"It's Raining Men" Collection on Letterman, 1982-2015

Late Night:
1. December 20, 1982. Paul mentions that his co-composition "It's Raining Men" is #1 in Billboard's Dance Music chart.
2. December 21, 1982. Dave congratulates Paul for the success of "It's Raining Men."
3. January 12, 1983. The song is finally performed on the show by its original artists, The Weather Girls -- Martha Wash and Izora Armstead -- who then later chat with Dave.
Paul's co-writer of the song, Paul Jabara, died in 1992.
Late Show:
4. October 1, 2012. To commemorate "It's Raining Men"'s 30th anniversary, Martha Wash revisits the song with an expanded ensemble. Izora, Martha's Weather Girl partner, had passed away in 2004.
5. April 21, 2015. As part of Late Show's final six weeks, Paul pays tribute to "It's Raining Men" one last time, here closing the show with Chaka Khan.

[@seanjenkins331]

The ICONIC Martha Wash and Zora Rhodes. Powerful voices

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

❤️❤️❤️

[@alexshnurov]

I’m an immigrant from Belarus. I’m a professional singer and was my entire life thrilled America for this amazing music. I love this country! God Bless America!

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

❤️❤️

[@chanhonglai2951]

with no sound effect.. this is the geniune voice of the two ladies

[@andyrose5616]

Martha Wash was later part of an even bigger hit, singing lead for “Everybody Dance Now.” But she received no credit for that until she sued.

[@mqure1983]

Wow, never knew her name. What an amazing voice.

[@JLPerryTV]

There should be a song called “It’s Raining Martha” because Martha sang on everyone’s 90’s hit and received no credit. C+C Music Factory - Everybody Dance Now Black Box - Everybody Everybody Seduction - You’re My One and Only True Love and more

[@kekwayblaze3176]

What was the name of they group?

[@kekwayblaze3176]

@@JLPerryTV That was her?? I remember that song!! C+C Music Factory and the "singer" in the video wasn't her either come to think of it. Everybody Dance Now.

[@JLPerryTV]

KeKway Blaze Yes. That was Martha’s voice on the song. She just wasn’t in the music video. They used Zelma Davis to lip-sync in the music video. Although Zelma can sing, she just didn’t sing on that song, she lip-sync to Martha’s vocals

[@AAwildeone]

I don't think Martha Wash has lip synched a day in her life

[@jonthomas8569]

I'm so used to hearing about Martha Wash, that it's fun to hear what a powerful voice Izora had as well. Their voices were insane.

[@dariusjohnsin]

Omg!!!! I couldn't agree more!!!!!!!!❤

[@margotrobinson943]

Martha is so effortless its insane. I can’t imagine being this talented. Together their voices are so unstoppable.

[@littlefinger5199]

It took 6 backup singers to fill in for IZORA! That’s how powerful these ladies voices are. Goddesses among mere mortals.

[@xxxTIN0xxx]

Martha Wash's voice is incredible!

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

Martha - wow ❤️❤️❤️

[@MrSoonerCal]

These women brought pure joy to us with their extraordinary voices and personalities. God bless them.

[@Mewopcat]

Martha Wash the greatest singer in the world. Can sing soft like an angel AND belt out a verse like no other.

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

Martha has a fantastic voice. 💖

[@johnrife7134]

I feel like these ladies greet you with big hugs and a kiss on the cheek. Then feed you greens, hamhocks and cornbread.

[@BlytheWorld1972]

love when Martha said first of all they heard good singing!!! the girls were epic were amazing Singers i loved both of them rip Izora .

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

Absolutely brilliant 💖 Thank you so much for sharing. I didn't know Paul Shaffer had co-written this song. How awesome for him. ❤️

[@16davelle]

Top shelf vocalists

[@mwells219]

Jesus they could really sing.

[@ajdc88]

those ladies had fantastic voices. that song is not easy to sing at all, cf. my own attempts to sing it at karaoke/family functions

[@asayudwhaddameant8346]

Martha couldn't hit any of those high notes live.

