En Vogue Celebrates 35th Anniversary and Reveals the Story Behind Their Unique Band Name
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The iconic girl group En Vogue has been in the music industry for 35 years, and they recently shared the interesting story behind how they came up with their band name. Comprised of Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones, and Rhona Bennett, the group gained fame in the 1990s and continues to be a prominent figure in the industry.
During a special appearance on ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’ on May 15, the En Vogue members sat down with host Jennifer Hudson to reminisce about their journey in the music world. Terry Ellis, at 61 years old, revealed, “We put names in a pot and we settled on the name Vogue. And then of course we couldn’t use Vogue because of the Vogue magazine.” Maxine Jones, aged 63, chimed in, mentioning that there was already a group called Vogue.
To differentiate themselves, the producers suggested adding an ‘E-n’ to the name, resulting in the distinctive moniker ‘En Vogue’. Jennifer Hudson commended their creativity, stating, “Baby, ain’t nothing like you, that is for sure.” The group shared that their name selection process was a collaborative effort that led to a unique and memorable identity for the band.
When asked about their musical influences, En Vogue members acknowledged inspiring acts such as the Pointer Sisters, The Emotions, The Supremes, The Shirelles, The Jones Girls, and Patti LaBelle, among others. Reflecting on their impact on future girl groups, Terry Ellis expressed gratitude for the success they achieved, allowing them to inspire others in the industry.
Recently, Maxine Jones made a remarkable return to the group after a 13-year hiatus. She discussed the reunion, stating, “We had been in talks for a couple of years, and then we were just waiting for the right opportunity.” Her return coincided with a performance during the NBA All-Star event in March 2025, where En Vogue wowed audiences with their timeless talent.
En Vogue’s legacy includes a Grammy award for Top R&B single in 1990 for their hit song “Hold On”, along with three additional nominations from the Recording Academy. Their music catalogue boasts popular tracks like “Don’t Let Go (Love)”, “Whatta Man” featuring Salt-N-Pepa, “Free Your Mind”, and “Give It Up, Turn It Loose”. These songs have cemented En Vogue’s status as trailblazers in the R&B music scene.
As the group continues to captivate audiences with their soulful harmonies and dynamic performances, fans eagerly anticipate more milestones from En Vogue in the years to come. With a history marked by success and innovation, En Vogue remains a testament to the enduring power of music and sisterhood in the entertainment industry.