Sylvester's backup singers were known as Two Tons O' Fun. Later on, they became The Weather Girls ("It's Raining Men").

@elisaabolafia9542

Жыл бұрын

I read somewhere that the song " It's Raining Men" was originally offered to DONNA SUMMERS to record. She turned it down because she was coming into a very Religious part of her life , and the song not only was a sexy vibe, but the lyrics "Hallelujah" was offensive to her. Paul Schaefer co-wrote that song. Quite a history on that song ❗🎵 What an Era the Disco Days were.

If there ever was a "GAY ICON", Sylvester was it ! He doesn't get the credit he deserves for living LOUD & PROUD, if you will, long before it was fashionable or safe. Even in this montage clips you can see him in the white suit, which is was he was put in for his album cover. I as kid I saw him on Johnny Carson talking about his boyfriend Rick (living his truth back at a time when it was not accepted at all). He led the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade from his wheelchair in June 1988, he died in December of 1988. "I've never been a crusader, but I have always been honest. I may not volunteer details to the media, but I've never believed in lying or denying what I am to anyone" Sylvester.

@sedatedape315

Жыл бұрын

Absolute truth, Mick. Too many of us had to keep it in the low down back then. Fear of losing a job, our home, or sadly...our families. It was amazing to see those like Sylvester living it open and free.

@sukie584

Жыл бұрын

We loved him in NYC too.

@Another_User_Name_

Жыл бұрын

Wait, Sylvester is a man? I never knew that until now.

@kellyreiterman

Жыл бұрын

Totally, Mick. Growing up in San Francisco and going to gay clubs in the mid 1980s during college, Sylvester's music was everywhere. I even remember Halloween in the Castro back then with "You Make Me Feel" blaring from a boombox from a balcony and everyone was singing along. AIDS killed so many so fast back then. He had an amazing voice and presence. RIP, Sylvester.

@aharon59

Жыл бұрын

He was totally an icon but he was also a massive talent. So sad that he died before they found a cure for Aids.

At last ! Sylvester doesn't get enough recognition. A true disco diva !

Sylvester was real before real was fashionable. Loved his hits 👏👏

So absolutely amazing that you found Sylvester. One of a kind. He had a great voice and such a nice person.

Sylvester James is an ICON in the gay community! I remember him riding his Scooter to the Recording Studio on Castro Street. He lived his life, didn't force you to accept his lifestyle, but never tried to hide it! Rest in Peace Queen 👑 You made us dance! 💃 💋 💕

@YourBeingParanoid

10 ай бұрын

This video is what's inside every post menopausal divorcee I've ever met (speaking as a gay man)

@mattfullenwider2479

7 ай бұрын

Coming from a 70's/ 80's/ 90's DJ prospective, I did not give AF about gender anything. I knew good music when I heard and Sylvester goes down as one of the greatest.

You have to remember when this came out, we hadn't yet had Boy George on our screens. Hearing this song on the radio was one thing, but to see Sylvester for the first time on pop music shows shocked many older parents here in the UK and presumably elsewhere. His style was rather more flamboyant than here in some appearances, and I remember discussions in schools and bars as to whether the singer was male or female - how times have changed !

This is the best disco song of all time. Sylvester is a legend.

Love Sylvester! My parents took disco lessons in 1980. Loved to dance to this song with them!💖

Jay and Amber get ready to get your groove on! When this was in the clubs everybody was on the dance floor! Also check out Sylvester's song Disco Heat of which Martha Wash and Izora Armstead were his backup singers also known as Two Tons of Fun and The Weather Girls Singers of It's raining Men that y'all reacted to! 😁

@hpacheco

Жыл бұрын

This song still bangs on the dance floor in SF. And a couple of people who were part of the community at the time, still come out for big parties. The lyrics can been seen as somewhat sad but hopeful. The time was rough for lots of people and saying “when you touch me” “when you see me” “you make me feel mighty real” meaning you acknowledged me as a person you accepted me for who I am. ❤

@truthguide1742

Жыл бұрын

Yes, yes I concur.

@ferdinandfrancis9673

Жыл бұрын

my favorite Two tons of Fun song is " just us"

@DavidSmith-fs6pi

Жыл бұрын

It's sad that he died of AIDS like his lover did

Sylvester was on the scene way before Rupaul and I adore them both. He was loud and proud and this song was the groove! 💖💖💖

Sylvester's 'Someone Like You' was a hit in the 80s. Debbie Allen and Jasmine Guy were both dancers in the video. One of my favorites of his.

