Klymaxx facts for kids

Klymaxx is an American all-female pop and R&B band. They started in Los Angeles, California. The group's most famous members were Bernadette Cooper, Lorena Porter Shelby, Cheryl Cooley, Robbin Grider, Lynn Malsby, and Joyce "Fenderella" Irby.

The Band's Journey

Starting the Music

Klymaxx began in 1979. Bernadette Cooper, who played drums and sang, formed the band. Other original members included Lorena Porter Shelby (lead singer), Cheryl Cooley (guitar), Robbin Grider (keyboards/guitar), and Lynn Malsby (keyboards).

Later, Joyce "Fenderella" Irby joined as the bass player and singer. The band worked hard to create their unique sound. Bernadette Cooper became a key leader for the group.

Early Albums and Big Hits

Klymaxx released their first album, Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman, in 1981. Their second album, Girls Will Be Girls, came out in 1982.

Their album Meeting in the Ladies Room, released in 1984, brought them national fame. It included popular songs like "The Men All Pause" and the "title track". These songs reached the top 5 on the US Billboard R&B chart.

The song "I Miss You", written by Lynn Malsby, became a huge pop hit. It reached number 5 on the Hot 100 chart. Lorena Porter Shelby's strong voice gave Klymaxx a special sound. Bernadette Cooper added spoken parts and helped guide their music style.

Changes and Reunions

The classic Klymaxx lineup broke up in 1989. However, some members got back together over the next five years to release more albums.

In 2004, five of the six classic Klymaxx members appeared on a TV show called VH1's Bands Reunited. They were invited to perform together. Cheryl Cooley was there, but she did not perform with the group due to past disagreements.

Klymaxx officially reformed after this, often performing as "Klymaxx featuring Bernadette Cooper". Today, different members tour under the name Klymaxx, adding their own names to show which version of the band is performing.

In 2009, all six members from the classic lineup were featured in an episode of the TV One series Unsung. This show tells the stories of famous R&B and soul artists.

In 2021, Klymaxx was honored by being inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Music Releases

Studio Albums

• Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman (1981)
• Girls Will Be Girls (1982)
• Meeting in the Ladies Room (1984)
• Klymaxx (1986)
• The Maxx Is Back (1990)
• One Day (1994)