Parlé Mag: Before “It’s Raining Men” became a global anthem, who were The Weather Girls at their core?
Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes: They were a sensation from the word go. They were fabulous women with beautiful looks and incredible voices that blended perfectly together. That’s what they were known for in the gospel world. Then, when they joined Sylvester, they became the icing on the cake.
Parlé Mag: How did their early gospel roots in San Francisco shape the sound and power they would later become known for?
Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes: Their gospel roots were like food for the soul. In San Francisco, they were already known for that vibrant gospel scene. Gospel wasn’t just for church—it was community, emotion, and letting your voice be heard. It was all about soulful harmonies, emotional delivery, and singing from the heart. That gospel foundation became the backbone of everything they did.
Parlé Mag: What did the era of Two Tons O’ Fun and backing Sylvester represent in building their identity as performers?
Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes: That era was like boot camp and home base all at the same time. Working with Sylvester made them fearless and unapologetically bold. They developed their own identity while bringing a joyful sound and unforgettable stage presence.
Parlé Mag: At what point did The Weather Girls transition from backing vocal power to a standalone cultural force?
Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes: When “It’s Raining Men” dropped, it catapulted them from the background to front and center. Nobody could ignore them anymore. They became a party all by themselves.
Parlé Mag: What did “It’s Raining Men” shift for the group in terms of global visibility and legacy?
Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes: At that point, they were everywhere—clubs, radio stations, television shows—the whole nine yards. “It’s Raining Men” became the song everyone wanted to sing. They became immortalized as icons of joy, empowerment, and pure, over-the-top fabulousness. You hear those opening notes and—boom—they’re still a cultural force today.
Parlé Mag: How did the industry and group dynamic change in the years following their biggest commercial breakthrough?
Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes: During the ’80s, the music industry was shifting. Disco was fading, and the girls had to figure out how to stay relevant in a changing pop landscape with new sounds and genres. The group evolved, too. Then, in the ’90s, Martha launched her solo career—that’s another story for another day. My mother was ready to quit, but instead she brought me into the group. We headed to Europe, reformed The Weather Girls, and it all started over again. Through every change, our legacy endured because you can’t dim the kind of energy we brought.
Parlé Mag: What role did Martha Wash go on to play in shaping dance music history and industry accountability beyond the group?
Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes: Martha became a legend in her own right. It wasn’t just because of her voice—it was because she changed the game. In the ’90s, she was the powerhouse vocalist behind some of the biggest dance hits with C+C Music Factory, yet she wasn’t initially credited or seen. She spoke up, fought for recognition, and helped push the industry toward greater fairness. That’s real impact.
Parlé Mag: How did Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes step into The Weather Girls’ legacy, and what responsibility came with that transition?
Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes: Stepping into a legacy like that is both exciting and challenging. As my mother’s daughter, I felt it was my responsibility to carry the torch. After she passed away, I wan
ted to honor the joyful, powerful legacy she helped create while also making it my own. It was about preserving that signature energy while allowing it to evolve with the times.
Parlé Mag: How has Dee Rhodes carried the group forward since Izora Armstead’s passing while protecting its original identity?
Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes: I’m carrying The Weather Girls forward with a lot of heart and respect. I’m keeping the music alive by performing the classic hits while introducing them to new audiences. It’s all about honoring the past while continuing to build on it.
Parlé Mag: What does The Weather Girls look like in the modern era of touring, recording, and performance?
Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes: These days, The Weather Girls still bring the party, but with a modern groove. We’re working with new collaborators, performing on stages around the world, recording fresh takes on the classics, and creating new music—all while keeping that signature Weather Girls energy alive.
Parlé Mag: How do recent releases like “Stand Up,” “Pride Strong,” and “Spell on Me” reflect their current sound and direction?
Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes: Those songs show we’re still here to lift people up and have a blast doing it. “Stand Up” and “Pride Strong” continue that empowering spirit with modern dance beats and uplifting messages that connect with people today. “Spell on Me” proves we can still bring that fun, flirty energy. It’s classic Weather Girls soul with a contemporary twist. We’re staying true to our roots while keeping the party fresh and inclusive.
Parlé Mag: Why does The Weather Girls’ legacy still resonate across disco, pop, and soul generations today?
Dynelle “Dee” Rhodes: We’ve tapped into something universal. Whether it’s disco, pop, or soul, people want to feel empowered, joyful, and free. The Weather Girls bring big voices, big personalities, and unapologetic, celebratory energy. That kind of vibe doesn’t age—it transcends generations.
