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En Vogue. The name rings more than a bell. It
invokes memories of a long line of red-hot R&B and pop smashes recorded
in the 1990s. Songs like "Hold On," "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get
It)," "Giving Him Something He Can Feel," "Free Your Mind" and
"Whatta Man" featuring Salt-N-Pepa, are just a sampling of the mega hits made
famous by this R&B super group.
Fusing style, sophistication, sass and sex appeal, the
En Vogue
formula was magical and the group, went on to sell more than eight million
albums. In total, En Vogue recorded six albums: 1990's
"Born To Sing,"
1992's "Funky Divas," 1997's "EV3," 2000's "Masterpiece Theatre," 2002's "The Gift of Christmas,"
and 2004's "Soulflower." They have also released several
compilations including 1999's "Best of En Vogue" and 2001's "The
Very Best of En Vogue." In 1993, En Vogue was honored with the "Soul Train
Entertainer of the Year" Award and an American Music Award for "Best
Soul Album of the Year."
In addition to being featured on "Sesame Street" star
Elmo's compilation "Elmopalooza!," the group also appeared on the soundtracks
for "Set It Off," "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" and "Simply Mad About the
Mouse," to name a few. Group member Terry Ellis also released a solo
album, "Southern Girl," in 1995.
Since En Vogue's 1990 debut, the ladies-original members Cindy
Herron, Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones and Dawn Robinson – who were the
brainchild of production team Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, set a
standard for female R&B and pop acts like Destiny's Child,
3LW and 702.
While En Vogue may have been trendsetters for those who followed them,
the group itself began receiving comparisons to The Supremes, especially
after internal differences caused Dawn to exit the group in 1997. In
2001, fellow member Maxine followed Dawn's suit and also left the
group.
Unlike The Supremes, En Vogue never disbanded. Instead, the girls
exemplified the fortitude of Motown veterans The Temptations and
continued to record and perform. Like The Temptations, the remaining
original members, Cindy and Terry, decided to revamp En Vogue – the group
returned to being a trio, adding new member Rhona Bennett.
"Being likened to The Temptations is a good comparison because Cindy
and I have made the decision to keep it moving regardless," said Terry. "And with that, Rhona definitely brings a freshness to the table."
With The Temptations, and even contemporary groups like Destiny's
Child, fulfilling the shoes of an original member can be demanding.
Newcomer Rhona, who had a recurring role on the "The Jamie Foxx Show"
and was previously signed to producer Rodney Jerkins' Darkchild/Epic
label, is up to the challenge. Similar to Johnny Gill replacing Bobby
Brown in New Edition, Rhona actually brings her own cache to En Vogue.
"Joining an established group has been an absolutely fabulous
experience thus far," admitted Rhona. "I have fans who were
waiting on me to finally come out, [and] now I'll bring whatever fan
base I have to En Vogue as well."
A music producer named M-Boogie introduced Rhona to Cindy and Terry. After hearing from Denzil that
En Vogue was looking for a new member,
M-Boogie recommended Rhona for the slot. Rhona met Cindy and Terry and
auditioned by singing Guy's "Piece Of My Love," which has been re-titled
"I Do Love You" and is featured on En Vogue's release "Soulflower."
"We heard her sing and were blown away," confessed Terry. "Her
chemistry and energy was just great, and she fit right in."
The group then began working on "Soulflower," their first album in
nearly four years. "We thought that the name "Soulflower" captured the
essence and the music we recorded," explained Cindy. "This is music
from our soul, and it represents femininity and resilience." Terry
injected, "Like flowers, we've weathered the storm!"
En Vogue also finds fulfillment while on stage. "It's about
connecting with the people," said Rhona. "It's about the energy you
receive, the love, and the reciprocation from the message in the
music." In the fall of 2003, the group spent two and a half months
touring Europe in a production called "Night of the Prom." "It was the
first time they ever had an R&B act. We performed to sold-out stadiums
each night. It was amazing to perform our songs with an orchestra,"
said Terry. "Our music expanded in ways that I can't even
begin to tell
you. To be a part of a show where they were fusing rock & roll,
pop, and R&B was incredible."
Original member Maxine also performed in "Night of the Prom" with
En
Vogue, despite being absent from the release "Soulflower."
"She
didn't record this project with us," explained Cindy. "But she may
perform some live shows with us."
This timeless trio will undeniably reinstate their position as music's
most prolific set of voices. When soul-stirring singing and pioneering
rhythms take center stage, it can only mean one thing: the "funky divas"
are back.
Current En Vogue members are --
- Cindy Herron - original member
- Terry Ellis - original member
- Rhona Bennett
Notable songs include --
- Whatever
- Hold On
- My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)
- Lies
- Giving Him Something He Can Feel
- Free Your Mind
- Whatta Man
- Don't Let Go (Love)
- Let It Flow
- Runaway Love
En Vogue may be available for your next special
event!
For booking information, click
HERE!
Genre: ..R&B
Styles:
..Urban
..Club/Dance
..New Jack SwingYears active:
..80s, ..90s, ..00s
Formed:
1988
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