Joyce "Fenderella" Irby is the original lead singer and bass player on 3 of Klymaxx's 4 biggest records, including the crossover smash, "I Miss You".
The all girl band originated in Los Angeles, and had a string of hit records from 1985-1990. Joyce, as a solo artist on Motown, also had the #1 selling Billboard Urban hip hop record "Mr. D.J." with Doug E Fresh in the summer of 1989.
Some of Klymaxx's biggest records include "Meeting In The Ladies Room", "The Men All Pause", "I Miss You", "I'd Still Say Yes" (w/ Shalamar's Howard Hewett), "Diva's Need Love Too", "Man Size Love" (from the "Running Scared" soundtrack), "Sexy", & "Good Love"
Before joining the group, Joyce used to stand on the loading dock outside concerts with her bass. That's where she was first noticed by George Clinton, who took her under his wing, and has remained her mentor to this day. She also charted a single as "Fenderella" called "A Wild & Crazy Song" on Miami based TK Records, (KC and The Sunshine Band). It charted on Cashbox's Urban hot 100 at #78. The loading dock is where she met Solar President Dick Griffey and producer Leon Sylvers. She got the call a few months later to come to LA
On Klymaxx 2nd album, the girls had the opportunity to record with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It was Jimmy who insisted Joyce do lead vocals after he heard her singing while he was playing the piano in the studio. For the group's 3rd album, "Meeting In The Ladies Room" Joyce penned and recorded the track for the group's first single, "The Men All Pause" (lyrics by Bernadette Cooper), and the band was on its way.
Bernadette left Klymaxx in 1987, to pursue her solo project and other pursuits. Joyce, after getting her solo offer from Motown was supposed to remain a member of Klymaxx and record on the groups next album. The remaining girls kicked Joyce out of the group, after learning of her solo deal..
Joyce relocated to Atlanta in the early 90's and was a crucial engineer of Atlanta's early rise on the national music scene. She solicited the city to major label heads, and hit producers, starting in 1986, as the next "place to be", and suggested they create satellite offices in Atlanta. Joyce perfected her abilities for talent development and formed her production and publishing companies, (Diva One). She signed and developed multiplatinum writers and producers, including Dallas Austin, to her Diva One Music Company. Dallas produced the first Boyz II Men and TLC albums while signed to Diva One.
She also signed and developed 13 year old, platinum selling phenom Sammie. In 2004 Joyce's 18 year old signee, Lloyd, finally had a hit with his debut single, "Southside" featuring Ashanti, on Irv Gotti's Murder Inc/Def Jam label. And Joyce signed and developed platinum, writer/producer Jasper Cameron, who's credits include,Young Money, Ciara, Lloyd & Christina Aguilera.
In 2013 Joyce won an ASCAP songwriter award for co-penning one of the most played urban records 2012, a top 5 single, "Another Round", by Fat Joe, w/Chris Brown, Mary J Blige & Fabulous
Realizing how much she has missed singing in the studio, Joyce is excited writing and recording new music for herself. In 2017 she and former label mate Howard Hewett, recorded another duet, ("I'd Still Say Yes" was first), called "Because You". Released in Europe the song was met with great reviews and made a mark in the UK. Joyce hopes to promote "Because You" domestically, and finish a solo project and one with her group, Joyce Irby & Klymaxx.
There is no "original" Klymaxx anymore. Joyce as "the voice of Klymaxx", has put together a top flight performing group, which includes two members, who did perform as supplemental players with the original Klymaxx, on keys and drums. Joyce Irby & Klymaxx have a high energy show which includes proven crowd favorites! "Because You" and "Take U Back" were produced by Joyce's good friend, grammy nominated producer, Wirlie Morris.