En Vogue took the music industry by storm in the early '90s, redefining R&B with their smooth harmonies, sleek style, and undeniable talent. Just like Spice Girls, the group stood out with their powerful vocals, intricate harmonies, and sophisticated image, setting them apart from other girl groups of the time. Their chart-topping hits, including Hold On, Free Your Mind, and Don't Let Go (Love), cemented their status as one of the most successful female acts in R&B history.
Discover our latest podcast
Beyond their commercial success, En Vogue became cultural icons, influencing fashion, music videos, and even social discussions with their empowering lyrics and bold performances. However, the road to longevity in the music industry has not been smooth for every member.
En Vogue: The rise of a legendary girl group
The late '80s and '90s saw the emergence of some of the most influential R&B girl groups, and En Vogue was at the forefront. Formed in Oakland, California, in 1989, the group was the brainchild of producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy. Their goal was to create a girl group with the powerhouse harmonies of The Supremes, but with a modern twist.
The original lineup consisted of Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones, and Dawn Robinson. Their debut album Born to Sing (1990) was a massive success, with their first single Hold On reaching number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
The group’s 1992 album Funky Divas solidified their dominance, with hits like My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It) and Free Your Mind. Their biggest single, Don't Let Go (Love) (1996), became a global sensation, proving that En Vogue had staying power.
Despite their success, the group faced internal struggles, including disputes over contracts and financial compensation. Over the years, members came and went, but En Vogue remained a force in the music industry. Today, the group continues to perform with members Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones and Rhona Bennett.
While some have continued to thrive, others have faced challenges that few would have expected at the height of the group's success. For one original member, life after fame has taken an unexpected and difficult turn, proving that even the brightest stars can experience turbulent times.
Dawn Robinson’s journey: From stardom to hard times
Dawn Robinson was a founding member of En Vogue, but her time in the group was marked by conflict. She left in 1997, returned briefly in 2005 and 2008, and ultimately parted ways for good.
One of her main grievances was the group's 'predatory' contracts, which, according to Daily Mail, prevented them from reaping the financial benefits of their success.
En Vogue’s contract heavily favoured their producers and management, offering the members only a small fraction of their earnings. Each member reportedly received an upfront payment of just $5,000 per album and earned only two cents per record sold.
Despite their multi-platinum success, they saw little financial gain compared to the industry standard. The contract also restricted their ability to negotiate better terms, and songwriting royalties were largely controlled by their producers. This financial strain played a key role in Dawn Robinson’s departure from the group.
Now, years later, Robinson has opened up about her struggles. In a candid YouTube video, she revealed that she has been living in her car for the past three years. In a candid YouTube video, she revealed that she has been living in her car for the past three years. Robinson confessed:
For the past three, almost three years I have been living in my car. I said it. Oh my God, it’s out!
Her journey into homelessness began in 2020 when she was living with her parents in Las Vegas. According to Robinson, the situation became untenable, forcing her to leave. She then moved to Los Angeles on the advice of her manager, and stayed in a hotel of months. However, as expenses mounted, she made the drastic decision to live in her car.
Robinson described the experience as liberating after learning about communities where people prefer to live in their vehicles. She said:
I felt free. I felt like I was on a camping trip.
Rather than seeking pity, she hopes her story will inspire others:
It’s not ‘woe is me.’ I’m learning about who I am, I’m learning myself as a person, as a woman.
Where are the other members now?
While Robinson has faced challenges, the other members of En Vogue have pursued various ventures in and out of the music industry.
Terry Ellis
The only original member to remain in the group consistently since its inception, Ellis is still actively performing with the band. Beyond music, she serves as a board member of the Sister Accord Foundation, which focuses on empowering women and protecting them from violence. She continues to advocate for new musical projects and has hinted at future collaborations.
Cindy Herron
Herron has balanced music with an acting career. She appeared in Juice (1992) and Full House, and even played Deena Jones in a stage production of Dreamgirls. Despite taking short breaks for motherhood, she remains an active member of En Vogue.
Rhona Bennett
The last member to join the group, Bennett has also built a career as a solo artist and life coach. She launched Personal Power University, a coaching program, and has written five mini-books. In 2022, she married Shantiel Simon, with her bandmates serving as bridesmaids.
Maxine Jones
Jones was an original member of the group, but she has not consistently kept her place. As per The List, she left in 2001, and then again 2003 and 2012. She later toured with Dawn Robinson under the name The Funky Divas, but they disbanded.
As of 2025, it seems the singer is back again with En Vogue as the group posted an Instagram video with her in it saying 'Welcome back'.
Amanda Cole
A short-lived member of En Vogue (2001–2003), Cole left the group and took a break from music. She later returned as a solo artist and now performs tributes to Whitney Houston while working on her own projects.
Read more:
Billy Joel: Why the music legend postponed his 2025 tour and when he will perform next
Liam Gallagher faces legal battle over child support: 'It's causing him unnecessary stress’
Sources used:
CNN: Dawn Robinson of En Vogue says she’s been living in her car for the past three years
Daily Mail: How iconic 90s band En Vogue were barred from reaping the rewards of their success by 'predatory' music deals
The List: Where the members of En Vogue are today
YouTube Video: Dawn Robinson’s YouTube Channel
