Dawn Robinson, a former member of the iconic R&B girl group En Vogue, revealed an intimate and unexpected turn in her life to her fans in a poignant new YouTube video, confessing that she has been homeless, residing in her car for the past three years. On Tuesday, March 11th, Robinson, now 58, shared her heartfelt story with a sigh of relief, stating, "You guys, for the past three years, I've called my car my home." She continued, "I finally said it out loud; the weight has lifted."
The talented singer recounted her journey, explaining that she initially lived with her parents in Las Vegas in 2020. Seeking new horizons, she eventually decided to relocate to Los Angeles upon the advice of her former manager, who initially offered her a temporary roof over her head. However, things didn't pan out as planned, and Robinson found herself stranded in a hotel for eight long months.
During her hotel stay, she faced numerous challenges in securing an apartment. Allegedly, her manager's erratic behavior and reluctance to approve potential living arrangements made the search all the more arduous. "Some people," she reflected, "try to manipulate you, keeping you in a state of dependency and vulnerability." Realizing this toxic dynamic, Robinson made the bold decision to leave the hotel and embark on a new path.
Embarking on a journey into the world of "car life," Robinson was intrigued by what she discovered. Embracing the freedom and adventure it promised, she took the plunge, and three years have since passed, with her car now serving as her mobile sanctuary as she cruises towards Malibu, California. "I felt liberated," she said of her choice. "It was like embarking on an endless camping trip; it just felt so right."
Robinson was keen to emphasize that she was not sharing her experience to elicit pity. "This isn't a 'woe is me' tale," she clarified. "It's about self-discovery, understanding who I am as a person, as a woman." She admitted to missing her family and loved ones but stressed the importance of this solo journey. "I needed to do this for myself," she said, adding poignantly that her beloved dog Max had also passed away in the car, leaving her truly on her own.
Concluding her video, Robinson admitted that she would welcome the comfort of an apartment if she could have one. However, she is "absolutely" grateful for this unique chapter in her life. "I'm proud of what I've accomplished," she stated with conviction. She encouraged viewers to embrace spontaneity, to face their fears head-on. "Do the scary thing. Forget fear," she declared with passion.
Robinson was a founding member of En Vogue, alongside Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, and Maxine Jones, forming the group in 1989 and releasing their debut album, Born to Sing, the following year. She lent her powerful vocals to hits like "My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)," "Giving Him Something He Can Feel," and "Free Your Mind." En Vogue garnered six Grammy nominations between 1991 and 1997. Robinson parted ways with the group in March 1997, signing with Dr. Dre's Aftermath label. She briefly reunited with En Vogue in 2005 and 2009, and has also ventured into acting, featuring in several films and the first season of R&B Divas: Los Angeles.