[@mariahwhitneycelinejanetmadona]

Asayud Whaddameant maybe it’s was just an off night

[@joepangelo]

I wanna hear Barney Fife sing this song.

[@jonthomas8569]

I didn't realize Paul Shaffer wrote this! That's kind of a fun fact, and of course they sang the daylights out of it.

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

I didn't know, either. Good for him!

[@prmaninla]

This is spectacular!!! "A certain segment of the audience loves that song." ... Ladies and gentlemen we'll be back with Harvey Fierstein...

[@efren7592]

F*** YES!

[@adamwarlock1]

And then in 2012 they come out and say it!

[@supachaloopa3611]

What a nice compilation. Odd to hear Chaka sing it, but she can sing almost anything. Just a quick fun facts list for those interested- Martha & Izora joined disco singer Sylvester in 1976 and together the trio released his 3rd album SYLVESTER in 1977, followed by STEP II in 1978, STARS in 1979, and LIVING PROOF also in 1979. Fantasy Records split them up, to Sylvester's dismay, and had the women put out 2 disco albums- 1980 TWO TONS OF FUN and a second 1980 LP with a name change of THE TWO TONS - BACKATCHA. Then their contract ran out and they were on their own. In 1982 Paul Jabara approached the two women with the song "It's Raining Men" and Izora came up with the name The Weather Girls, and in fact, went straight out to get a patent on it so the record company wouldn't change their name later on. "It's Raining Men" came out first appearing on the Paul Jabara & Friends LP (with 2 other Weather Girls songs- "Hope" (original version) and "Ladies Hotline" (written by Paul Jabara & Diana Ross). Then in 1983 came the Weather Girls debut album SUCCESS. In 1985 came their 2nd LP "BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY", and then their 3rd and last LP THE WEATHER GIRLS (working with Full Force). Sylvester had released 7 more albums by the time he passed away on December 16, 1988. Martha went on to work with C&C Music Factory and Black Box, both used her vocals and didn't give credit, and while Martha was off doing that, Izora released 2 12" solo singles that went no where. Then Martha released her debut solo album MARTHA WASH in 1992, and Izora moved to Germany with her daughter Dynelle Rhodes and continued with the name The Weather Girls (since Izora owned the name). The mother and daughter duo were quite successful, having released 3 good albums: 1993 DOUBLE TONS OF FUN, 1995 THINK BIG and 1998 PUTTIN' ON THE HITS (covers of disco songs from the 70's). At some point during this period they opened up a restaurant in Germany called The Weather Girls Soul Food Kitchen. Izora passed away on Sept. 16, 2004 and Dynelle went on with a new singer, Ingrid Arthur, to record 2 more albums as The Weather Girls- 2004 TOTALLY WILD and 2009 THE WOMAN I AM. Martha Wash is still recording- she formed her own record company Purple Rose Records and released 2 more solo albums: 2013 SOMETHING GOOD and 2020 LOVE & CONFLICT. So, just in case you were wondering... whatever happened to them... now you know ; )

[@GREAT-BIG-MOUTH]

Thanks for that info, there's certainly a few facts there I hadn't heard about before😉

[@SmartRobot-wc2fb]

Supa Chaloopa: Martha also collaborated with several DJ's in the mid 90's like Todd Terry where she co-sings with Jocelyn Brown the hits "Keep On Jumpin'" and "Something's Goin On"...

[@supachaloopa3611]

@@SmartRobot-wc2fb Yes, and I have all of that funky stuff. Just didn't want to list every one of her recordings. Thanx.

[@waynelewis8355]

Thank u for that information!🙏🏽🧡💥

[@johnrife7134]

I love the way Paul and Dave are friends and remained friends for so long.

[@lgempet2869]

Love Paul Shaffer😊! He always REALLY got into his musical parts when accompanying musical guests for Letterman....just great! For whatever reason, the guy just made me laugh (in a good way).🤣🤣

[@imanopenfire]

POWERFUL VOICES!!!

[@salliemae7476]

Love this and I love both ladies voices and RIP IA!!!!

[@houseofcreativity1]

I love that son! There is no one else I think could have sang that song better than the weather girls aka 2 tons of fun!! I love them!

