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Dawn Robinson’s ‘dark night of the soul’: En Vogue ‘diva’ has been living in her car for years

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Dawn Robinson, an original member of En Vogue who departed from the popular girl band for the first time back in 1997, shared on social media that she’s been residing in her car for the past three years.

In a video shared on Tuesday, she mentioned ‘the dark night of the soul,’ which is a time of solitude or detachment from loved ones. Currently, I can confirm that I’m deeply immersed in such a phase.

But she insists repeatedly in the video that she wouldn’t trade her experiences for the world.

Robinson shared the story of how she ended up homeless: In 2020, she resided with her family in Las Vegas, which was a delightful situation – until it wasn’t. A disagreement with her mother led to her departure, and for approximately a month, she lived in her car within Sin City. Later, her co-manager at the time persuaded her to move to Los Angeles where he resided, promising to provide space in his apartment for her. However, upon arrival, he had no available room.

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She mentioned that she’d been searching for apartments, but he didn’t approve any of them, leaving her to stay in a hotel he covered the costs for, for eight months. Eventually, the singer explained, the financial burden of him paying both her rent and her weekly hotel bills became too much, causing stress. On March 9, 2022, Robinson decided to drive to Malibu.

She had done research on people who live off the grid: car life, RV life, van life, she said.

On the initial night, I found it quite unsettling,” the 58-year-old singer explained. “However, as I familiarized myself with what was safe in my car—like covering my windows and avoiding interactions with certain individuals—I became more cautious. As a woman and a celebrity, I’m selective about who I reveal my solitude to.

1992 saw The Times comparing En Vogue to a modern-day reinterpretation of the Supremes. They praised the quartet – Dawn Robinson, Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones, and Robinson – for their blend of charm, elegance, boldness, wit, and harmonious vocals. Since the time of Diana Ross and her team, no female group has managed to achieve such a combination, according to the article.

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This way, the sentence remains factual but is written in clear, simple language that’s easy for readers to understand.

In this week’s video, Robinson was making the case that car life wasn’t entirely awful.

I experienced a profound sense of liberation, a kind I hadn’t known before. It was as if I had the world at my fingertips. The feeling was almost surreal, like embarking on a camping adventure. It seemed fitting, and I didn’t look back with any regrets. Many celebrities, and not just them, have found refuge in their cars, not just for sleeping, but for living.

Robinson mentioned that she’s been discovering more about herself, particularly her identity as a woman. She made it clear, however, that this isn’t a scenario that warrants sympathy for “Dawn,” but rather a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

When I regain my success – and I’m certain I will – when I reach the pinnacle once more or experience a career comeback, the journey to that point will be entirely in my hands. From here, from my car to that life, is going to be incredible,” she declared, emphasizing the final word as if it were two separate words.

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84-year-old Roy Ayers, renowned for his work as a vibraphone player and bandleader in jazz-soul, known best for ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine,’ passed away. His music served as a foundation for emerging artists.

Given the option, would I currently reside in an apartment? Yes, I certainly would. To set the record straight, I’m not trying to hide anything. But let me tell you, I’m more than happy with the decisions I’ve made.

En Vogue, who reformed as a trio following her departure, invited Robinson back for a tour in 2005; however, she didn’t remain long enough to contribute to another album. They also reunited in 2009 to celebrate the group’s 20th anniversary, but both Robinson and Maxine Jones, one of the original members, parted ways shortly after.

1997 saw The Times commenting on En Vogue’s third album release that their democratic structure meant Dawn Robinson’s departure didn’t carry the same emotional weight as Diana Ross leaving the Supremes. However, it’s not a trivial matter because this group is more than just stylish models in high fashion. Robinson played a significant role in shaping En Vogue’s fiery image and sound, and her absence will surely be noticeable. Despite this setback, En Vogue remains undeterred and formidable.

Last month, the trio of co-founders Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron-Braggs, and Rhona Bennett from the band (which is their name) invited Jones back to join them in a performance of “Free Your Mind” during the halftime show at the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.

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Robinson transitioned from being a part of En Vogue to joining Lucy Pearl, a collective that also features Raphael Saadiq (of Tony! Toni! Toné!) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (from A Tribe Called Quest).

In an interview with The Times in April 2000, just a month before their debut album release, Robinson expressed that he has always thrived in group settings because they offer abundant learning opportunities and the shared responsibility. He added that it’s beneficial since the weight of success isn’t solely on one person if the project doesn’t become a hit.

She too valued the opportunity to contribute to creative choices, something she hadn’t had much chance to do with En Vogue, as she stated back then. “With En Vogue,” she recalls, “our producers already had the tracks prepared for us.” “I never met the musicians,” she adds. “Observing the process with Lucy Pearl was truly awe-inspiring. Being the only woman in the studio toughens you up and improves your writing skills.

Entertainment & Arts

Rosie O’Donnell has moved from the United States to Ireland due to President Trump, and she won’t come back until everyone in America can enjoy equal rights without fear, which she believes should be guaranteed for all citizens.

In October of that year, despite her tougher exterior, Lucy Pearl’s band member chose to leave, with Joi stepping in as her replacement. A few years after, Robinson debuted her first solo album.

Rumors persist that Robinson contributed to her departure from both groups.

In the latest video, Robinson managed to keep her wit despite everything, playfully commenting, “I just wanted to clarify, I do have a gym membership and that’s where I shower. … Don’t be fooled by my Funky Diva title, I’m not always funky.

“Funky Divas” was En Vogue’s sophomore album.

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2025-03-13 20:31

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