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Terry Ellis
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Key Information
Terry Lynn Ellis (born September 5, 1963) is an American singer. She is best known as a founding member of the R&B/pop vocal group En Vogue which formed in 1989.
Biography
[edit]Early life
[edit]Born in Houston, her father was a truck driver and her mother was a housewife. Ellis is the youngest of their four daughters, and she earned a Bachelor’s degree at Prairie View A&M University.[1]
Career
[edit]In 1988, Ellis performed in a lecture/concert with singer Kashif which turned out to be an onsight audition for a proposed singing group to be created by Kashif and friends.[2] Ellis later auditioned to sing in an upcoming female group.[3] Initially, producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy had already chosen singers Dawn Robinson, Maxine Jones, and Cindy Herron to be in a three-piece girl group, but added Ellis after hearing her sing. After joining Ellis to the lineup, the group became a quartet and originally chose the name "For You", later changed to En Vogue.[4] Ellis sang lead vocals on the intro of the group's first single "Hold On", which peaked at number 2 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart,[5] and sold over a million copies becoming platinum-certified by the RIAA.[6] Later that year, the group released their debut album Born to Sing, which went platinum. Ellis also sang lead vocals on the singles "Lies" and "Don't Go", both of which charted in top-five positions on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[5]
En Vogue released their second studio album Funky Divas in 1992, which sold over 3.5 million copies in the United States. Ellis shares lead vocals on one of the album's top-charting singles "Free Your Mind", which won two MTV Video Music Awards, for "Best R&B Video" and "Best Dance Video". En Vogue released an EP in fall 1993, entitled Runaway Love.[citation needed] In November 1995 Ellis released her debut solo album, Southern Gal while En Vogue was on hiatus. The album spawned the singles "Where Ever You Are" and "What Did I Do To You?". Within a year of its release the album had sold over 142,000 copies.[7] The album was considered a commercial failure after sales failed to match the standard of En Vogue's success. She also released her own fragrance titled "Southern Exposure".[8]
In 1996, En Vogue recorded "Don't Let Go (Love)" with Ellis singing the last verse of an extended version of the song. On the album's version, Ellis only sings backup on "Don't Let Go (Love)". The song was featured on the soundtrack to the motion picture Set It Off. Released in fall, it became the group's biggest hit to date going number one worldwide. It also sold over 1.8 million copies worldwide and became certified platinum by the RIAA.[6] In response to the large commercial success of "Don't Let Go (Love)", the group steadfastly went to work on its third album. As the album was nearing completion, Robinson left the group in April 1997 after difficult contractual negotiations reached a stalemate. The ending result saw En Vogue re-recording their third album with Ellis singing lead vocals on more of the songs. In June 1997, the group released their third studio album EV3, which went platinum.[6]
In 1999, Ellis toured as a backup singer for Toni Braxton. She also appears as one of Chanté Moore's friends in the music video "Chanté's Got a Man" in 1999. In 2000, she also released a song called "Call on Me" on the soundtrack for the HBO romantic drama Disappearing Acts. In 2005, Ellis was featured in the Stevie Wonder music video "So What The Fuss" with her original En Vogue members Dawn Robinson, Maxine Jones, and Cindy Herron. Throughout the years, Ellis continued to record on the group's albums: Masterpiece Theatre (2000), The Gift of Christmas (2002), and Soul Flower (2004). In 2012, Ellis and fellow En Vogue member Cindy Herron sued now-defunct member Maxine Jones demanding $1 million for unauthorized use of the name, though the damages request was ultimately determined to be without merit, as Ellis and Herron could not demonstrate harm done to the company from Jones's use of the name (although Robinson was named in the lawsuit, she was not directly involved in the dispute, as she had surrendered her rights to use the name herself when she departed from the LLC years earlier).[9] However, the judge decided to award full rights of the "En Vogue" name to Herron and Ellis.
In July 2014, Ellis signed to Pyramid Records alongside En Vogue members Cindy Herron and Rhona Bennett.[10][11] In November 2014, they released An En Vogue Christmas. In February 2015, Rufftown Entertainment filed a lawsuit against En Vogue, which names Herron and Ellis for breach of contract. Rufftown owner Rene Moore is seeking $310 million from the group.[12]
Voice/range
[edit]Ellis is a soprano and has a five-octave vocal range which was displayed in the En Vogue song, "Don't Go". By her bandmates, Terry was credited as the member with the "ballad" type of voice. With En Vogue, she often shared leads, or lead the group songs that were funky, and soulful. In group harmonies, Terry usually sings the alto arrangement, which is above Maxine Jones, but under Dawn Robinson, or Cindy Herron.