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

It's such a fun song. 💖

[@nigelthomas9299]

Two lovely ladies with strong vocals , I’ve always loved this song

[@chrisgodlaproductions3106]

Love how Paul is doing the whip crack sound with his right hand on the top keyboard around 8:00 and 9:00 parts you can see him doing it.

[@lProjectZerol]

10:21 that guy on the left was feeling that vocal grooooooowl

[@faronomus1589]

The dude with the sweater? I can feel him

[@seany3303]

Martha Wash on Letterman, what a voice! Clear as it was back in 1982.

[@diegovalera8846]

IZORA RHODES DESERVES TO BE IN HEAVEN

[@Christianpreaching]

Well I hope she's there. I've been a fan for many years. But nobody deserves heaven. It's a gift of God given not of our works, but by God's grace and favor

[@santaclaritadrone2844]

LIve and it sounds just like it does on the radio. Great singers.

[@jermainedaniels4423]

Perfection! Just these two voices. This is real talent.

[@douglassmith2989]

Her voice is amazing

[@RBS_]

*TRIVIA TIME!* ...The tune originally was written for *DONNA SUMMER* , who became a Born Again Christian in '82, and turned it down......Then, Babs, Cher, Melissa, Diana....and, CHAKA (21:45)....all turned it down, with it going to the Weather Girls (originally named, "Two Tons O' Fun")....and, here's the Dance charts, Dec., '82... (cont.) 10. Playing For Time - Madleen Kane 9. Mickey - Toni Basil 8. Work Me Over / I Will Follow Him - Claudja Barry 7. Mind Warp (LP cuts) - Patrick Cowley 6. Nipple To The Bottle - Grace Jones 5. 1999 (LP cuts) - Prince & The Revolution 4. Everybody - Madonna 3. Lies / Beach Culture - Thompson Twins 2. The Look Of Love - ABC 1. ***It's Raining Men*** - The Weather Girls (1st wk. of 2 weeks)

[@darreylhenderson8979]

Thank you Soo much for posting this!! Awesome history!

[@SailorCallie]

Thanks for posting.

[@PatTheBatmanFan]

It’s conceivable that Paul made as much or more from that song than from all his years on the show.

[@porpster]

This is wonderful. Thanks Don!

[@dongiller]

I saw your tweet. :)

[@adamwarlock1]

Man look how little Martha changed compared to Paul & Dave.

[@MrLAPRESIDENCE]

Tanks for the video.

[@rtususian]

We appreciate the effort it took to cobble all these appearances together into one posting. I always loved this song and it just reinforced my feeling that I was gay!!

[@tunde818]

Did they mention that Paul first offered the song to Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer and all 3 rejected it. Diana Ross had just released "Muscles" and didn't feel like doing another song about fawning over men.

[@rtususian]

Yes I remember reading a list of all the female singers who turned the song down before the Weather Girls performed it. It would have also been appropriate for Bette Midler, it's definitely her type of song! Or maybe Eartha Kitt?

[@B0WIETVC15]

at 5:00 David asks a leading question to this effect. Paul doesn't name names.

[@TheAnxietyCloset]

In a print interview, they said Summer was so offended she mailed Jabara a Bible in response.

[@dariosalviscotland]

@@TheAnxietyCloset Where did you read this? So fascinating :)

[@honggiangvogia]

@@TheAnxietyCloset What but Summer had an entire album about hookers and “looking for some hot stuff this evening”? Lol compared to that “Bad Girls” album, this song is pretty tamed

[@coffeeandchucks]

The audience did not pass the vibe check! The song still rocks!! 🔥I absolute love their voices

[@VideoMusicManiacPlace]

Thank you for putting this together. You can see and hear times change. Not a mention of Sylvester is sad. Love it all!

[@romerjusu3804]

They were his backup singers and were called " Two Tons of Fun ".

[@pixoariz]

This is incredibly fun!