Yay! 'bout time y'all checked out Sylvester! He was the "queen" of disco in San Francisco back in the late 70s/early 80s. He also helped launch the careers of Martha Wash and Izora Armstead (The Weather Girls - "Its Raining Men"). He was a brave performer back in a time when it was still pretty tough to be openly gay.

One of my favorites! Absolutely love this song. You were right, this was a HUGE hit in the clubs, always packed the floor! So glad you liked it y'all!

Arriving first with the sensational Sylvester!!!!!! 💃🕺Full Dancefloor, for sure, on those 70’s nights!

YES! This is my wheelhouse; SO glad you reacted to Sylvester!!!!!! For me, Disco’s greatest period. Sylvester was so talented; got to do “Dance” (Disco Heat) and Do Ya Wanna Funk” 🔥🔥🔥 By the way, he presented himself as a woman and 40 years ago was LOVED by every straight male disco fan/club goer (I was there, lol); it wasn’t even a thing, even in Brooklyn ❤

@tjstrongbone5373

Жыл бұрын

says you! I remember it differently.

@jacqueline4514

Жыл бұрын

@@tjstrongbone5373 That was my experience; we were young teens at that time. Not sure about the older crowd

This is one of my favorite disco songs...EVER! I remember having the 12" extended vinyl single. Thanks for reacting to it. 🙂

@africanfartingfrog

Жыл бұрын

Sylvester also had the 12" extended. That's why he's dead

Before RuPaul there was Sylvestor. This was a big hit at the dance clubs!👍💃🕺

THE EPITOME OF A BANGER!!!!! We burned up the dance floor to this one!!!

Disco, baby! You should check out Boogie Oogie Oogie by A Taste of Honey, Shame by Evelyn Champagne King, Rock Freak by GQ and Grooveline by Heatwave.

Happy belated Birthday Sylvester. Would've been 75 on Sept. 6th. You are missed!!

His back up singers were called "Two Tons of Fun". They were later known as "The Weather Girls", who did the song "It's Raining Men". I just saw someone else posted the same. Well, you know it is true.

Thanks for letting us relieve our youth

I can’t tell you how happy I am that you are reacting to this. 💃🏼 it evokes the beautiful free spirited 70s.. everyone out all night dancing together. After hour clubs until the morning, walking out in the daylight with makeup down our faces…

There’s an old theater in South Beach, Florida called the “Cameo Theater”. This theater, before it was renovated into a super modern dance club in mid to late 90’s, was basically an old Art Deco theater building that was turned into a dance club. Initially, the inside of the Cameo was very basic and not very fancy at all, but what it lacked in style, it had energy in leaps & bounds. Every Sunday night The Cameo Theater hosted a party they called “Disco Inferno”. I wish I could take you back in time during my heyday in early 90’s to dance the night away to classic disco, at The Cameo Theater. That time holds some of my most favorite memories, and Sylvester’s music was played quite often. RIP Sylvester🙏🏽

@evanbirnholz2803

Жыл бұрын

Cameo was one of my old stomping grounds

Sylvester came out with this remarkable iconic hit right at the end of the 70S decade the end of the disco music era but at the end of the 80S decade Jimmy Somerville released it as one of his greatest covers it took the fifth spot on the UK billboard chart you should react on his music either with The Bronsky Beat which that's how he started his singing career to the Communards songs like Smalltown Boy which is considered one of the best five songs of the 80S decade including Blue Monday by New Order and Strangelove by Depeche Mode

Amber's initial facial expression - priceless

YES!!!Thanks for doing this brave person . Who stood way ahead of his time.

One of the best songs ever

The fabulous Sylvester.

RIP Sylvester

This song started playing the first time I walked into a club…..I skipped finding a table….hit the floor and never left it until they shut it down

Race to the dance floor whenever this came on 👏👏👏👏❤️

I can’t honestly be described as a fan of Sylvester but I CAN tell you that when this track came on at the local disco women appeared from all directions to boogie on down to this , and so did I , so I can honestly thank Sylvester for this banger and the odd date I got from his performances… 👀 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Oh my goodness! Love this song/tune. The epitome of Disco. And guaranteed to fill that dance floor. Sylvester was very open about being gay (and rightly so, he didn't care) and was one of the first celebs to die from an Aids related illness. RIP Sylvester ❤🎵🎼🎙

Sylvester is from my era of youth. I got to see him at a club in DC in my late teens. There was nothing like the disco era. He also sang with Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes of The Weather Girls, (It’s Raining Men) you should try their hit “Disco Heat”. He was one of the first drag performers that I remember seeing. And His remake of Patti LaBelle’s “You Are My Friend” is 🔥.

my fave song of his is Do You Wanna Funk? Sylverster was a icon and legend.

