Dawn Robinson of En Vogue Shares Her Struggles with Homelessness
In a heartfelt revelation, Dawn Robinson, a member of the iconic 90s R&B group En Vogue, took to her YouTube channel on March 12 to discuss her challenging circumstances. The singer, who has been living out of her car for the past three years, shared that her situation began after leaving her family home due to escalating tensions with her mother.
In her candid 20-minute video, Robinson, who does not seek sympathy from her followers, explained that she moved to Las Vegas with her parents in 2020 but chose to leave after enduring her mother’s recurring bouts of “anger.” She expressed her frustrations by stating:
“That was wonderful until it wasn’t. I love my mom but she became very angry. A lot of anger, she was taking it out on me. I was her target all the time and I was like, ‘I can’t deal with this.'”
Initially, Robinson spent a month sleeping in her car until her manager suggested she return to Los Angeles and live with him. Unfortunately, she discovered there was no available space in his home. As she delved into her experience, she recounted:
“Every apartment that I looked at, every single time I looked at a place, I would call him and I’m like, ‘okay, can you meet me here?’ I would tell him ahead of time, of course. And then, he wouldn’t meet me there. So I would take video and send it to him and he’s like, ‘No, oh my god. This neighborhood, I hate it.'”
En Vogue: A Legacy of Hits and Member Changes
En Vogue, celebrated for its powerful R&B hits, has seen numerous changes within its lineup over the years. The group has released seven albums and, at its peak, dominated the airwaves, establishing itself as a significant force in the music industry.
Terry Ellis, a founding member, originally departed in 1995 to pursue a solo career, releasing the album *Southern Gal*. She eventually rejoined En Vogue in 1996 and has remained an integral part of the group ever since. Today, she continues to tour, engage in media, and support philanthropic efforts through her role on the board of the Sister Accord Foundation.
Cindy Herron, who began her career as a beauty pageant contestant and actress, has appeared in multiple television shows, including *Full House* and *Amen*. After a brief hiatus, she returned and has been a constant presence in the group.
Maxine Jones, who officially parted ways with the group in 2012, has not distanced herself from the music scene. She released her solo singles such as *Didn’t I* and *Not Your Funk*, and in 2020, she launched her own recording studio and label, Starmax. Notably, she released her first solo album, *Maxmizing*, in 2023.
Rhona Bennett, the current member, is also an accomplished actress, known for her roles in *The Jamie Foxx Show* and *The All New Mickey Mouse Club*. Besides performing, she is a Grammy-voting member and serves as an executive producer on Broadway.
Dawn Robinson initially exited En Vogue in 1997 to join the group Lucy Pearl. Although they released just one album before dissolving in 2001, Robinson later ventured out as a solo artist, releasing her album *Dawn* in 2002. Her relationship with En Vogue has been tumultuous; she rejoined the group in 2005, left in 2006, returned in 2008, and ultimately departed for good in 2011.
Since her departure, Robinson has appeared on various television shows, including *R&B Divas: Los Angeles*, and films like *Life in LA*. Addressing her experience living in her car, she emphasized the positive personal growth it has facilitated in her life. She declared:
“It’s not ‘woe is me.’ I’m learning about who I am, I’m learning myself as a person, as a woman.”
Robinson’s YouTube channel has gained a following, attracting over 5,000 subscribers, while she boasts more than 14,000 followers on her Instagram account, where she shares insights into her life and journey.