The Original Klymaxx.
The all female band, KLYMAXX, are the Divas that brought you hits like, “The Men All Pause”, “Meeting In The Ladies Room”, “Sexy”, “I’d Still Say Yes”, “Divas Need Love Too”, and their biggest hit ever “I Miss You”.
KLYMAXX is the brainchild of Bernadette Cooper, “The Grand Diva”. While Cooper was in college, she had an epiphany to start an all female band that could rock just as hard as the rest, but still be sexy. After years of auditions she succeeded at just that.
Dick Griffey, founder of Solar Records, signed the ladies to the Solar Label, which included the Whispers, Lakeside, Midnight Star, Shalimar and The Deele. The group released two albums, “Never Underestimate The Power of a Woman” and “Girls Will Be Girls”. These two albums which were produced by members of the band Lakeside and newcomers, “Jam and Lewis”, however did not fair very well. After the release of their third album the group was transferred to Griffey’s new Label, Constellation Records. The girls decided to take more control of their own writing and production and that is when KLYMAXX ignited a fire that is still burning and lit in the attitude of every sexy woman in America today… I Know I was Looking Good!!!!
The Groups third album, “Meeting in the Ladies Room”, took off like a 747 Jet. The first single from this chart-topping album, “The Men All Pause” thrust the girls into superstardom. The second single, “Meeting in the Ladies Room” exploded, and who can forget their third single, “I Miss you”. How could they lose with the sultry, powerful voice of Lorena “Lungs”, the musical talents of Robin Grider & Cheryl Cooley, the unique vocal sound of Joyce Irby and the zany personality of Bernadette Cooper What followed was a demanding touring schedule. KLYMAXX went from an opening act to closing; they were a hard act to follow.
“Meeting in the Ladies Room”, became a certified platinum album, and turned the wild girls into official pop Divas. Respectfully so, due to their biggest hit, a gold single penned by Lynn Malsby and produced by KLYMAXX entitled “I Miss You”. This album was one of the most innovative albums of that decade, and through Cooper’s unapologetic vanity KLYMAXX single handedly started a sexy revolution that made women feel good about loving themselves. This album also introduced the production and writing skills of Bernadette Cooper, Lynn Malsby and Joyce Irby to the world.
Their fourth album, self-titled “KLYMAXX”, was released on MCA records and took the ladies further into “Diva Land”. This album was mainly produced by Cooper/Irby, and the volcano “KLYMAXX” erupted once again with singles such as: “Sexy”, “Divas Need Love Too”, Lorena’s powerhouse vocals on “Man Size Love”, (a movie soundtrack) and the Irby/Howard Hewitt hit, “I’d Still Say Yes”.
“KLYMAXX” was on top of the world when Cooper decided to take a brief pause and work on her solo project. Eventually Joyce Irby began recording her solo project as well. Both ladies proceeded but never lost site of their true love KLYMAXX. Unfortunately, the group recorded one more album before their record contract ended.
Cooper began her production career by creating, writing and producing such acts as Madame X, Paula Abdul, Lenny Kravitz, Salt & Pepper and Teena Marie. Her song “I Look Good” became the connecting theme and lead song for Bette Midlers “Diva Las Vegas”. Bernadette also lent her style to movie soundtracks, television and music supervision (Too Wong Foo, Action Jackson) and many more. She finally released her debut solo album, ‘Drama According to Bernadette Cooper” birthing the top five single, “I Look Good”.
Joyce “Fenderella” Irby” became a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Combined with her impeccable business skills, Irby sought out and developed artists, writers, and producers in Atlanta, (including super producer, Dallas Austin and singer, Lloyd)
After being apart, Vh1 reunited KLYMAXX in an episode of “Bands Reunited”, which was the highest rated show of the series. Once again, anything these ladies are involved in is graced with success.
2008 and the original Divas are still together on tour and finishing their new CD. The new music is sizzling once again utilizing the writing and production skills of Bernadette Cooper and Joyce Irby as fabulous as ever; and still representing sexy!!!
KLYMAXX has a live show that surpasses any other group out there today. Old school or new school. Check out the experience…YOU KNOW WHY? BECAUSE REAL DIVAS NEVER DIE!!!
