EnVogue is one of the most influential and successful groups in black music history. They are widely recognized as innovators, creating a unique fusion of soulful R&B and pop that made them an iconic part of the 1990s music scene. With four consecutive #1 albums and nine Top 10 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, EnVogue has achieved worldwide success, selling over 20 million records to date. This article will explore how this group revolutionized black music by combining elements from different genres into their own signature sound.
Formed in Oakland, California in 1989, EnVogue quickly found success with their debut album Born To Sing (1990). The lead single “Hold On” reached number two on the US charts, setting off a string of hits such as “Free Your Mind” (1992), “My Lovin’” (1992) and “Don’t Let Go (Love)” (1996), all of which have become staples at many karaoke bars around the world. Beyond just being commercially successful, however, EnVogue was also critically acclaimed; they won numerous awards including two Grammy nominations for Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocals and Soul Train Lady Of Soul Awards for Best Song Of The Year and Best Music Video.
EnVogue’s innovative blend of musical styles set them apart from other artists at the time. For example, they incorporated jazz-inspired harmonies alongside contemporary hip hop beats while still keeping true to their roots in traditional R&B sounds. In addition to breaking genre barriers within songs themselves, they were among the first groups to bring rap verses into popular radio play–a move that would change modern day music production forever.
History Of Envogue
EnVogue is an American R&B/pop girl group, founded in Oakland, California in 1989. Their hit songs include “Hold On,” “Free Your Mind,” and “Don’t Let Go (Love).” The original members of the group included Cindy Herron-Braggs, Terry Ellis, Dawn Robinson, and Maxine Jones.
The quartet quickly gained attention for their powerful harmonies and choreography. They have been cited as one of the most successful female singing groups of all time by Billboard Magazine. In 1990 they released their debut album Born to Sing which certified gold within a year and produced five singles including “Hold On” and “Lies” which both charted on the US Top 100 list.
EnVogue has been credited with being trendsetters throughout their career, incorporating elements from hip hop into their sound while staying true to their signature soulful vocal style. They’ve also received numerous awards for their achievements over the years, including six Grammy nominations and multiple NAACP Image Awards. With a string of hits that have stood the test of time over three decades later, it’s safe to say that EnVogue will continue to be remembered as innovators in black music history for generations to come.
Musical Influences And Contributions
EnVogue has had a significant influence on the sound of modern R&B and pop music. They are credited with introducing elements from hip hop into their musical style, which helped to develop the genre-blending that is so popular today. By combining soulful vocals with rap verses, they created a unique blend of funk and hip hop that would become known as “new jack swing” in the early 1990s. This new genre served as an inspiration for many other artists who followed in EnVogue’s footsteps.
The group was also groundbreaking for its time due to their bold fashion choices and choreography. Their outfits were considered risqué by some standards at the time but set them apart from other girl groups of the era. As well as setting trends in clothing and dancing, EnVogue had several female empowerment messages within their songs such as ‘Free Your Mind’ which encouraged women to be independent and think outside the box.
Throughout their career, EnVogue have continuously pushed boundaries when it comes to black music innovation while staying true to their signature vocal harmonies and dance moves. They remain one of the most influential female singing groups ever, inspiring many generations of singers and songwriters with their powerful melodies and positive messages about self-empowerment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, EnVogue has been a major innovator in black music. They have brought together elements of soul, funk and R&B to create their distinct sound. Their influence can be heard through the work of many modern artists who owe much of their success to EnVogue’s creative approach.
EnVogue have not only created an incredible body of work but they’ve also inspired countless others to do the same. They are a testament to what is possible when you combine passion with hard work and creativity. From their beginnings as backup singers for various performers, EnVogue went on to become one of the most influential groups in black music history.
Their unique style set them apart from other acts at the time, allowing them to push boundaries and experiment with new sounds that would eventually revolutionize popular music today. With groundbreaking albums like ‘Born To Sing’ and ‘Funky Divas’, EnVogue proved themselves as true innovators in black music – setting trends that continue to this day.
In the seams of a colorful and vibrant style influenced by Diana Ross and Dorothy Dandridge were four soul glamour-esque women. They rose throughout the industry known as En Vogue. Back in 1989, they were formed and discovered by the production team of Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy. They wanted a group that had a classic, but sexy look and sound. En Vogue became a top African-American female vocal quartet through their production and support. Since the “new jack swing” and R&B genres were evolving, Foster and McElroy held auditions and from it they found former Miss Black California Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones, Dawn Robinson, and Terry Ellis. They were like an updated Supremes, a female Toni, Tony Tone; so stylish, sophisticated, and sexy. En Vogue’s debut album, Born to Sing, appeared in 1990 and launched the pop crossover smash “Hold On,” which peaked at number two and helped the album go platinum. They were so diverse with albums full of rock, r&b, pop and more. Then En Vogue returned in 1992 with Funky Divas; the first three singles — “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It),” “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” (both covers of songs written by Curtis Mayfield), and “Free Your Mind” (which borrowed a chorus line from George Clinton) — reached the Top Ten, and the album went multi-platinum. En Vogue were in the Top Ten again in 1993, backing Salt-N-Pepa on their hit “Whatta Man.” Although this group was influenced by some late greats, they influenced a tremendous amount of female solo artists and groups from 1990 to 2010, they are the reason female artists kept the music alive.
As a group of three women, SWV, Sisters With Voices, were “Weak” for “Anything” music-wise. Influenced by En Vogue, the three ladies, Coko (born Cheryl Gamble), Taj (born Tamara Johnson), and Lelee (born Leanne Lyons) created a group that kept their church style and friendship bond. A demo tape the group assembled caught the attention of producer Teddy Riley, a former member of Guy and the founder of the
“new jack swing,” who brought them into the game. The group’s first album in 1990 went double platinum with hits like ” I’m So Into You” and more. Another group that paved the way for many.
Within the 1992-1998 span for SWV, in the mix of music were Total. Undoubtly influence by En Vogue too. Signed to Puff Daddy’s label, Bad Boy Records, they dubbed hit with Notorius B.I.G., Lil’ Kim and Junior Mafia. Although their career ended softly, they’re distinctive voices are remembered. And since, Puff Daddy, now known as Diddy, likes to create his own and not jack, he dubbed them as the “new jill flava” of music; derived from “new jack swing.” This trio lasted as long as an acknowledgment from a book. But they can be heard on some of Notorious B.I.G’s hits; “Juicy”, “Can’t You See” and they’re own, “Kissing You” and “What About Us”.
One young lady’s success came from the love of En Vogue and the team of the “Swing Mob Collective” composed of Missy, Timbaland, Ginuwine and several others. She abruptly passed away on August 25, 2001 and will always be remembered. Although she was only a solo artist, her efforts were as strong as En Vogue’s push to stardom. So humble and respected, Aaliyah Dana Haughton became a platinum-selling female artist on the power of two smash singles, “Back & Forth” and “At Your Best (You Are Love)” (an Isley Brothers cover). The songs went gold.
Destined for greatness and motive by many female groups like En Vogue, Destiny’s Child grew from the bottom up. Now solo artists, this quartet, I mean trio, or five-some created a stir. Attention grabbers and hard-workers, Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Letoya Luckett, Michelle Williams all went through or stayed in the group with success regardless of the dilemma. The name derived form the Book of Isaiah held the power for them to become one of the top female selling groups and artists in the late 90s; they were competing against TLC. This award-winning group of women have not failed to succeed.
The one thing these groups have in common aside from the gender is the will and grace of down-sizing men literally and in a power aspect of society. These women created the music and voice of many fans that just felt the pain and hate for the opposite sex; men!
—— By: Imani Pope
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