THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

The word legend gets tossed around quite freely these days, but it is a fitting one to use when describing Martha Wash. In the world of dance music, Wash's legend looms large, from her early days as a background vocalist for the late disco superstar Sylvester to her membership in Two Tons Of Fun and, of course, The Weather Girls (of 'It's Raining Men' renown). In more recent years, Wash established herself as both a solo artist and as the voice of dance units such as Black Box and C+C Music Factory. I recently had the chance to speak with the personable and good-humored Wash.

Gregg Shapiro: You are renowned for both your live performances and your work as a studio artist. Do you have a preference for one or the other?

Martha Wash: Probably the stage. The only reason why I said that is because being in the studio takes a whole lot of time (laughs).

GS: What else do you like about live performance?

MW: Seeing the reaction of the audience. That's where that instant gratification comes in. When the energy is great between the artist and the audience—that's the best thing. Everybody is kind of together and everybody is having a good time and enjoying what you're doing.

GS: How often do you perform live?

MW: Not often. I haven't performed with my band this year at all. I have roughly 10 pieces, between the musicians and the singers. Unless somebody is putting on a big show and their budget can include a live situation, it's very, very expensive.

GS: What can someone expect during a Martha Wash concert?

MW: To have fun! (To) dance, sing along with me and everything. Audience participation is half the fun right there.

GS: I was recently at a concert where the performer asked a person sitting close to the stage to either get the words right or stop singing along because it was confusing them. It was very funny.

MW: (Laughs) I wouldn't be surprised. You have some fans out there who actually sing louder than you do. And you have a microphone in your face. Sometimes they can throw you off. It's true (laughs).

GS: Singers are forever identified by their biggest hits. Is there one of your biggest hits, such as 'It's Raining Men,' 'Carry On,' 'Gonna Make You Sweat' (with C + C Music Factory) and 'Strike It Up' (with Black Box) with which you are most proud to be associated?

MW: 'It's Raining Men' has become a classic, and that's a good thing. But I would have to say 'Carry On.' A lot of people have told me how much that song means to them in one way or another. I remember, in particular, that I had just released the single and I was in a record store in New York, doing an autograph session, and I sang 'Carry On.' After I was through, I was walking around the record store and this lady came up to me with her son. She said his name was Joey, and I think he was about six or seven at the time, and she told me how much that song meant to her because Joey was HIV positive. She said it really helped her deal with his situation. Things like that make me feel really good. It means that people are listening to what I am singing. They understand the words. They feel what I am singing and it helps them, comforts them, makes them dance, (and) makes them cry. However they feel the song, they feel it.

GS: It's nice to make a connection.

MW: Exactly.

GS: Speaking of making a connection, can your fans anticipate a new Martha Wash CD some time in the near future?

MW: Yes, yes. I'm not saying when exactly, but hopefully I will be releasing a single by spring.

GS: That would be wonderful. Donna Summer recently published her autobiography. Have you ever considered writing a memoir about your experiences in the music industry?

MW: I don't think I have that much to say (laughs).

GS: Really?

MW: I never thought of myself as somebody that needed to do an autobiography. It's funny that you mention her, because I was in a bookstore the other day, and I happened to see her book. I thought, 'Oh, OK, I didn't know she had put one out.' But no, I don't necessarily think I'm the autobiographical type (laughs).