Personal life
[edit]During the 1990s, Ellis dated music producer Denzil Foster.[3] Ellis is close friends with actress and model Holly Robinson Peete, whom she met on the set of the sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper while recording the show's theme song, and they both share a striking physical resemblance to one another.[13]
Discography
[edit]- Studio albums
- Southern Gal (1995)
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Batman Forever | Girl on Corner No. 2 |
References
[edit]- ^ Berkman, Meredith (June 5, 1992). "En Vogue rise to the top". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
- ^ "Terry Ellis". HBCU Connect. Retrieved February 23, 2013.
- ^ a b Samuels, Allison (June 22, 1997). "And Then There Were Three..." Newsweek. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
- ^ "En Vogue Biography". AOL.com. Archived from the original on January 29, 2008.
- ^ a b "Artist Chart History – En Vogue". Billboard.
- ^ a b c "US Certifications > En Vogue". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
- ^ "Billboard". Nielsen Business Media, Inc. November 9, 1996 – via Google Books.
- ^ Pendleton, Tonya (December 13, 1997). "Sweet Smell Of Success Singer Terry Ellis Creates Celebrity Scent". Philly.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015.
- ^ TMZ Staff (April 1, 2013). "Celebrity Justice: En Vogue Legal War Settled... Losers Stripped of Name". TMZ.com. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
- ^ "Pyramid signs En Vogue". PyramidRecords.net. July 14, 2014. Archived from the original on October 1, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2014.
- ^ En Vogue Vocal Outtakes for New Album "Electric Café". Youtube.com. Retrieved on December 25, 2014
- ^ Schneider, Marc (February 13, 2015). "En Vogue Sued for Millions After Label Flip". Billboard.com. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
- ^ Peete, Holly R. (September 25, 2009). "Terry Lynn Ellis: The Best "Bestie" Ever". Oprah.com.
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Terry Ellis
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Early Life and Education
Childhood and Family
Terry Lynn Ellis was born on September 5, 1963, in Houston, Texas, as the youngest of four daughters.[6][7] Her parents were Lennie James Ellis, a truck driver, and Evelyn Marie Patton, a homemaker who passed away in 2017.[6][8][2] The Ellis family resided in Houston throughout her upbringing, providing a stable environment amid the city's dynamic cultural landscape. While specific details on interactions with her three older sisters remain private, Ellis has described her family as foundational to her personal development.[6] Growing up in Houston, Ellis encountered the city's influential R&B and gospel music scenes, which introduced her to singing and nurtured her passion for performing arts from a young age.[9][10]Academic Background
Terry Ellis attended Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) in Texas, where she pursued higher education following her graduation from Worthing High School in Houston in 1982.[2] She majored in marketing and earned a Bachelor's degree in 1990, fulfilling her parents' requirement to complete her formal education before fully committing to her musical aspirations.[11] During her time at PVAMU, Ellis actively participated in the university's musical activities, which played a key role in her development as a performer. She served as the lead vocalist for the Marching Storm Band, the university's renowned marching band, and also sang in the jazz band under director George Edwards.[12] These experiences included notable performances, such as a halftime show singing "If This World Were Mine" with Ricky LaFontaine and opening for a local Houston band at homecoming during her senior year.[11] No specific academic honors are documented from her university tenure, though her involvement in these ensembles highlighted her vocal talents early on. University life at PVAMU significantly influenced Ellis's musical growth by providing opportunities to perform for large audiences, building her stage confidence and honing her skills as a mezzo-soprano vocalist.[13] The campus environment, including socializing in dormitories like Drew Hall and participating in talent showcases, fostered her passion for music and created networking avenues within the HBCU community.[11] In her senior year, around 1989–1990, these foundations directly supported her career transition, as she auditioned for what would become En Vogue while still completing her degree.[11]Career
En Vogue
