The Run That Back series is a deep dive into some of music’s most popular or underrated projects. Whether it’s been 5 years or 50, there’s never a wrong time to ‘run that back.’
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En Vogue were definitely a fan favorite in the 90s. Billed as one of the top five selling American female music groups in history. The iconic girl group sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
The funky divas of Soul, as they were affectionately known, were formed in 1989 by producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy. Originating in Oakland, California the group called themselves “4 U”, before changing their stage name to En Vogue. Throughout the years, En Vogue has disassembled and reunited. Occasionally the group performs together for special events such as the 2019 City of Hope Gala honoring Sylvia Rhone.
The original lineup consisted of Terry Ellis, Dawn Robinson, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones. Robinson left the group in 1997, turning the quartet into a trio. Then Jones left the group in 2001 and was replaced with Amanda Cole, who left the group two years later. Today, the trio includes original members Ellis and Herron, along with Rhona Bennett, who joined the group in 2003.
Funky Divas was conceived after the success of En Vogue’s 1990 debut album Born to Sing. Released in March 1992, Funky Divas has an array of musical influences like R&B, New Jack Swing, and Hip Hop – similar to the debut. Moreover, the album is rooted in Classic Soul, Blues, and Doo-Wop. With elements from decades past, the album went on to win an American Music Award for favorite Soul/R&B album in 1993.
The anti-prejudice anthem “Free Your Mind”, protests racial injustice, bigotry and oppression. Aside from its clear-cut message, it has an unforgettable Classic Rock sound. The jazzy Doo-Wop inspired “My Lovin’ (Never Gonna Get It) ” is a perfect example of the En Vogue’s acapella talent. “Giving Him Something He Can Feel”, the contemporary remake of Curtis Mayfield and Aretha Franklin’s 1976 original, is considered a classic in its own right.
Funky Divas is noted for its pitch-perfect harmonization from start to finish. It’s a vocal-centered LP with each member uniquely rotating as the lead singer. The GRAMMY-nominated album captures the sound of the early 90s remarkably, and is the group’s best-selling album to date.
En Vogue’s latest original material is 2016’s Electric Café, released through their own label En Vogue Records.
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