[@jbird4754]

Chaka didn’t learn her lines. Hence why she’s “blowing” all over the place. Why not let Martha do HER thang?!?!?! 🤷‍♀️

[@M15C1]

16:25 first time I've ever seen female backup dancers for "It's Raining Men" lol

[@celiarayner9825]

Damb those girls can sing

[@pattybraithwaite2589]

One of the greatest songs ever!!!

[@michaelcampion541]

You Go Girls !!!

[@ssalazarf]

Espectacular!

[@TellYaMammy]

Oooh Uh-Uh Chaka honey...

[@wendyu3403]

love this

[@martymartin3300]

a shame that you can catch the under current of them kind of making fun of these girls.....and they are so great!!!

[@QueenBthatsMe777]

Exactly. First thing I noticed. So sad. Seems America is ready to accept everything but will forever body shame smh

[@kellywillaford103]

Holy crap, I was one month and some change old when this aired on December 20, of '82!

[@jayhayes4432]

Just great amen.

[@earlrodgers8124]

Awesome

[@timothysmith35]

Paul is one cool cat 😎

[@emiramarra6073]

Absolute queens

[@mikestevenson576]

The political arc to this story was fascinating. Imagine Paul having to skirt the issue on TV at 1 o'clock in the morning.

[@neilsunn]

God bless Mother nature.

[@williamward9268]

What a show.

[@duncandacunha7771]

Also known as The Two Tons Of Fun, BRILLIANT....TALENT

[@leiutley4083]

Sylvester Gems Eternal peace

[@chrisf8855]

It's raining men, HALLELUJAH!!!🥳

[@backlightsnew]

Talented AF

[@seany3303]

Martha’s version of ‘ Fantasy ‘ by Earth, Wind and Fire is one of the best vocals ever!

[@J0EJ0H]

❤❤❤

[@darreylhenderson8979]

God, Chaka was a mess! She didn't know what she was singing. She should have had the words on the back of one of her fans like she did at Aretha's funeral. Haha

[@JLPerryTV]

She never does. Every time she is doing a tribute or sings someone else song, she messes it up

[@timbalandj]

that Part.... that entire part... like how you don't know this song as long as you been in the industry .. girl have a seat - you lost legendary cool points for this...

[@vancemars1174]

She was having fun with the song she’s still a r&b/soul/funk LEGEND. But NOBODY can sang this song like the GREAT Martha Wash! 💯

[@originaldeftom]

She appeared right drunk or stoned. Embarrassing.

[@davidmiller8856]

god's child. backup singer was a lover for a time.

[@GrandGame1440]

Loving these compilations Don. What is this Bermuda Paul is speaking of?

[@dongiller]

All here. Another compilation! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZCahXmBnryNj5Y

[@hinderless5811]

Wow that was powerful.. 10:20

[@darrianmcneil3481]

Martha wash sound the same until now I don't know what they talking about . Izora and Martha Wash speak on the same pitch as well Martha wash just got a good dramatic soprano upper register but in lower register her and izora sound quite the same i think Martha tone is just heavier

[@I-AM-BELIEVER]

Has Martha ever spoke about Izora. Seems like it's not much of her talking about her

[@darrianmcneil3481]

@@I-AM-BELIEVER yes in some interviews and Sylvester

[@I-AM-BELIEVER]

@@darrianmcneil3481 oh ok.

[@darrianmcneil3481]

@@I-AM-BELIEVER she got her own KZbin channel it's called 10 mins with Martha wash . Also look up Martha wash interviews

[@I-AM-BELIEVER]

@@darrianmcneil3481 Ok. I will look It up. Thank u

[@zayvier69]

Martha is the best Chaka’s version has potential but she needed more time to prepare n learn it

[@caitlynortega1829]

Martha Walsh walked so Lizzo could run

[@GypsyFairy85]

Oh please! Martha walks all over Lizzo.

[@piscesempress1978]

Martha wipes the floor with Lizzo! Martha is a legend.

[@rodneytrotter3725]

Lizzo hasn’t been able to run since she was born.

[@christopherramon-reid9841]

Don Giller = 😎👍

[@dongiller]

Stevie Wonder hitchhiking? :)

[@sunnykobe3210]

Don Giller pick ‘em upppppppp

[@sassysb1]

Chaka Khan must have been high ...but then again, she has a tendency to attempt to sing songs of which she don't know the words!

