“It’s Raining Men” remains an unforgettable anthem from the 1980s, celebrated for its upbeat tempo and empowering message. This iconic song, released in 1982, was brought to life through the collaboration of songwriters Paul Jabara and Bob Esty and performed by The Weather Girls, a duo formerly known as Two Tons o’ Fun, featuring the powerhouse vocals of Martha Wash and Izora Armstead.
The song quickly became a sensation, dominating Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart by December of its release year. Martha Wash’s vocal performance, characterized by its bluesy and gospel-infused power, was a key element in the song’s infectious appeal. The accompanying music video, known for its campy and playful aesthetic featuring men in raincoats and briefs, gained significant traction on MTV, contributing to the song’s widespread popularity. “It’s Raining Men” also crossed over to other Billboard charts, reaching No. 34 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and No. 46 on the prestigious Hot 100.
Despite its massive success in the United States and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at No. 2 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo, “It’s Raining Men” surprisingly did not achieve the same level of national chart success in Canada upon its initial release.
The enduring popularity of “It’s Raining Men” is evident in its multiple revivals and covers. In 1997, Martha Wash revisited her hit, recording “It’s Raining Men: The Sequel” with drag icon RuPaul, which again topped Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart. Further solidifying its timeless appeal, Geri Halliwell, formerly of the Spice Girls, released a cover in 2001. Halliwell’s version soared to No. 1 in numerous countries, including the UK, France, Italy, and Ireland, and reached No. 11 on Billboard’s Hot Canadian Digital Song Sales, demonstrating the song’s continued resonance across generations and geographies.
Martha Wash aptly described the song’s universal appeal to the Huffington Post, stating, “It’s just one of those songs where it’s fun for everybody. It’s definitely stood the test of time.” This simple yet profound observation encapsulates the enduring charm of “It’s Raining Men,” a song that continues to bring joy and energy to listeners worldwide.
The creative talents behind “It’s Raining Men” also boast impressive credentials. Composer Paul Jabara, who sadly passed away in 1992, contributed to musicals like “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Hair.” His songwriting prowess earned him a Grammy, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe for “Last Dance,” highlighting his significant impact on the music industry. Paul Shaffer, a Grammy-winning pianist born in Canada, is widely recognized for his long tenure as bandleader for David Letterman and his performances on “Saturday Night Live,” further connecting the song to a rich tapestry of musical and entertainment history.