En Vogue was formed in 1989 in Oakland, California, by record producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, who assembled the original lineup consisting of Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, Dawn Robinson, and Maxine Jones.[14] The group debuted with their 1990 album Born to Sing, which featured Ellis providing lead vocals on the intro of the breakthrough single "Hold On," a track that peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped establish En Vogue as a leading R&B act.[2] Their follow-up album Funky Divas (1992) included another key hit, "Free Your Mind," where Ellis contributed prominent lead vocals, reaching No. 8 on the Hot 100 and earning MTV Video Music Awards for Best R&B Video and Best Choreography in a Video.[15] The group achieved significant commercial success, selling over 20 million records worldwide across their catalog.[16] En Vogue received seven Grammy Award nominations, including for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Don't Let Go (Love)" in 1997 and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Free Your Mind" in 1993.[17] These accomplishments, combined with hits like "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" and collaborations such as "Whatta Man" with Salt-N-Pepa, solidified their influence on 1990s R&B, blending harmonious vocals with socially conscious lyrics.[18] Lineup changes marked much of En Vogue's history, with members departing and rejoining amid tensions. In 2012, Ellis and Herron sued former members Jones and Robinson over rights to the group name, claiming unauthorized use; a judge ruled in favor of Ellis and Herron, granting them exclusive trademark rights for performances and tours.[19] This decision led to further shifts, including Robinson's permanent exit and the addition of Rhona Bennett as a core member starting in 2003, with Jones occasionally rejoining for select projects. In early 2025, Maxine Jones rejoined the group full-time. However, on November 17, 2025, Rhona Bennett announced her departure after over 20 years, citing her exclusion from the group's performance at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 8, 2025, where Ellis, Herron, and Jones joined Salt-N-Pepa for a medley including "Push It"; Bennett claimed she was not informed in advance, sparking controversy over group communications.[20][21] As of November 2025, En Vogue's active lineup includes Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones, continuing to perform live and maintain their legacy.[22] The group has remained active on the touring circuit, including a headline performance at the 2024 Marin County Fair and a high-energy set at the Great New York State Fair on August 31, 2025, where they drew crowds with classics like "Hold On."[23][24] In May 2025, during their appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, the members teased an upcoming biopic project to chronicle their rise and challenges.[25]Solo Career
Terry Ellis released her debut solo album, Southern Gal, on November 14, 1995, via EastWest Records during a hiatus from En Vogue.[26] The project showcased her smooth R&B style with contemporary production, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Key singles included "Where Ever You Are," which reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 52 on the Hot 100, and "What Did I Do to You?," which climbed to number 41 on the R&B chart.[27][28][29] The album was primarily produced by Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, the duo behind En Vogue's early successes, who handled most tracks including the singles; Ellis co-wrote several songs, emphasizing themes of love and introspection.[30] Other contributors included keyboardists Michael Norfleet and Niles McKinney, with horns by Bill Ortiz, creating a polished sound rooted in her Southern heritage.[31] Despite critical praise for tracks like "She's a Lady" and "Slow Dance," the album did not achieve major commercial breakthroughs beyond its singles' modest airplay success.[32] Following Southern Gal, Ellis focused primarily on En Vogue but released the independent single "Angry Black Woman" in July 2020.[33] In interviews, she described the track as an emotional response to ongoing police brutality against Black people and centuries of systemic racism in the United States, reclaiming the "angry Black woman" stereotype to express frustration and advocate for change.[33] No further solo albums have been released as of 2025, though Ellis has occasionally performed her solo material in live settings, such as renditions of "Where Ever You Are" on television specials.[34]Other Ventures and Activism
In 2025, Terry Ellis launched the “More Than Tea” social etiquette program, aimed at educating youth on establishing healthy boundaries in relationships through interactive sessions that emphasize communication and self-respect.[35] The initiative draws on Ellis's experiences to foster empowerment among young participants, promoting emotional well-being beyond superficial social interactions.[35] Ellis introduced the program during a visit to the Bay Area in October 2025, where she engaged directly with local youth groups to demonstrate its practical applications.[35] This outreach event highlighted her commitment to community-based education, aligning with broader speaking engagements focused on personal empowerment and relational skills.[35] Beyond educational initiatives, Ellis has participated in high-profile community events, such as En Vogue's headline performance at the 2023 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, which drew large crowds to the Esplanade and amplified themes of unity and celebration.[36][37] The event, broadcast nationally, served as a platform for broader promotion of the group's enduring influence while showcasing Ellis's vocal contributions in a live orchestral setting.[36]Vocal Style and Range
