Klymaxx: Pioneers of Female-Led Funk and R&B

Klymaxx is an iconic American R&B and funk girl group that emerged in the early 1980s, renowned for their groundbreaking status as one of the first all-female self-contained bands. The group, formed in Los Angeles in 1979, was founded by drummer and vocalist Bernadette Cooper, whose vision was to create a band that blended musicality, style, and empowerment.

Early Formation and Members

Klymaxx’s original lineup included:

• Bernadette Cooper (drums, vocals, and producer)
• Lorena Porter Shelby (bass guitar)
• Joyce “Fenderella” Irby (vocals, bass, and rhythm guitar)
• Cheryl Cooley (lead guitar)
• Robbin Grider (keyboards)
• Lynn Malsby (keyboards)

Later, members such as Dionne Phillips, Robbin Grider, and Patrice “Perk” Littlejohn contributed to the group during different phases.

Rise to Fame

Klymaxx rose to fame during the mid-1980s with their unique sound that fused funk, R&B, and pop. Their bold lyrics, funky rhythms, and cohesive band chemistry set them apart from their contemporaries. The group gained widespread recognition with hits like:

• “Meeting in the Ladies Room” (1985): A funky anthem that became a cultural touchstone.
• “I Miss You” (1985): A poignant ballad that reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became their biggest hit.
• “The Men All Pause” (1984): A playful, empowering track that showcased their humor and sass.

Commercial Success

Their album “Meeting in the Ladies Room” (1984) marked their commercial breakthrough, earning Platinum certification and solidifying their place in R&B history. The group’s success continued into the late ’80s with the release of “Klymaxx” (1986), which included popular tracks like “Sexy” and “Man Size Love.”

Legacy and Impact

Klymaxx broke barriers as an all-female band in a male-dominated music industry. They not only performed but also wrote and produced their own music, defying gender norms of their time. Their music and image paved the way for later female groups and artists in funk, R&B, and pop.

Later Years and Current Activities

The classic lineup disbanded in 1989, though several members regrouped sporadically as Klymaxx over the next five years to release further albums. Following the breakup there was a legal confrontation involving Cooley’s unauthorized use of the band’s name and trademark,  leading to the trademark decision Cheryl Cooley v. Bernadette Cooper and Joyce Irby. The ladies agreed to and also, per the Truth In Music Advertising Act, members are allowed to tour, as Klymaxx but must differentiate which version by adding their names.

Five of the six members from the classic Klymaxx lineup (with Robbin Grider being the one exception) met up together in a 2004 episode of VH1’s Bands Reunited, for which they had been invited to perform. Cooley appeared, but due to the unresolved friction/tension with other band members, she was not allowed to perform during the group’s concert. Around this time, there was also an SNL episode featuring Halle Berry portraying Cooper. Klymaxx officially reformed shortly afterward, now billed as Klymaxx featuring Bernadette Cooper. Currently, individual members tour under Klymaxx featuring their namesake.

In 2009, all six members of the classic lineup participated in the group’s episode of the TV One series Unsung.

On June 25, 2021, Klymaxx was inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. All the members of Klymaxx accused the organization of honoring the touring lineup featuring Cheryl Cooley, whose contributions were minimal. Cooper, Malsby, and Joyce Irby noted that Cooley had edited the songwriting shares on ASCAP and Sony Music Publishing, by adding her name to the writing credits or taking sole credit in ASCAP’s database. On the same day, Billboard magazine released a follow-up article bringing light to the fraudulent attempt uncovered by ASCAP and Sony ATV publishing.

Klymaxx’s contribution to music and their representation of female empowerment remain significant. Their trailblazing efforts resonate with audiences, and their timeless hits continue to influence new generations of artists.

 

Here is a list of all the studio albums released by Klymaxx, along with some details:

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1. Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman (1981)

• Label: Solar Records
• Key Tracks:
  • “All Fired Up”
  • “You’re the Greatest”

This debut album introduced the group’s funk-influenced R&B sound, highlighting their musical and vocal talents.

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2. Girls Will Be Girls (1982)

• Label: Solar Records
• Key Tracks:
  • “Wild Girls”
  • “Girls Will Be Girls”

The album showcased their growing confidence and established their signature blend of funk and sass.

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3. Meeting in the Ladies Room (1984)

• Label: MCA Records
• Key Tracks:
  • “The Men All Pause”
  • “Meeting in the Ladies Room”
  • “I Miss You”

This breakthrough album went Platinum and featured their biggest hits, solidifying Klymaxx as R&B icons.

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4. Klymaxx (1986)

• Label: MCA Records
• Key Tracks:
  • “Sexy”
  • “Man Size Love”

This album continued their success, delivering hit singles and further establishing their dominance in the ’80s R&B scene.

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5. The Maxx Is Back (1990)

• Label: MCA Records
• Key Tracks:
  • “Good Love”
  • “Don’t Run Away”

This was a more contemporary-sounding album that reflected the changing R&B landscape of the early ’90s.

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6. One Day (1994)

• Label: Valley Vue Records
• Key Tracks:
  • “One Day”
  • “Private Party”

Their final studio album marked a return to their roots, featuring a blend of ballads and funky tunes.

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These albums highlight Klymaxx’s journey through the decades, from their funk-inspired beginnings to their R&B dominance in the 1980s and beyond. Each project showcases their versatility and lasting impact on the music industry.