The National Blues Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, will present two-time Grammy nominee Martha Wash with the Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Wash will also perform live in the Museum's Legends Room at 3 PM, cementing her status as one of popular music's most enduring voices. Martha Wash's career spans over four decades, beginning with her prominence as half of the duo Two Tons O' Fun, where she provided backing vocals for disco legend Sylvester before stepping into the spotlight. Renamed The Weather Girls, they released the platinum-selling anthem "It's Raining Men" in 1982, which remains a cultural touchstone and global dancefloor staple.
Wash's voice became one of the most in-demand in popular music, powering lead vocals on hits by Black Box ("Everybody Everybody" – Platinum) and C+C Music Factory ("Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" – 5× Platinum), both international smashes. Wash's significance extends beyond her musical contributions to her advocacy for artist rights. In many music videos and live performances, other performers lip-synced to Wash's vocals without credit. Rather than letting this injustice go unnoticed, Wash fought tirelessly for recognition, setting an example for artists everywhere and helping to change industry standards for proper crediting of vocalists and musicians.
Her determination and resilience not only solidified her place in music history but also made her a voice for fairness in the industry. Beyond her iconic hits, Wash has remained a dynamic force in music and culture. Her solo work has produced beloved club anthems, while her collaborations span genres from house to gospel. Her influence continues into the present, with Rolling Stone Magazine hailing her album Love & Conflict as a milestone in her career, spotlighting the single "Never Enough Money" as a "stomping, rough-around-the-edges blues-rocker anchored by a righteous vocal performance from Wash."
The outlet noted the album marked a departure into a "fascinating hybrid of blues-rock and R&B/jazz," showcasing her continued relevance and creative evolution. "I'm truly honored, darlin', to receive this recognition from the National Blues Museum for both my long career and my latest album, Love & Conflict," says Wash. "Music has always been about more than performance for me — it's about its power to bring people together, to heal, and to inspire." National Blues Museum Executive Director Robert Nelson adds, "Martha Wash's voice is one of the most distinctive and electrifying in modern music. Her artistry transcends genres and generations, and we are proud to celebrate her lasting contributions with this award."
The award ceremony underscores Wash's legacy as one of the greatest voices in popular music, continuing to inspire with her artistry, resilience, and advocacy. Whether belting out dance classics or delivering raw new material, her voice remains an instrument of truth, joy, and empowerment, making this recognition a testament to her enduring impact on the music industry.
