En Vogue

American R&B/Soul Vocal Group. Formed in 1989 in Oakland, California, USA. Original line-up: Cindy Herron (Braggs), Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones and Dawn Robinson. En Vogue were brought together by producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy after they had an open call for a female vocal group. They recorded two successful original albums as a quartette, 'Born To Sing' and 'Funky Divas', as well as a remix album and EP. Dawn Robinson left in 1997 to form Lucy Pearl, leaving that group after their first album for a solo career. The three remaining members of En Vogue recorded two less successful albums as a trio, 'EV3' and 'Masterpiece Theatre'. Amanda Cole (nee Jones) joined the group in 2001, and Maxine Jones left the group soon after to spend more time with her daughter. Cole then recorded the album 'The Gift Of Christmas' with Ellis and Herron. In 2003, Cole left the group for a solo career and was replaced by Rhona Bennett. Maxine Jones re-joined the group briefly in 2003 to replace Herron (on maternity leave) for a few performances. In 2004, Herron again replaced Jones and recorded the album 'Soul Flower' with Ellis and Bennett. In 2005, the original line-up of Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones and Dawn Robinson re-formed and performed on Stevie Wonder's latest album as well as on VH1's Hip Hop Honours with Salt 'N' Pepa. They signed a management deal, but were let go when Robinson once again left due to business issues. Bennett re-joined the group and they were rumoured to be recording a new album together. But in 2008, Robinson re-joined the group and they are embarking on a 20 year anniversary tour, as well as working on a new album and a reality television show. In December 2011, Dawn left the group and in May 2012 Maxine followed. In 2012, Maxine and Dawn were in a dispute with Cindy and Terry over who rightfully represents the group and over the choice of management; with Cindy and Terry winning the lawsuit. Cindy, Terry, Maxine and Rhona currently perform as the official lineup of En Vogue to date.