Joey Karson began her career as a stripper at just 18 in Pittsburgh before moving to New York City at 19 in 1979, where she danced at the iconic Melody Burlesk theater on Broadway. In those early days, Joey was a slightly chubby blonde performing traditional burlesque-style striptease alongside some of the legends of the era. As the ’70s brought a shift in the sexual climate, the world of exotic dancing became more explicit, with performers like Joey taking the stage in front of eager audiences.
Over the years, Joey reinvented herself, undergoing a remarkable transformation that led her to become a popular SCORE Girl in the early 1990s. Her appearances in SCORE Magazine in March 1993 and January 1995 showcased her new look and established her as a fan favorite in the big-bust niche. Joey believed that pornography helped educate men about sex, a notion she saw as positive. Always engaging with her audience, Joey enjoyed meeting fans between shows and even encouraging them to join her on stage. Her evolution from the Times Square days to becoming a beloved figure in adult entertainment left a lasting legacy in the industry.