Dawn Robinson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dawn Robinson
Robinson performing with En Vogue in 2009
Born	Dawn Sherrese Robinson (1966-11-24) November 24, 1966 (age 58) New London, Connecticut, U.S.
Education	San Leandro High School
Occupation	Singer actress
Years active	1989–present
Spouse(s)	Dre Allen ​ ​ (m. 2003; div. 2010)​
Musical career
Origin	Oakland, California, U.S
Genres	R&B soul dance-pop hip hop rock
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Atlantic eastwest EMI Interscope Aftermath

Dawn Sherrese Robinson (born November 24, 1966) is an American singer and actress. She is famous for being a founding member of the R&B/pop group En Vogue. This group is one of the world's best-selling girl groups ever.

After leaving En Vogue, Dawn joined another group called Lucy Pearl. Their first album, Lucy Pearl, came out in 2000. It sold over a million copies worldwide. The album had popular songs like "Dance Tonight" and "Don't Mess with My Man".

In 2002, Dawn Robinson released her first solo album, Dawn. It included the song "Envious". She rejoined En Vogue for a tour in 2005 and again in 2009. This was for their 20th Anniversary Tour. She later left the group again. In 2013, she was part of the TV show R&B Divas: Los Angeles.

Throughout her career, Dawn Robinson has sold more than 11 million records. This includes her work with En Vogue, Lucy Pearl, and as a solo artist. Her time with En Vogue brought her many awards and nominations. These include two American Music Awards, a Billboard Music Award, and seven MTV Video Music Awards. She also received four Soul Train Music Awards and eight Grammy nominations.

Early Life and Education

Dawn Robinson was born on November 24, 1966, in New London, Connecticut. She was the oldest of three children. As a child, Dawn sang in her church choir in Connecticut. She soon started recording music in a studio. She would travel from New London to Massachusetts for this.

When Dawn was 13, in 1980, she moved to California. She lived with an older cousin there. Her mother and sister joined her in Oakland in 1981. Dawn went to Oakland High School first. She then graduated from San Leandro High School in 1984. She also studied at the Institute of Cosmetology in Oakland.

Music Career Highlights

En Vogue's Beginnings: 1989–1997

In July 1989, Dawn Robinson tried out for a new female music group. She was one of four women chosen to form the group, which became En Vogue. They started recording their first album in August 1989. It was finished by December 1989.

In 1990, En Vogue released their first song, "Hold On". It quickly became a number-one hit. Their first album, Born to Sing, came out in April 1990. It sold over a million copies.

In 1992, the group released their next album, Funky Divas. This album also sold millions of copies. Dawn sang lead on popular songs from this album. These included "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)", "Giving Him Something He Can Feel", and "Free Your Mind". "Free Your Mind" won two MTV Video Music Awards.

In September 1993, En Vogue released a shorter album called Runaway Love. Dawn's voice was featured on the hit song "Whatta Man". This song was a collaboration with Salt-n-Pepa.

In 1996, En Vogue recorded "Don't Let Go (Love)". Dawn sang the lead vocals on this song. It was part of the movie soundtrack for Set It Off. This song became the group's biggest hit. It sold millions of copies and was very popular worldwide. It was the last En Vogue song to feature Dawn Robinson.

In March 1997, Dawn decided to leave En Vogue. She signed with Dr. Dre's record label, Aftermath. Even though Dawn left, En Vogue continued as a trio.

Lucy Pearl and Solo Work: 1999–2006

In 1999, Dawn Robinson joined the group Lucy Pearl. In May 2000, their first album, Lucy Pearl, was released. It sold over a million copies around the world. The first song from the album, "Dance Tonight", was very successful.

In October 2000, Lucy Pearl released their second song, "Don't Mess with My Man". This song became very popular in the UK and France. Soon after, Dawn left Lucy Pearl. She felt there were issues with how money was shared in the group.

In January 2002, Dawn released her solo album, Dawn. She promoted the album on TV shows. In 2005, after eight years, Dawn reunited with En Vogue. They performed their 1994 hit, "Whatta Man", with Salt N Pepa. The group also received a Grammy nomination for the song "So What the Fuss". This song featured Stevie Wonder and Prince. However, Dawn left En Vogue again due to business disagreements.

Later Career and Reunions: 2008–Present

Robinson (left) performing with En Vogue during their reunion tour in 2009.

In April 2008, Dawn Robinson began touring and performing her songs. She sang hits from En Vogue and Lucy Pearl. Later in 2008, she reunited with En Vogue for a performance at the BET Awards. In 2009, Dawn joined En Vogue for their "20th Anniversary Tour". All four original members appeared on the cover of Jet magazine to promote the tour.

After the tour, Dawn decided not to record a new En Vogue album. This was because they could not agree on terms. She left En Vogue again in 2011.

In October 2012, Dawn and Maxine Jones, another former En Vogue member, announced a new group. They called it Heirs to the Throne. They performed together at several places. However, in 2013, Dawn and Maxine went their separate ways.

In 2013, Dawn joined the TV show R&B Divas: Los Angeles. The show started in July 2013. Dawn performed in several parts of the series. She left the show after the first season. In 2017, Dawn mentioned she was working on a new album.

In October 2019, Dawn reunited with En Vogue for a special performance. This was to honor music executive Sylvia Rhone. It was the first time all five original members performed together. In late 2019, Dawn and Maxine Jones toured together. They performed under the group name The Funky Divas.

Vocal Style

Dawn Robinson has a strong and wide vocal range. She is known for singing the highest parts in En Vogue's songs. Her voice is often described as having a "rock" sound. It is raspy yet smooth. She is known for her accurate singing. Her unique voice was often missed when she was not with the group.

She sang lead vocals on many of En Vogue's biggest hits. These include "Whatta Man", "Don't Let Go (Love)", and "Giving Him Something He Can Feel". She also sang the lead verse on their famous song "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)".

Personal Life

Dawn Robinson was married to Andre "Dre" Allen from 2003 to 2010. In 2012, she shared that she was in a relationship with Christopher Nils Connolly. During her time on R&B Divas: L.A., they talked about wanting to adopt a child. In July 2017, Dawn stated they were no longer together.

In early 2025, Dawn shared that she had faced some financial challenges since 2022. Her former husband, Andre Allen, offered her a job to help.

Discography

Studio albums

• Dawn (2002)

Filmography

Films

Television