Have you ever wondered who wrote the iconic disco hit “It’s Raining Men”? Many may know the song by heart, but few know the story behind its creation.
In this article, we will explore the history of “It’s Raining Men” and shine a light on the person behind this beloved tune – who wrote it’s raining men.
“It’s Raining Men” was written by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer. Jabara was an accomplished songwriter and performer with hits such as “Last Dance” by Donna Summer under his belt.
He co-wrote “It’s Raining Men” with Paul Shaffer, who would later become famously associated with the Late Show with David Letterman. The song was written specifically for the legendary diva, Diana Ross, who ultimately passed on the opportunity to record it.
The Weather Girls, formerly known as Two Tons o’ Fun, ended up recording the song in 1982 and it became an instant hit. The song has since been covered by various artists and remains a dance floor classic to this day.
Check out this Youtube video to find out who wrote the iconic song “It’s Raining Men” and enjoy a blast of 80s entertainment by watching The Weather Girls’ original music video!
San Francisco Disco Roots
“It’s Raining Men” was written by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer in 1979, according to www.sfgate.com. Paul Jabara, known for creating hit tunes like “Last Dance” for Donna Summer, and Paul Shaffer, who later became famous for his work alongside David Letterman, were both fixtures on the disco scene in San Francisco.
The song was later popularized by the duo the Weather Girls, featuring it on their third studio album, “Success,” and premiering it as the record’s leading single on September 10, 1982, courtesy of Columbia Records and CBS Records International. Interestingly enough, the original intention was for Donna Summer to sing this iconic and catchy tune.
A Collaboration is Born
In 1979, legendary composer Paul Jabara teamed up with musician Paul Shaffer to write “It’s Raining Men.” The song was meant as a lighthearted tribute to the muscular men of San Francisco’s Castro District.
The Weather Girls (formerly known as Two Tons o’ Fun) recorded the song and it became a disco sensation. Today, it remains a karaoke favorite and a classic dance track.
Covers, Lawsuits, and Legacy
“It’s Raining Men” was written by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer. Since its release in 1982, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Geri Halliwell and RuPaul.
It has also been used in various films and TV shows, such as Bridget Jones’s Diary and The Nanny. In 2018, Jabara’s estate filed a lawsuit against Sony/ATV Music Publishing, alleging that the company had not paid proper royalties for the song’s use.
Despite the legal challenges, “It’s Raining Men” remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire people to dance.
Conclusion
The iconic song “It’s Raining Men” was written by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer. The song was released in 1982 and quickly became a hit, remaining a beloved classic to this day.
Next time you find yourself singing along to the catchy lyrics, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of the song’s history and the masterminds behind it.
References
- “Who wrote ‘It’s Raining Men’? Paul Shaffer on co-writing the beloved disco anthem.” CBC Radio
- “Paul Jabara Dead at 68.” Billboard
- “Paul Shaffer’s Flip Phone and the Making of ‘It’s Raining Men’.” Rolling Stone