@ivorb8835

Жыл бұрын

Do You Wanna Funk was a classic misheard lyric song. Many people sang the lyric "Do You Wanna Fu?k" 🤩

You knew you weren't in Kansas anymore when the fan came out.Viva,Vale Sylvester - he was mighty real - we need more brave, gutsy people like him to add some sparkles ✨ to the dancefloor and our lives.

I love Sylvester. He has so many great hits. I use to go to clubs where he put on his shows.

One of my faves to hit the dance floor back in the day!

The guy behind the synths was Patrick Cowley (RIP) a groundbreaking pioneer. Sylvester and Two Tons of Fun (The Weather Girls) provided vocals for several of his solo tracks and he reciprocated, joining Sylvester's band for a short time before his untimely death from AIDS in November 1982.

Sylvester 😍😍😍😍

I was shimmying all the way through that one - it just makes you move ❤

That was awesome guys

Along with I Feel Love by Donna Summer and Never Can say Goodbye by Gloria Gaynor this is my must dance record .. those three always get me up on the floor

Yas!!!! Sylvester was serving, slaying and 100% real.... R.I.P. Queen! Great reaction.

So many memories with this one.....

haha you found Sylvester, nice pick. you will also love "do ya wanna funk", more of the same dance vibes.

He was big in 70s and 80s, you should also check out Dance and Do You Want To Funk, love his music

Great pick for National Coming Out Day 🌈🌈🌈🌈

Leading the Parade out front with Pride....... His backup singers where called 2 tons of fun 😊👍. Who later recorded it's raining Men❣️❣️❣️🍻✌️♥️

This one would ALWAYS get everyone onto the dance floor!

Watching y'all imitate the video dance moves is worth a 2 times replay!

👍Makes me want to Dance!!!👯

His other song “Disco Heat” is another song you should listen too

Sylvester was an artist from the San Francisco club/disco music scene in the 70s/80s . He was such an icon

New Order said that this 1978 disco song was the main inspiration for their 1983 hit "Blue Monday."

Just wanted to say that I watch you everyday. I was in California and Oregon and now I am in the Philippines for the last 6 mouths love you guys

You gotta her Disco Heat !! That was my jam back in the day!!! Loved Sylvester RIP

Fun song!

So nice to see younger people enjoying the songs of Sylvester James.

House music classic! Still hear this sampled all the time!

YES! Love Sylvester!

So ahead of his time. DANCE (DISCO HEAT) and DO YOU WANNA FUNK are staple songs of the disco era. Such a tragic loss. Sylvester will always be the Queen of Disco.

The greatest Disco song ever. Brings back brill. memories

Yes, very disco! Thanks for enjoying it

A truly gifted artist who died too young. (He passed from neuropathy at the age of 41.) Some of his other bangers include "Dance (Disco Heat)", "I (Who Have Nothing)", and "Magic Number" (with the legendary Herbie Hancock).

@evanbirnholz2803

Жыл бұрын

He did die at the age of 41 but it was from AIDS

@michaelasay8587

Жыл бұрын

Patrick.....he died from Aids ...

@africanfartingfrog

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelasay8587 Patrick sounds like Tommy Lasorda

RIP, Sylvester. Amazing energy. My favorite song is "Call Me".

We tore up the dance floors through the late 70s into the late 80s hit after hit by Sylvester along withTwo tons of Fun!! He also collaborated with the brilliant Patrick Cowley later in his career and released his mega dance hit "Do You Wanna Funk"

Love Sylvester (RIP), met him back in the mid 70's at a nightclub I helped manage in San Francisco. When they were on stage his backup singers were barley dressed, and they sure put on a show. Sylvester told me how to tell if a guy is gay, he said they have curly lips and stars in their eyes. Such a sweet man, miss him. Thanks Amber and Jay

This song brings back SO many memories. Back in 77 or 78, I would go with Friends to the gay bar in upstate SC, as they had the BEST music to dance to. Sylvester was a performer one night, and when he came on, everyone was talking, blah, blah, blah, not really paying attention. The MINUTE he opened his mouth and started to sing, everyone stopped what they were doing, mouths hung open! what a great memory....Thank you for doing this song.

Lol you both crack me up. Best chair dancing EVER!

This was back in the day when you danced until you couldn't!

One of the greatest songs of any genres ever, and I had the chance to see him in concert. What a powerhouse!

