Chart Performance: Pop (#59), R&B (#4) & Hot Dance (#22); 1985
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
Drummer Bernadette Cooper formed Klymaxx in Los Angeles, pulling together the original sextet through word of mouth and ads in local papers. Five of the women, including bassist Joyce “Fenderella” Irby, played their own instruments, making them a notable exception to the prevailing vocals-only female singers of the day. In 1981 Kymaxx signed with Solar Records, and became the first artist to work with the soon-to-be-legendary Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Fame and fortune eluded Klymaxx until 1984 when The Men All Pause, written by Bernadette and Fenderella, cracked the R&B Top 5. The next single, Meeting In The Ladies Room, became the group’s signature song and biggest R&B hit. In 1987 Bernadette Cooper also reached the R&B Top 5 with a song she produced and co-wrote for the flick Fatal Beauty: Just That Kind Of Girl by Madame X. Two years later Joyce “Fenderella” Irby scored solo when Mr. D.J. reached #2 R&B.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2023 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Reggie Calloway
- Vincent Calloway
- Boaz Watson
Lyrics Written by:
- Lynn Malsby Fenderella providing co-production and songwriting
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).
You must be logged in to post a comment.