters in church. still waiting on the movie of this great mans life

[@ginadiangelo2401]

Go see Mighty Real the play if u can... I saw it tonight in San Francisco.. Great show!!

[@elissam8744]

Gina DiAngelo I am going tonight with friends! I can't wait.

[@ginadiangelo2401]

Yay!!!

[@pooneyheat]

+Gina DiAngelo Wow! You're so pretty!

[@bladesaint21mr]

A movie based on his life is an amazing idea actually.

[@doghouse0041]

that's the weather girls I think its raining men

[@borbor8480]

Hallelujah.

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

Back then they were known as "Two Tons of Fun" then they became the Weather Girls.

[@carladeliot8287]

@@borbor8480 p

[@corfan99]

I still remember watching this when it first aired many Saturdays ago....what a great era, fun dance music. Thank you American Bandstand and Thank you, Sylvester

[@henhao1972]

LET THOSE 2 FANTASTIC LADY SINGERS HANG FOR THAT INTERVIEW ...THEY COULD HAVE STAYED WITHOUT BEING INTERVIEWED!

[@joelbays1376]

Dick Clark wasn't known for his hospitality.

[@trewthe]

You are so right!

[@kwilcox1126]

indeed. that was just rude

[@paulettehorn3157]

I totally agree!!!

[@PilarCelinaCamaChamorro]

I agree. It was kind of rude inviting them to leave carrying their mics :O

[@kwilcox1126]

sylvester was sharp

[@alfonsogreen2722]

Martha wash is lovely

[@mrs.berniemadoff3324]

alfonso green- martha wash is dead...…….xoxo

[@Squirrel36]

@@mrs.berniemadoff3324 Actually, Izora is. Martha is alive.

[@MuskPumpkin]

I didn't take him as rude at all, but I'm also not judging him by today's standards. I'm painfully aware of what is was like in 1978 -- NO BODY ACKNOWLEDGED a gay person on national TV, ESPECIALLY on a youth oriented show. Clark did so here as much as he could get away with, & it was far more than was usually the case on American TV (again, ESP a youth program) for years to come after this as well. R.I.P., Dick Clark

[@someyoungguyjohnson7239]

An artist, pure and simple

[@stillinloveff]

Dick Clark tells the two singers to take their mics off the stage and no interview, disrespectful. Stiff old school white guy...so embarassing! Long live Sylvester!!

[@bobdavis4848]

Yes and plus! When Sylvester said "They're the Two Tons O' Fun" Dick Clark thought he was weight shaming! Dick had no idea their professional duo name was indeed Two Tons O' Fun! Rest In Peace Sylvester and Izora Rhodes-Armstead...ah well...and Dick Clark... yes he could have interviewed them, too!

[@tonycanabal1659]

Dick did apologize to the ladies for rushing them off but he only had limited time before the next song number and was rushed by the stage hand before the interview ended.

[@mermodfreres]

Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes....fabulous!

[@903thestadium]

wow. he made Bandstand. That was huge back then...

[@Squirrel36]

I love the beautiful Izora Rhodes!

[@scottb_9855]

what a lovely soul - even his speaking voice is beautiful long live Madame Sylvester

[@AA-bz8lf]

Be honest straight black people; he was disrespected you know it; and wont admit it now.

[@yettaplotz2155]

_The "black community" HAS ALWAYS had an issue with gay men aka "punks" I blame it on bible-totin' Grannies! Steve Harvey is a real homophobe.

[@darrylweatherspoon5803]

It is wonderful that Sylvester could be himself when it was not very acceptable to be openly gay in the early 70.s as it is today.

[@Squirrel36]

I'm with Sylvester! I love my sweet, beautiful slender Suzies, never misunderstand that! I just think it's time for pretty plus sized Pennies to have love, too!

[@BLAKPEARL69]

Sylvester was something else. Bless you, you were the,greatest. You still are. I love you for being you.

[@marcanthonyrodriguez3636]

Sylvester didn’t want to mention San Fran. The stigma of gay still existed even then .

[@playsbass1969]

they were known as two tons of fun back then

[@ChetLindsay]

I am hypnotized by this video. As an OSU journalism student by in 1981 I got the unique opportunity to interview Sylvester after his performance at the Rudely Elegant nightclub in Columbus OH. I cherish the memory, and it was the highpoint of my college life in Columbus! RIP Sylvester, I will love you forever!!! PS: Paul, thanks for the backstage pass, and yes I still remember you! ;)

[@LeeAnn20008]

Wow. He was too cute and what beautiful skin. Man I miss him.

[@luisrivero9331]

Martha's rules...

[@icare4you123]

I will always miss him.

[@Momknowstreasures]

Sylvester was a true ground breaking artist. Los Angeles is proud of him

[@tonymcmahon_historybear]

So funny the interviewer daren't say whatever everybody knew about San Francisco in the 1970s - it was a free and liberated city because it was so openly gay. Sylvester was a champion for the gay community. All said in code for middle America. Hilarious.

