Exclusive Interview by Anthony Santiago

Head Shot Photo Credit: Sean Black

“We thought the gay community would pick up on it (It’s Raining Men), but had no idea it would become their anthem.” – Martha Wash

OMG – OMG – OMG…. Baby girls can you feel a Queen’s excitement? OK close your eyes…. It’s 1982, and my toothless hunk of a husband Georgie Girl – Santiago has most of his teeth. We are in a disco dancing our tail feathers off with tight leather jeans, with me looking like a true Queen while the lights of the disco ball hits my beautiful face. The voice of a Queen (Martha Wash) comes booming across the speakers at Studio 54 where the crowd hears It’s Raining Men…. Queens & Straights take over the dance floor…

From that night forward, Martha was our Queen and It’s Raining Men was our GAY ANTHEM. So grab your umbrellas Queens, go outside, look to the skies and find to your delight, IT’S RAINING MEN…….. HOLLA…

AS: First off, I have to tell you from one Queen to another; it’s an honor to have you in my column. Let’s catch up the Queens and Straights who are going to just love hearing what you are up to today.

First let me say thank you for asking me for this interview, I’ve been busy doing the Pride Festivals. It’s really been great. This year I’ve been doing new cities and the response has been wonderful. I’ve been shopping my memoirs, and I’m still working on the CD. I’m also still working with an Autism organization (QSAC: Quality Services for the Autism Community) here in New York. Now here is where I get serious ya’ll because we really need your support. QSAC provides services to 1,000 individuals on the Autism Spectrum, ranging from early intervention to schools and group homes, and due to government budget cuts over the last 2 years, we will be holding our second Got Talent competition.

We’ve had to be innovative in our fundraising efforts. Got talent is the perfect example. It integrates real life performance with social media to attract new donors and build communities. I was so moved at last year’s Got Talent, that I decided to sign on as the agencies official spokesperson. We are seeking singers, dancers, musicians, magicians, etc. of all ages. To find out more about this years Got Talent go to this website.

AS: Hands down, your smash hit IT’S RAINING MEN has become our gay anthem. OMG when I watch your video from the 80’s I turn to my husband Georgie Girl – Santiago and say, “now there is a voice when I hear you sing”. Could you ever imagine that Queens like me and so many others over the years would take your song as our anthem?

We thought the gay community would pick up on it, but had no idea it would become their anthem. The song will be 30 yrs old next year (I was just a cute baby then) and what I know is that everybody likes that song. From grandparents to parents to kids. It’s just a fun song. You know it has to be played at least once at a reception or Bar Mitzvah.

AS: My husband Georgie Girl- Santiago is the solo artist in my hit play LADY GUM GUM: STYLE BREEDS HATE. He does an amazing job on vocals for someone with no teeth. Having the amazing voice that you do, can you give him any pointers that can make him sing even better?

While I’m sure your husband Georgie Girl is an amazing vocalist (with no teeth), I’d prefer to hear him first before I could give him any pointers. Never having heard him, the first thing that comes to mind is Diction. I would hope that his Diction is good, that people can understand what he’s singing. If he’s good with that, then I’d say Go Georgie Girl!

AS: My saying is “STYLE BREEDS HATE.” With you having so much style, do you agree with my saying?

Your saying is “Style Breeds Hate.” I say that “Style Breeds Individuality.” You or I may not like someone’s style, but if their comfortable, then I’m good. I’ve lived long enough and been in this business long enough to know that styles come and go and then recycle.

AS: Years ago, I saw an act in a gay bar here in the Bronx where two guys did The Weather Girls, but they were called The Weather Boys. The lead singer did you to the tee which would make you proud. Have you ever seen them perform or heard of what happened to the group?

I don’t remember a group called the Weather Boys.

AS: Do you have a favorite song that you recorded?

Favorite recorded song. Well let’s see. Dance Disco Heat (with Sylvester), I Who Have Nothing (with Luther Vandross), Taking Away Your Space (Two Tons of Fun), Carry On, Someone Who Believes in You, Raining Men (naturally) and my new single I’ve Got You.

AS: Who were the singers you looked up to when you first broke into the business?

The singer I looked up to and still do is Aretha Franklin. I know there are a lot of great singers out there and especially the ones that have passed on, but she is still the one for me.

AS: Did you have as much fun shooting the video for IT’S RAINING MEN as it comes across to people watching it?

Hell No!! We shot the video in Manhattan in a dilapidated building in the winter time. No heat, and hardly any running water. The part where you see us falling out of the window, we jumped off a ladder and landed on mattresses. After we finished the video, Izora and I both started itching and scratching our arms and backs. Well come to find out the mattresses were flea infested. You know we weren’t happy!

AS: In 2004, you started your own record label called Purple Rose Records. How is the label going today?

Purple Rose is my record label. The single and upcoming CD will be on it. I started it because I wasn’t signed with a major label and I thought why not start my own. I put out a single about 5 years ago called You Lift Me Up (kind of a gospel house). I’m focused on getting my music out there and later on bringing in some new artists.

AS: What is your personal message to the large GAY audience that followed your music since day one?

I’d like to thank all of the gay community for their support over the years. You’ve been my largest fan base and have held me up over the years of ups and downs. Each day we all get a little older and we make changes in our lives. I’m moving in a different direction regarding my music. For as long as I’ve been recording I’ve never wanted to be put in one box. I’ve always believed that artists should be allowed to grow and experiment. All I ask is that you continue to go on the journey with me. Lots of Love & Big Hugs

All you Queens and Straights out there make sure you check out Martha’s FAB site and tell her Anthony sent you….

Queens and Straights you can also DOWNLOAD Martha’s SINGLE I’VE GOT YOU by clicking Amazon.

Also, a special thanks to James Washington of J. Washington Management Inc for his assistance in setting up this interview…

Final Interviewer’s Note: This Queen would be remiss if I didn’t give a special Holla out to the late Izora Rhodes Armstead who was half of the group The Weather Girls. Armstead, passed away on September 16, 2004. Izora you made magic with Martha on our GAY ANTHEM and are missed….