Terry Ellis possesses a mezzo-soprano vocal range spanning three octaves, enabling her to deliver both intimate ballads and dynamic leads in high-energy R&B tracks.[2] Her bandmates have credited her with a distinctive "ballad" voice, characterized by its warmth and depth, which allows her to anchor slower, emotive passages while seamlessly transitioning to more upbeat material.[2] Ellis's signature style emphasizes emotive delivery, infusing performances with a visceral thrill that conveys raw emotion through controlled phrasing and tonal nuance.[38] In group settings, she excels at harmony blending, often providing the alto foundation that positions her voice above deeper registers and below higher ones, contributing to En Vogue's precision-layered sound.[2] Critics have praised her as part of a vocal virtuoso ensemble, highlighting the incredible strength and versatility of her technique in merging soulful expression with rhythmic drive.[39][40] Her vocal approach draws from vintage soul and new jack swing influences, aligning her emotive balladry with peers in 1990s R&B who prioritized harmonic sophistication and narrative depth in their deliveries.[40] Ellis honed her skills during her time at Prairie View A&M University, studying under Dr. Ruby Hebert and Professor George Edwards, director of choral activities, where she served as lead vocalist in the Marching Storm Band.[2] Over time, Ellis's vocal style has evolved toward greater prominence in lead roles, particularly following lineup changes in the late 1990s, allowing her to showcase expanded range and stamina in both studio and live contexts.[2] By 2025, her performances continued to demonstrate enduring power and clarity, captivating audiences with sustained emotional intensity and harmonic precision during high-profile shows.[41]Personal Life
Relationships
Terry Ellis was in a romantic relationship with music producer Denzil Foster during the 1990s, a period that aligned with the early phases of her career following En Vogue's debut album release in 1990. This personal partnership contributed to tensions within En Vogue by mid-1995, coinciding with the recording of their third album EV3 and a temporary group hiatus that allowed Ellis to pursue independent projects.[42] Her debut solo album Southern Gal (1995) was produced by Foster and Thomas McElroy, providing creative support for her initial solo efforts. No other romantic relationships or marriages have been publicly documented in credible sources. Ellis has never married and does not have children.[43]Friendships and Interests
Terry Ellis shares a longstanding friendship with actress and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete, spanning over three decades. The two met in 1992 while En Vogue recorded the theme song for the first season of the ABC sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, on which Peete starred. Their connection has grown into a profound sisterhood, often leading others to mistake them for biological relatives due to their striking resemblance and inseparable public appearances together.[44][45] This bond extends to shared personal milestones, including Ellis attending Peete's wedding and supporting her family events, highlighting a relationship built on mutual trust and unwavering loyalty. As of 2025, their friendship has endured for at least 33 years, with Peete publicly referring to Ellis as her "Virgo twin" and bestie in celebratory posts.[46] Beyond close friendships, Ellis pursues personal interests in crafting and event planning, embracing a creative and organized lifestyle. She identifies as a "Crafty Girl" and "Planner Babe," often sharing themed content under the hashtag #Crafty.Cool.Chic on social media, where she showcases DIY projects and motivational mantras like "Anything Is Possible with a Plan!" These hobbies reflect her passion for hands-on creativity and structured personal endeavors outside her music career.[47] Ellis also maintains an active presence on social media, engaging followers with glimpses into her leisure activities, such as travel to destinations like the Bahamas and Europe, and expressions of gratitude for life's simple joys. This personal engagement underscores her commitment to wellness through positive reflection and community connection on an individual level.[47]Works
Discography
As a founding member of En Vogue, Terry Ellis contributed to the group's discography, including their debut album Born to Sing (1990), which peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA; Funky Divas (1992), certified 2× platinum; EV3 (1997), certified platinum; and later releases such as Masterpiece Theatre (2000) and The Gift of Christmas (2002). She also participated in reunion projects like Soul/Season (2004) and An En Vogue Christmas (2018).Solo Albums