[@bridazzel7588]

My mom told me that living in Northern California is very different than living in Southern California because Northern California has mountains and rural areas and Southern California has urban areas.

[@ebbhead20]

I like that Dick Clark seems to not give a fuck about what people was into, dress wise and sexual persuasion alike.. 😎

[@sharoncook5883]

Sylvester had so much talent, He can dance and sing, A beautiful voice, Rest in peace Sylvester 💐💐💐🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@sharoncook5883]

Sylvester had so much talent, He can dance and sing, A beautiful voice, Rest in peace Sylvester 💐💐💐🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@babbybobabs8701]

two tons of fun as in the weather girls pre it's raining men??

[@bemindful724]

Brings back memories of very happy and very special times in my life with great friends, most whom didn't survive the AIDS epidemic, like Sylvester. And to think, they still haven't come forward with the "cure."

[@mahumike7531]

Sending all my love.

[@PeaceFan1]

Yeah , He should have let Martha and Zora STAY for the interview ... So yes , he WAS clueless and Classless ...but they killed the song and together they were a group that was in a class by themselves ..xoxo

[@bobdavis4848]

Izora,not Zora. Yes and plus! When Sylvester said "They're the Two Tons O' Fun" Dick Clark thought he was weight shaming! Dick had no idea their professional duo name was indeed Two Tons O' Fun! Rest In Peace Sylvester and Izora Rhodes-Armstead...ah well...and Dick Clark... yes he could have interviewed them, too!

[@critic3001]

Dreadful man. He looks and sounds like a gameshow host who likes drinking gin. It was a short interview which he could have done with the women standing there no problem. Sylvester would also have felt more comfortable and confident with their support on the stage.

[@canicole20]

critic3001 Dick Clark was a borderline asshole.

[@tototita413]

Sylvester was so underrated I love him

[@itsreal1971]

WHERE'S THE SINGING PART OF THE VIDEO...CRAP!!!

[@jinxmas]

No one knows it then, but when Sly passes on, his 2 back up singers become The Weather Girls.

[@bmw3842]

Martha wash used to say when they were go shopping with Sylvester he would call it shopping, in the name of Jesus

[@r.harris5615]

Yes 2 Tons of Fun and the Weather Girls are the same people😒😒😒😒

[@Multi1628]

~ Two Tons O' Fun!! R.I.P. The great Sylvester and Dick Clark. Cheers, DAVEDJ ~

[@bobdavis4848]

R.I.P. to Izora Rhodes-Armstead, too!

[@norinefitzgerald5259]

Dick Clark I just love you so much, what you said and meant to Sylvester, This is the easiest job you’ll ever have,,, darlings, both of you RIP , beautiful because it s the truth, both of you being yourself... progression of human “ kind” at its best... 💕💕💕💕💕

[@angelainyt]

Sylvester is right a lot of those skinny, model-looking women could not sing. Yet, some could.

[@RisingRemnant1]

Gasped!!!! Look at these beautiful Legends!!! I wanna cry, but no...I'm too favored to have been one of the chosen few who knew what Sylvester,Martha,& Zoe's Music can do. R.I.P. Dick Clark. Thanks for your HUGE Contributions. Peace & Love!

[@portiamatthews9654]

The question that dick asked was so indifferent than any other artists who had performed there. Hinting around his sexuality in which has nothing to do with Sylvester as a singing force. Love Sylvester.

[@vangoghmatisse1]

LOVE SYLVESTER!

[@joelbays1376]

I've lived in San Francisco and the Southland, I found it easy to be myself in both. San Francisco was my home for 27 years, the OC one year, and Palm Springs six months, there are nice people there, even in Palm Springs (just kidding).

[@bigwillietheb]

he might have been gay but he had a voice that was awesome

[@cherylmingo8683]

Dick Clark classy loved Sylvester and two tons aka weather girls RIP to the departed

[@marial.rapaglia4041]

Sylvester, we hardly knew ya back then! You were great!

[@thierrydevant7690]

He was ahead of his time.

[@The1djdave]

disco will never go away because of its stars!

[@craigdavis5407]

The Weather Girls!!!

[@904classiclegend]

I feel sorry for him.A great singer.A great person in general.I'm not passing judgment against him.But it is rather sad knowing that he died from a partner who had the AIDS/HIV virus.

[@tiana1017]

i was 10 when this song came out and the only song i remember listening while having my mom and dad around, this song was a hit back then so i remember it came on the radio while we were in the car driving, i remember being little and i didnt understand or thought he did look different when i would see him singing on tv but didnt think much of it, i just knew sylvester was a man who looked like a woman but idk, didnt really care, i just liked his music

[@wafacabriales]

Wow..two legends that will live in our hearts and minds forever. God bless their souls🙏

[@augusts1]

Actually 3 legends. Martha Wash the singer on the left went on to sing for C & C Music Factory, Black Box & still is singing solo today.

