This legendary R&B vocalist, who sold millions of records at one point with her girl group, found herself sleeping in her vehicle after family conflicts and financial struggles upended her life.
After achieving massive success with one of the world”s best-selling girl groups, this star faced a stark reality shift that led to homelessness. The Grammy-nominated artist, known for her powerful vocals and outspoken nature, recently revealed she has been living in her car for almost three years while documenting her journey for a future project.
The En Vogue vocalist during an event in the 1990s, in New York, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Born November 28, 1968, this American singer rose to fame as a founding member of the R&B/Pop group En Vogue. Throughout her career, she sold over 11 million records, combined with her work in En Vogue and Lucy Pearl.
Her abilities were recognized with numerous honors, encompassing multiple American Music Awards, a Billboard Music Award, several MTV Video Music Awards, numerous Soul Train Music Awards, and eight nominations for Grammy Awards.
The En Vogue singer during the 33rd Annual Grammy Awards on February 20, 1991, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Despite this success, tensions within En Vogue began to surface. In a 2020 interview with Essence, she explained, “We were doing the lion’s share of the work but we were making the least.”
She pointed to unfair contracts as a major issue. “When you get into the industry […] you get caught up before you truly [understand] that contract and know what questions to ask,” she added. “All of those contracts are written in Old English and you’re like, Huh? Nobody talks like that.”
The star with the other members of En Vogue, Maxine Jones, Terry Ellis, and Cindy Herron, during the 20th Annual American Music Awards on January 25, 1993, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
When she spoke up about financial concerns, she faced backlash. “The misconception about me is that I am difficult, a problem, a b—-,” the artist continued. “But when people try to take your hard-earned money and you stand up for it, this is what happens when you’re a woman.”
Eventually, the singer left the girl group in 1997, hoping to find success on her own. Later, she joined Lucy Pearl, but ultimately left that group in 2000. A year later, the artist signed with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label to produce her first solo album. Unfortunately, she left the label before it was completed.
The singer during her time in Lucy Pearl performing on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on May 2, 2000, in California | Source: Getty Images
She would later return to En Vogue for brief reunions in 2005 and 2009. However, the R&B legend recently revealed the shocking path her life took.
On March 11, 2025, this R&B star posted a personal video titled “YOUR NEW LIFE IS IN THE SCARY” on YouTube, revealing her housing situation.
Dawn Robinson on a video dated March 11, 2025 | Source: Youtube/OfficialDawnRobinson
In the candid footage recorded from her car, she revealed that she had been homeless since March 9, 2022. “You guys, for the past almost three years, I have been living in my car. I said it. Oh my God, it’s out,” she shared.
Initially, staying with family in Las Vegas during 2020 was a nice break for the singer. But the good times didn’t last. Her mother got angry and took it out on her.
After briefly sleeping in her car in Vegas, she moved to Los Angeles at the suggestion of her co-manager. Though he initially offered to let her stay with him, space issues led to her being placed in a hotel.
However, what was intended as a single night’s accommodation extended into an eight-month stay because her manager didn’t approve of any apartment she sought. Growing frustrated with the situation, the singer started looking for alternative living arrangements.
Dawn Robinson on a video dated March 11, 2025 | Source: Youtube/OfficialDawnRobinson
“I have been researching car life. There’s a whole community of people that live in their cars and a whole community of people that live in vans. Van life, car life, RV life,” she explained, adding that she loved the idea.
She also didn’t understand why her co-manager didn’t approve of any apartment and was paying around $3,000 for her hotel room when his rent was around $1,700. In the video, she suspected some people intentionally keep others weak and reliant, a situation she flatly refused to accept.
The star in question is Dawn Robinson, who fell in love with her new lifestyle despite the challenges. “I felt free. That was a sense of freedom that I had. I was so free,” she shared. “I felt like I was on a camping trip.”
Additionally, Robinson noted that her situation isn’t unique. “A lot of celebrities have slept in their cars,” she added, mentioning that Marvin Gaye lived in “a bread van” before his hit “Sexual Healing” was released.
However, Robinson doesn’t want pity. “This is not like, ‘Oh my God, poor Dawn, she’s living in her car and it’s terrible.’ It’s not that,” she insisted. “I’m learning about who I am. I’m learning myself as a person, as a woman.”
The experience forged her resilience. The singer believes people often limit themselves before understanding their true capabilities. Currently, she maintains her hygiene through gym facilities, and with a touch of humor, clarified her cleanliness standards, “I’m a funky Diva, but I’m not funky.”
Dawn Robinson on a video dated March 11, 2025 | Source: Youtube/OfficialDawnRobinson
She valued the lessons of that period, and mentioned she was recording her experiences for a future documentary. Her goal is to encourage others to see their strength while overcoming obstacles.
While Robinson faces several personal challenges, her former group En Vogue continues to thrive. The group, presently comprised of Cindy Herron-Braggs, Terry Ellis, Rhona Bennett, and the returning, Maxine Jones, continues to participate in the music scene.
In April 2018, En Vogue launched “Electric Café,” marking their first studio album release since 2004. It featured collaborations with artists like Ne-Yo and Raphael Saadiq. The group maintains an active touring schedule and holds a position among the top five best-selling American female musical ensembles, having sold over 20 million albums.
“There has never been a time when we didn’t have a show on the books,” co-founding member Ellis stated in their website bio. She also attributed their enduring success to a worldwide fan base that consistently expresses affection and sincere excitement during their live performances.
Naturally, Robinson’s revelation about her living situation has prompted an outpouring of love from fans who admire her transparency and resilience. On YouTube, one commenter wrote, “An absolute legend. Her voice has elevated everything it’s been it.” Another simply stated, “DAWN ROBINSON is a LEGEND.”
On Instagram, supporters offered encouragement and assistance. One fan commented, “Wow 😮 amazing testimony 👏🏾.” Another wrote, “Hey Dawn you’re in my prayers [sic]. Please reach out if you need anything.”
A particularly devoted netizen pledged, “I love this woman. I’m sorry about her situation, and I’ll do everything I can to take care of her.”
Robinson’s story is ultimately one of resilience in the face of unexpected hardship. Despite achieving fame and success with En Vogue, she found herself navigating difficult situations that led to an unconventional living arrangement.
Rather than hide her circumstances, the singer chose to share her experience openly, hoping to inspire others facing their own hardships. For this ’90s icon, living in her car became not just a necessity but a journey of self-discovery.
As she puts it, “I’m crazy, and I’m also proud of myself.” Her story reminds us that life’s path is rarely predictable, even for those who once stood in the spotlight.