Terry Ellis released her debut and only solo studio album, Southern Gal, on November 14, 1995, through EastWest Records. The album, produced primarily by Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, features a blend of R&B and soul tracks reflecting her Southern roots. It did not receive any major certifications from the RIAA.[48]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | She's a Lady | Ellis, Foster | 4:03 |
| 2 | It Ain't Over | Ellis, Foster | 5:08 |
| 3 | Where Ever You Are | Foster, McElroy | 4:58 |
| 4 | I Don't Want to Wait Till Tomorrow | Foster, McElroy | 4:00 |
| 5 | What Did I Do to You? | Foster, McElroy | 4:16 |
| 6 | Slow Dance | Foster, McElroy | 4:20 |
| 7 | I Don't Mind | Foster, McElroy | 5:16 |
| 8 | You Make Me High | Foster, McElroy | 4:24 |
| 9 | Back Down Memory Lane | Foster, McElroy | 4:37 |
| 10 | Sista Sista | Ellis, Foster | 3:52 |
| 11 | Love Is the Key | Foster, McElroy | 5:21 |
Solo Singles
From Southern Gal, Ellis released three singles in 1995. "Where Ever You Are" peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "What Did I Do to You?" reached number 41 on the same chart. "She's a Lady" was released as the lead single but did not chart prominently.[50][51] In 2020, Ellis independently released the single "Angry Black Woman," a socially conscious track addressing racial injustice, co-written by Ellis, Eddie Serrano, and Lance Tolbert.[33]Guest Appearances and Features
Ellis has made select guest vocal appearances outside her solo and En Vogue work. In 2005, she provided background vocals alongside original En Vogue members for Stevie Wonder's "So What the Fuss" from the album A Time to Love. In 2013, she was featured on Michael Marshall's "How Do I Get Over You" from the album Simply Meezy, contributing lead and harmony vocals to the R&B ballad.[52]En Vogue Contributions (Lead Vocals)
As a founding member of En Vogue, Ellis frequently took lead vocals on key tracks across the group's albums. Notable examples include:- "Lies" (1990, from Born to Sing), which peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
- "Don't Go" (1990, from Born to Sing), reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
- "Free Your Mind" (1992, from Funky Divas), a top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 where Ellis shared lead duties.
- "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" (1992, from Funky Divas), with Ellis on prominent leads, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.[2]
- "Don't Let Go (Love)" (1996, from Ev'ry Night the Hardest Day), where Ellis sang the primary lead, achieving number 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Filmography
Terry Ellis has made several on-screen appearances throughout her career, primarily as a member of En Vogue or in minor acting roles, spanning films, television guest spots, voice work, and reality television.[53]Film
- Batman Forever (1995): Played Girl on Corner #2, a brief cameo as a background singer in the Warner Bros. superhero film directed by Joel Schumacher.[54]
- An En Vogue Christmas (2014): Portrayed Terry, a fictionalized version of herself as part of the En Vogue group in this Lifetime TV movie about the band reuniting for a holiday concert to save a nightclub.[55]
- Coming 2 America (2021): Appeared as herself with En Vogue in a musical performance sequence in the Amazon Studios comedy sequel directed by Craig Brewer.[56]
Television
- A Different World (1993): Appeared as Faith with En Vogue in the episode "Mind Your Own Business" (season 6, episode 20).[57]
- All That (1996): Performed "Where Ever You Are" as a musical guest in season 2.[58]
- Saturday Night Live (1992): Musical guest performer with En Vogue, delivering a live performance of "Free Your Mind" during the season 17 episode (episode 16) hosted by Mary Stuart Masterson.
- The Wayans Bros. (1997): Guest-starred as herself with En Vogue in the episode "I Was En Vogue's Love Slave" (season 3, episode 20), where the group performs on The WB sitcom.[59]
- Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (2000): Provided voice work as Doll #2 in the HBO animated anthology series episode "The Princess and the Frog," an African American retelling of the fairy tale.
- Empire (2020): Guest appearance as herself with En Vogue, performing in the Fox musical drama series during season 6, episode 13, "Hot Blood, Cold Blood, Full of Love."
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (2025): Performed with En Vogue (Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones) on November 2, 2025, at the Peacock Theater.[60]
Reality TV and Documentaries
- The Masked Singer (2022): Competed as part of the group Queen Cobra (alongside En Vogue members Cindy Herron and Rhona Bennett) on season 7 of the Fox singing competition, advancing to the quarterfinals before elimination.
- Unsung (2014): Featured as herself in the TV One documentary series episode profiling En Vogue's career and challenges.
- En Vogue: Ready to Work (2021): Appeared as herself in the Lifetime documentary exploring the group's reunion and recording process for new music.