I love Sylvester and all his great songs

Seeing you guys reaction to these truly historic tracks brings me joy. When I was a DJ (club and radio) in the 70's, 80's and 90's making money was good by doing what you loved, but it was more about bringing happiness through the music we discovered and passed it on to our audience.

Thank you so much for reacting to Sylvester! To all of the other Sylvester Suggestions I've seen in the comment section, I throw my support onto you; I can't wait to see those reactions as well. In addition to Sylvester (and Two Tons of Fun aka The Weather Girls), I would like to mention Patrick Cowley, who provided the synthwork on this single and produced many of Sylvester's big hits. If you want to experience over-the-top early 80s synth disco (Hi-NRG to the Max), Cowley is the way to go. My personal favorite is Mind Warp, but he has plenty to experience and more importantly enjoy.

@kabirahnazeem9403

Жыл бұрын

I know. I've been requesting sylvester for a year now. I almost gave up and was going to unsubscribe

aww thx rob squad- the original ! sylvester ! thx for supporting all of us ! been a long time watcher and supporter - love all ur vids - music makes our world go round ! much love to ya !

Haven’t heard this but definitely puts u in the vacuuming mood!!! Wiggling all around!!

Sylvester was a whole vibe!!!

Everybody hit the dance floor no matter where the party was at when this was played. There is actually a longer version of this song. 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Awesome! Thanks for taking my suggestion

Wow! I just recommended this song to another reactor less than 5 minutes ago. It is a perfect example of what disco sounds like. Most of the songs and artist that we call disco today are not even close

Sylvester's crowning achievement was You Are My Friend. Powerful song and performance. RiP Sylvester

Do You Wanna Funk and Disco Heat are must listens!!!!!!!

Smiling! Playing this at the next family reunion!

Hard to believe this song is 44 years old. An absolute classic and a floor filler to this day... You should definitely check out his collaboration with Patrick Cowley "Do You Wanna Funk" Another classic tune from 1982 I think...You'll like it 😀

@misterstubbs1611

Жыл бұрын

Sylvester was the vocalist on several Patrick Cowley tracks prior to finding mainstream solo success.

his backup singers are 2 ladles that you've reacted to and loved the weather girls

You Are My Friend is a classic by him

I still have his LPs and love to play them and pump up the volume.

Sylvester!! Yes!! A gay anthem!! By far one of my favorites singer & person. He has died of AIDS in 1988, but his music still lives on. 'Dance (in the disco heat)' 'Do you want to funk' 'Take me to heaven's ' 'All I want' 'Dont Stop' 'Call Me' many more hits. My Sylvester live on.

Please play, "You are my friend". Sylvester did the original and Patty LaBelle did a great version.

@gordonclare2036

Жыл бұрын

It's the other way around, Patti Labelle first, then Sylvester on his Living Proof live record.

@scottcheron

Жыл бұрын

@@gordonclare2036 Thank you. The one time I saw Ms. LaBelle sing that song, was during a tribute to singers that had passed away.

@vegasbaby3669

Жыл бұрын

Yessssssssssssssssssss please react to “You Are My Friend” Sylvester’s cover of The Patti LaBelle song

"Menergy" was another Sylvester club hit.

I'm glad you did this song. This is a GREAT song!

Sylvester always filled the dance floor. Try 'Odessey' another wonderful 70s band.

Oh WOW! How we LOOOOOVED Sylvester😂 It was HOT in the disco, especially in the DJ mixes. Too bad they didn't put more money into the production of his videos. "Someone Like You" from 1986 was probably his best vid. Outside of that, his live performances were really dynamite especially with his backup singers Two Tons o' Fun (Martha Wash and Izora Armstead who later became The Weather Girls). Jimmy Somerville did a good cover of this song back in '89. In '91 Sandra Bernhard covered/incorporated it as a tribute to Sylvester in a beautiful version included in her album "Excuses for Bad Behavior" You can see Sylvester in his only major film appearance...just a short but memorable cameo... in "The Rose" with Bette Midler.

"Do You Wanna Funk" was another one. He has that disco energy.

I love Sylvester. You should react to “you are my friend”. Two tons of fun sang with him on that song. Two tons of fun are also known asThe Weather Girls(It’s raining men). My favorite Sylvester song is “DANCE” you can’t help but dance to that song. You got to go down the Sylvester/2 tons of fun rabbit hole.

WOW!! It’s been decades since I heard this song! You can’t help but dance in your chair to this song 🥰

Dance/Disco Heat, Do You Wanna Funk, Don't Stop, Take Me to Heaven....take your pick because this song was only the beginning!