Suits, sweaters, little black dresses, and En Vogue–four things that never go out of style!
En Vogue, is one of the most iconic R&B and girl groups to have ever existed. Now with thirty years in the industry these lovely ladies are celebrating in a big way–reissuing an expanded versio of their album, “Born To Sing,” chalked full of their greatest hits! Kontrol was blessed with a conversation from one of the amazing members of En Vogue, Terry Lynn Ellis! Terry spoke on longevity, the group’s recent appearance on “Empire,” and some of the beauty tips that keep her “flawless Black [skin] intact!”
Terry Lynn Ellis
In an age of cookie cutter artists that seem to come prepackaged and “ready to pop” like a bag of Reddenbaucher, a legendary group like En Vogue only shines more. Hits like “Giving Him Something He Can Feel,” “Don’t Let Go,” and “No Fool No More” has ingratiated these ladies into our hearts for three amazing decades! “We’ve managed to stick around because people can relate to our music and they know we are real professionals. We came up in a time before social media where you really had to work to be seen and noticed…the millions of albums we’ve sold come because we are professionals and we know what moves people…it definitely has not been easy, but when you’re determined to do what you love it all just flows naturally…” Terry states.
The expanded, re-released version of “Born To Sing” has been met with rave reviews. The songs were carefully selected by the message of power, boldness, longevity, togetherness, and sisterhood. “We really wanted to put the message across of En Vogue throughout the years from our earliest to our latest songs. This music is a part of us and so many people have grown up with it…our fans are just as much a part of the group as we are or the words we are singing…we wanted them to have something they can cherish.” “Born To Sing” is undoubtedly a vibe and there is an assortment of songs for nearly every occasion and mood. The vocals from these ladies is pure joy! You can download En Vogue’s “Born To Sing” on streaming platforms everywhere.
Indeed En Vogue’s twenty million albums sold worldwide is nothing to scoff at, and virtually unheard of in modern times. The group remains hip and relevant, as evident in their recent appearance on Fox’s hit series, “Empire.” The episode, entitled, “Come Undone,” marked Taraji P. Henson’s directorial debut. “That was such a great experience. Just being on set, watching everything unfold, and being around actresses like Taraji, Vivica [A. Fox], and Tasha [Smith] was so much fun..the episode was about family and sisterhood and we are all about that…” In the episode the ladies guest starred as themselves, performing for the fictional company, “Bossy,” owned by Cookie Lyon. Their set was cut short when Cookie’s intoxicated sister, Carol (Tasha Smith) interrupted them live on national television. “It’s important to show things like that and how a family should deal with them. We all know someone who has or is dealing with an addiction.”
One of the most enticing aspects of En Vogue is just how beautiful all of the ladies are. Father Time has truly been good to them, as they seem to have not aged a day. Terry’s own beauty regimen for keep her “Black from cracking” is actually a simple one. “It’s simple; moisturize your skin, drink your water, and get plenty of rest. Moisturizing is going to diminish wrinkles, keep your skin smooth. Water completely detoxes you and keeps your skin clear, makes your hair grow and keeps your digestive system regular; and finally getting the rest you need–a good six to eight hours–is essential. It’s going to help with you mental clarity and alertness. With everything we have to do and our hectic schedule I definitely make sure I get the rest I need…With the world on pause due to coronavirus we need to be taking much better care of ourselves.” Terry also reveals she does light workouts, primarily cardio to keep her curves slim and trim as well as watch what she eats. “I tend to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, make salads, and avoid fast foods. People don’t realize it but you really are what you eat…”
Terry Lynn Ellis is beautiful inside and out, and truly a woman in “Kontrol” of a shared legacy via En Vogue. She advises all aspiring artists to “Never give up. You’re going to hear ‘no’ so much, but don’t let it deter you. Be a professional and rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse and know the business. This is your job and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
