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 best known as one of the original members of the R&B/pop group En Vogue. This group became 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 later rejoined En Vogue for tours in 2005 and 2009. However, she left the group again due to disagreements about how the group was managed and how members were paid. In 2013, she appeared on the TV show R&B Divas: Los Angeles. Throughout her career, Dawn Robinson has sold over 11 million records. Her work with En Vogue earned her many awards and nominations. These include American Music Awards, Billboard Music Award, MTV Video Music Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, and Grammy nominations.

Early Life and School

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. She also started recording music in a studio, traveling from Connecticut to Massachusetts.

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

Music Career

1989–1997: En Vogue's Early Success

In July 1989, Dawn Robinson tried out for a new girl 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.

In 1990, En Vogue released their first song, "Hold On". It quickly became a number-one hit. Later that year, their first album, Born to Sing, sold over a million copies. In 1992, the group released their next album, Funky Divas. This album sold millions of copies too.

Dawn sang lead on many popular songs from Funky Divas. 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 1993, En Vogue released an EP (a shorter album) called Runaway Love. Dawn sang lead on the hit song "Whatta Man", which featured Salt-n-Pepa.

In 1996, En Vogue recorded "Don't Let Go (Love)". Dawn sang lead vocals on this song. It was part of the movie soundtrack for Set It Off. This song became the group's biggest hit, reaching number one around the world. It also sold millions of copies.

This song was the last En Vogue single to feature Dawn Robinson. In March 1997, Dawn decided to leave the group. She signed with Dr. Dre's record label, Aftermath. This happened after disagreements about her contract. Even without Dawn, En Vogue continued as a trio. Later that year, Dawn worked with The Firm on their song "Firm Biz".

1999–2000: Joining Lucy Pearl

In 1999, Dawn Robinson sang the classic jazz song "Drop Me Off in Harlem" for the movie Life. Later that year, Dawn joined a new group called Lucy Pearl.

Lucy Pearl released their first album in May 2000. It sold over a million copies worldwide. The first song from the album, "Dance Tonight", was very popular. Lucy Pearl toured in the United States and other countries. They also appeared on TV shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

In October 2000, Lucy Pearl released their second song, "Don't Mess with My Man". This song was very successful in the UK and France. In the United States, it was as popular as their first song. Soon after, Dawn left Lucy Pearl. She felt she wasn't being paid fairly. She tried to work things out with her bandmate Raphael Saadiq, but it didn't work. Dawn was replaced by Joi. However, Lucy Pearl broke up in 2001.

2002–2006: Solo Album and En Vogue Return

In 2002, Dawn Robinson released her own solo album called Dawn. She promoted the album on several TV shows. In 2005, after eight years, Dawn reunited with En Vogue. With Dawn back, the original group was complete.

They signed with a big management company. In September 2005, they performed their hit song "Whatta Man" with Salt N Pepa. They also received another Grammy nomination for the song "So What the Fuss". This song featured Stevie Wonder and Prince. The group also appeared in the song's music video. However, Dawn left En Vogue again after they couldn't agree on business terms. Rhona Bennett replaced her.

2008–2011: Touring and Another En Vogue Reunion

Robinson (on the left) performing with En Vogue during their reunion tour, 2009

In April 2008, Dawn Robinson started touring and performing her songs. She sang songs she recorded with En Vogue and Lucy Pearl. Later that year, she reunited with En Vogue again. They performed at the 2008 BET Awards with Alicia Keys, SWV, and TLC.

In 2009, Dawn joined En Vogue for their "20th Anniversary Tour". In 2010, all four original members appeared on the cover of Jet magazine. This was to promote their reunion tour. After the tour, Dawn decided not to record a new En Vogue album. This was because they couldn't agree on terms. In 2011, the other three members released a new song without Dawn. Dawn and another member, Maxine Jones, later talked about the contract problems and poor management of En Vogue on Access Hollywood.

2012: Heirs to the Throne

In October 2012, Dawn and Maxine Jones announced on Access Hollywood that they were forming a new girl group. They called it Heirs to the Throne. They created a website and social media pages for the group. They also performed at several places.

The next year, Dawn and Maxine went their separate ways. Maxine formed her own group. Later, two other former En Vogue members, Cindy Herron and Terry Ellis, sued Maxine. They claimed she was using the En Vogue name without permission. Dawn was a witness in the trial. She stated she was not involved in the dispute. She had given up her rights to use the En Vogue name when she left the group years earlier.

2013–2018: R&B Divas and Solo Work

In 2013, Dawn Robinson joined the TV show R&B Divas: Los Angeles. The show started on TV One on July 10, 2013. The series followed the lives of R&B singers. It showed how they balanced their music careers and personal lives. It was a spin-off of R&B Divas: Atlanta.

During the show, Dawn introduced her boyfriend, Christopher Nils Connolly. Dawn did not participate in the show's reunion episode. She decided not to appear in the second season of the show. There were rumors that Bravo was interested in Dawn and Christopher having their own reality show. Dawn was also planning to tour with cast members from both R&B Divas shows.

In November 2014, Dawn threatened to sue Lifetime. She said the network falsely claimed all four original members were in An En Vogue Christmas. Only two original members and Rhona Bennett were in the movie. In 2017, Dawn mentioned she was working on a new album. However, a release date has not been announced.

2019–Present: The Funky Divas

In October 2019, Dawn Robinson reunited with En Vogue for a special performance. They honored music executive Sylvia Rhone at the City of Hope Gala. This was the first time all five members performed together. In late 2019, Dawn and Maxine Jones started touring under the group name The Funky Divas.

Singing Style

Dawn Robinson's singing voice covers a wide range of notes. She is known as a dynamic lyric soprano. In En Vogue, Dawn often sang the highest parts in their harmonies. Her lowest note was on "Don't Let Go (Love)". Her highest note was on "Part of Me" from the Born to Sing album.

Dawn often sang the first soprano parts with Cindy Herron. She was known for her "rock voice" in the group. It had a raspy, smooth sound. Other group members said she had perfect pitch. Her unique sound was noticeably missed after she left the group. She sang lead vocals on many of their biggest hits. These include "Whatta Man", "Don't Let Go (Love)", "Giving Him Something He Can Feel", and the lead verse on "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)".

Personal Life

Dawn Robinson has been married once and does not have children. She was married to Andre "Dre" Allen from May 24, 2003, until 2010. In 2012, Dawn talked about her relationship with Christopher Nils Connolly. He was a former international soccer player and a fashion icon. On her reality show R&B Divas LA, Dawn said she hoped to start a family with Christopher. In July 2017, Dawn stated they were no longer together.

Discography

Studio albums

• Dawn (2002)

Filmography

Films

Television