Armstead, Izora (1942–2004)

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Armstead, Izora (1942–2004)

African-American pop singer. Name variations: Izora Rhodes; Izora Rhodes-Armstead; The Weather Girls. Born 1942 in Texas; grew up in San Francisco; died of heart failure, Sept 16, 2004, in San Leandro, California; attended San Francisco Conservatory; children: 11, including singer Dynell Rhodes.

Sang with the gospel group News of the World; was backup vocalist for disco singer, Sylvester (1970s); with Martha Wash, sang as Two Tons o' Fun (1979), then as The Weather Girls, and released a hit disco anthem, "It's Raining Men" (1984); living in Germany, relaunched The Weather Girls with daughter Dynell (1990s). Albums include Success, Big Girls Don't Cry and Weather Girls.

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