[@JLPerryTV]

Chaka sucked. I don’t understand why she never bothers to learn the songs she covers. “I’m Coming Out”, “It’s Raining Men”, “Going Up Yonder”, etc. stop screaming and mumbling through the song and learn it

[@TarantulaCandy]

Love Chaka But Chaka here was CACA!

[@farmyardflavours]

whatchu talking bout, willis ?

[@Jim26D]

I think chaka is actually Cardi b in the future

[@simplenough]

"a certain segment of the population"

[@MaxStax1]

The first time I heard about this song was from Homer Simpson.

[@farmyardflavours]

lmao. doh !

[@colewarren1358]

Could You Do Len Easton, You Know From The California Highway Patrol Could You Upload That Video?

[@dongiller]

There were 35 segments. No idea when I’ll get to it.

[@colewarren1358]

@@dongiller What Will You'll Get Them Soon Like The Next Week After Easter?

[@dongiller]

The wrong thing to do is give me a deadline. I’ll get to it when I get to it. Won’t be for a long while.

[@daddygrace253]

😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@planetsolega]

What’s the lineup of the band?

[@dongiller]

donzblog.home.blog/2022/04/17/the-musicians-on-late-night-with-david-letterman/

[@logann7942]

I love not being homophobic bc I can enjoy this great song without worrying that Jesus will get mad at me or whatever.

[@jebangelacox2013]

I am pretty sure that Jesus loves us all and could not care less who we love. I say this as a 50yearold white guy who was in the Marines and married a incredible woman. My sister was gay. She told me before I went to Iraq. I said OK Sue Ellen you're my Sister and I love you and I met her girlfriend who was hot! I said OK so liking blue eyed blondes runs in the family?Sue Ellen is gone now but she gave me a great niece and nephew I love my sister and I miss her. My sister and I lost my Wife last year..I hope that my wife and sister will meet me when I get called home.

[@nancifyme]

Sorry for your loss. You sound like a loving brother and husband. You can smile knowing your wife and sister appreciated you.

[@janelleflagg7154]

30 yrs later she still looks even lost weight! She even looks better then than in the early 80's

[@darrinhauxwell5315]

Maybe Chaka should have learned the words better and not rely on the auto prompter on the floor, and her back up singers holding her up.

[@davidmiller8856]

sylvester

[@I-AM-BELIEVER]

The way David came out after Weather Girls performance..."Love Your Outfits", then proceeds to walk off..😂😂 A stark difference than when Whitney Houston sang for him, which is here on KZbin. He literally wouldn't let her out of his sight and continued to kiss her hand. LoL

[@dongiller]

Also my upload. :)

[@hualni]

The funniest song ever made.

[@sgunder26]

I don't know why Chaka Khan is on this clip at the end. She's definitely overrated. The performance she did sucked. That seems to be a trend with her. Anywho Martha Wash is AMAZING! Love Two Tons of Fun/The Weather Girls but Martha Wash is and always has been and always will be my favorite 💯

[@dongiller]

The focus for this collection was the song, not the performers. That’s why.

[@Tobbetejj]

Why did they call them selves the weathergirls?

[@tunde818]

I think it was specifically for the song. They used to be called "Two-tons of fun"

[@Tobbetejj]

@@tunde818 so they thought rain. Rain is weather and we are 2girls.

[@JLPerryTV]

They were called Two Tons of Fun but they found out that name was later copyrighted by another group, so they were known as The Two Tons by the time they recorded the song. Because of the media confusion and club confusion (due to how they announced themselves at the beginning of the song), they decided to go as The Weather Girls

[@popland1977]

Because they beginning of the song it says "Hi we're your Weather Girls "

[@thelatebrianjones]

Not a slight to them- but I always took it as a reference to the size of weather balloons

[@benjaminbeeck2360]

Chaka khan 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@paulwaters7834]

Martha is wonderful and Chaka was rubbish

[@RLucas3000]

Gayest episode ever? It’s raining men AND Harvey Fierstein!