«Hold On» was the debut single from En Vogue’s debut album Born to Sing. «Hold On» was also the groups first single, reaching number one on the Hot Black Singles chart [2]. The single became one of 1990’s biggest hits in the US and a major hit also in the UK (#2 in the US, #5 in the UK). It also reached #1 on the U.S. Dance chart [3]. The song opens with an a cappella rendition of the Motown standard «Who’s Lovin’ You», written by Smokey Robinson and originally recorded by his group, The Miracles. It features Cindy Herron on lead but Terry Ellis on the introduction. The song also contains a guitar sample from «The Payback» by James Brown.
They performed this song at the 2008 BET Awards along with Alicia Keys
The song’s chorus was used and performed by Pharrell in the 2007 Jay-Z song «Blue Magic».
Awards and nominations
Year Award
1990 Won Billboard Music Award for R&B Single of the Year («Hold On»).
1991 Nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group («Hold On»)
1991 Won Soul Train Music Award for Best Single by a Duo/Group («Hold On»).
En Vogue — Hold On — Music Video (1990)