National Blues Museum to Honor Martha Wash with Lifetime Achievement Award

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. The ceremony will include a live performance by Wash in the Museum's Legends Room at 3 PM, celebrating a career that has spanned over four decades and influenced multiple music genres.

Martha Wash first gained recognition as half of the duo Two Tons O' Fun, providing backing vocals for disco legend Sylvester before the group renamed themselves The Weather Girls and released the platinum-selling anthem "It's Raining Men" in 1982. The song remains a cultural touchstone and global dancefloor staple decades after its release. Wash's powerful voice became one of the most sought-after in popular music, with her lead vocals driving hits by Black Box ("Everybody Everybody" - Platinum) and C+C Music Factory ("Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" - 5× Platinum), both of which became international successes.

Wash's career significance extends beyond her musical contributions to include important advocacy work for artist rights. During the peak of her popularity, other performers frequently lip-synced to Wash's vocals in music videos and live performances without providing proper credit. Rather than accepting this industry practice, Wash fought tirelessly for recognition, setting an important precedent that helped change standards for crediting vocalists and musicians. Her determination and resilience not only solidified her place in music history but also established her as a voice for fairness in the entertainment industry.

Beyond her iconic hits, Wash has remained a dynamic force in music, producing beloved club anthems as a solo artist while collaborating across genres from house to gospel. Her recent work continues to demonstrate artistic evolution, with Rolling Stone Magazine hailing her album Love & Conflict as a milestone in her career. The publication spotlighted the single "Never Enough Money" as a "stomping, rough-around-the-edges blues-rocker anchored by a righteous vocal performance from Wash, who skewers reckless and unchecked thirst for wealth and attention." The album represents a departure into what the magazine described as a "fascinating hybrid of blues-rock and R&B/jazz," showcasing Wash's continued relevance and creative growth.

National Blues Museum Executive Director Robert Nelson emphasized the significance of honoring Wash, stating, "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 recognition comes at a time when Wash's influence continues to resonate across the music industry, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest voices in popular music while inspiring new generations of artists with her artistry, resilience, and advocacy.