[@DIETRICHCICCONE]

I saw Martha perform in a gay club in London in 1999 💥 I wore a thong and a cheap raincoat like the guys in the video for Its Raining Men 😂😂

[@smallfry7743]

Would anyone know if this is accurate? I heard that Don Cornelius would not allow him on soul train due to him being a transvestite. But Clark let him on American Bandstand because the song was a big hit and he didn't mind. Plus it probably brought im ratings too.

[@Mandi7882]

There is kernels of truth in both, IMO. What is important to know about Dick Clark was that in music he was quite progressive. I remember reading a book about Dick Clark's early days in promoting music with R&B and pop -where they wouldn't even let black people in the front door of some establishments in the 60s, and the shows Dick Clark backed that didn't allow that to happen, he didn't have them play. Everyone was equal in music, everyone went through the front door, period. Don Cornelius was semi-progressive during his hey-day of Soul Train as he was more focused in the "soul" experience and was not too much of a "Disco" fan to begin with as he was a disc jokey more into Soul/R&B and was more focused in that and the promotion of outlets for that. This Sylvester story was more about Don's "Disco" hating, than trans hating. Dick Clark REALLY promoted Disco when it came along on his show American Bandstand, Don Cornelius...didn't...at first. (Gradually he had to...) However, Sylvester and Don may not have gotten along as well..and that may be how Sylvester took it as Don was not the only one who gave him crap, his record company did as well.....

[@angelaharkness5030]

They loved them the crowd Goin wild 😁😁🙌🙌👏👏👏

[@willmac5642]

He seems like a really nice person, and v brave too

[@SuperBrianMak]

Wish he'd been alive longer. Wow. What a presence. I love and respect Sylvester so much.

[@copywritergena1225]

Dick Clark, real smooth with the "Why San Francisco" question. Love Sylvester!!!!

[@darylinlondon]

He's so shy!

[@dynaco]

Pleeeeeease upload the performance they gave just prior of "Dance Disco Heat"!!!

[@depressed_weighted_B1anket]

Sylvester finna low-key chump his tail off. Like stop asking goofy ass questions

[@frankgonzalezofficial3010]

Good bless Dick Clark

[@stevenbelloni]

SYLVESTER nel cuore sempre ❤️

[@bremarceasingle2332]

RIP Sylvester and Isola! Lo

[@FreddyTurner]

BreMarcea Single baby its Esura

[@Squirrel36]

What happened to Isola?

[@bobdavis4848]

@@FreddyTurner No, it's Izora. Rest In Peace to Izora Rhodes-Armstead. She died of heart failure in 2004.

[@tiana1017]

Yeah but that's how that show was, Don Cornelius never asked background singers to leave when he was interviewing the main performer, i guess he was less tacky about it and would have it already known before they performed that they would just obviously step to the side to talk to the main performer.

[@katinajenkins9233]

So true Nunya Don Cornelius would go down the line getting everyone's name until he got to the main performer

[@msgeorgiaannettefranklin5493]

R.I.P💚🎶LOVE YOU SYLVESTER🥇🎼💋😘

[@Squirrel36]

R.I.P. to the Nubian queen, Izora, too!

[@gato9866]

What an original for the time. Id hate to think that if he had still been around today hed be a woke fool.

[@sharoncook5883]

Sylvester had so much talent, He can dance and sing, A beautiful voice, Rest in peace Sylvester 💐💐💐🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@tiana1017]

OMG he's so freaking young here

[@Kell1295]

I wanna see the whole thing! Sylvester and Two Tons of Fun rocked it!

[@trentigalaxy]

why is RUpaul not using any of his songs!! ????

[@MonstruosEspantosos]

Excuse me, Dick Clark was the worst interviewer...he was so clueless

[@rdo1231]

the very best

[@nyeshabrooks8666]

Sylvester was too cute

[@nan-sea3814]

great style!

[@vanderson5226]

Sylvester's hair is beautiful

[@jeanbean5707]

Perfect example. Watch what you do when on TV. Sticking out the tongue isn't appealing but Sylvester was very talented

[@johncasor9698]

he was the 2ND greatest man to die of AIDS... i remember in 1984 only 11 know cases of AIDS where known. thats is why i got married... i knew i could get AIDS if i keep running around like i did...

[@drewstar412]

Well, I believe Sylvester died in 88, and another great man died that same year of AIDS, in the late great Leonard Matlovich.

[@johncasor9698]

@@drewstar412 yes you are correct...

[@Multi1628]

~ omgawd, MARTHA WASH and SYLVESTER ON STAGE AT THE SAME TIME. Music and history fantastic brilliant. 1978! Cheers, DAVEDJ ~

[@michaelgaynor6866]

Blessed to see the Phenomenal Sylvester twice, once at a club called Tracks in Denver and again at the Bourse Building in Philadelphia, Pa. He made me feel MIGHTY REAL! Earth is sending Love up, Sylvester November 2020

[@rennedelorean3341]

I love them ALL but, Izora was my favorite. Izora's sound is very close to the great gospel singer Ms. Betty Perkins.