Dawn Richard Biography: Dawn Angeliqué Richard born August 5, 1983 is an American singer and performer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her music career began in 2004 when she auditioned for MTV’s Making the Band 3, which led to her becoming a member of the girl group Danity Kane. Danity Kane, signed to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy Records, released three studio albums before going on hiatus in 2009. That same year, Richard joined forces with Diddy and singer Kalenna Harper to form the group Diddy – Dirty Money. The trio released one album, Last Train to Paris (2010), which received both critical and commercial success and was supported by two mixtapes before their disbandment in 2012. In 2013, Richard reunited with three of Danity Kane’s original members to release the group’s final album, DK3.
Dawn Richard Biography
Dawn Richard, born on August 5, 1983, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is an American actress and composer, best known for her work in Kinky (2018), Insecure (2016), and 5 Weddings (2018). Alongside her music and acting career, Dawn is also an avid anime artist. One of her anime drawings—a female superhero—caught the attention of Sean “Diddy” Combs while she was in the studio with Danity Kane. When Diddy asked for the character’s name, she responded, “Danity Kane.” Inspired by the drawing and its representation of the group’s strength and individuality, Diddy chose it as the official name for the girl group formed on Making the Band 3. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Dawn and her family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. Her passion for the arts started early—her mother owned a dance school, where Dawn honed her skills in choreography and singing throughout her childhood.
Dawn Richard Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | Dawn Angeliqué Richard |
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| Born | August 5, 1983 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
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| Discography | Dawn Richard discography |
| Years active | 2005–present |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Dawn Richard
Dawn Angeliqué Richard is an American singer from New Orleans, Louisiana. She began her career auditioning for MTV’s Making the Band 3 in 2004, during which she formed the girl group Danity Kane.
Dawn Richard Wiki
- Born: 5 August 1983 (age 41 years), New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Music groups: Danity Kane, Diddy – Dirty Money (2009 – 2012)
- Parents: Frank Richard
- Genres: Dance/Electronic, Pop
Early Life
Of Louisiana Creole and Haitian heritage, Richard was born in New Orleans and has one brother. Her father, Frank Richard, was the lead singer and percussionist for the funk/soul band Chocolate Milk, while her mother ran a dance school where Dawn developed her performance and vocal skills. After being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, she and her family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where her mother currently works at a school.
As a teenager, Richard performed with a local New Orleans group called Realiti. Her solo talent was discovered in 2004 during a live performance at Tipitina’s Uptown in New Orleans by Kemic A. Smothers. She was soon signed under the stage name “Dawn Angelique” to a development deal with Octarve Anderson Jr. and his Atlanta-based indie label, Yeah! Brother Records. Working in studios across Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New Orleans alongside platinum-certified producers The NexMen (Rochad Holiday and Curtis “Sauce” Wilson).
Dawn Richard at a Glance
- Category: Richest Celebrities › Singers
- Net Worth: $2.5 Million
- Birthdate: August 5, 1983 (41 years old)
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Gender: Female
- Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Record Producer, Actor
- Nationality: United States of America
Career
Richard’s big break came when she auditioned for MTV’s Making the Band 3 in Orlando. She successfully secured a spot in Sean Combs’ upcoming girl group after negotiating her release from her contract with Yeah! Brother Records. She triumphed over many other contestants, joining Aubrey O’Day, Aundrea Fimbres, Wanita Woodgett (D. Woods), and Shannon Bex to form the group Danity Kane.
The name “Danity Kane” originated from one of Richard’s drawings. A fan of manga, Richard sketched a female superhero while the group was recording in the studio. When Combs asked the name of the character, she responded with “Danity Kane,” which he felt represented the members of Making the Band 3. Combs decided that it would be the name of the group, and the story was first shared during Danity Kane’s appearance on Total Request Live on June 14, 2006.
Personal Life
Dawn Richard has followed a vegan lifestyle since 2013. She supported the cause publicly by posing nude in a PETA campaign advocating veganism and later appeared in another ad protesting the use of leather. She is also a practicing Catholic. In September 2024, Richard filed a lawsuit against her former label executive, Sean Combs, accusing him of sexual abuse.
Relationships
During the second season of Making the Band 4, which featured Danity Kane, Day26, and Donnie J. Klang, viewers saw members of the groups performing, living together, and forming personal connections. During the show, Richard developed a romantic relationship with Qwanell Mosley of Day26. The couple dated for five years before ultimately breaking up. In a radio interview on Sway in the Morning, Richard revealed that the relationship ended due to Mosley’s infidelity.
What is Dawn Richard’s Net Worth 2025?
Dawn Richard is an American singer-songwriter with an estimated net worth of $2.5 million. Born in August 1983 in New Orleans, Louisiana, she rose to fame as a member of the girl group Danity Kane. Her father, Frank Richard, was a singer and percussionist for the funk band Chocolate Milk. As a teenager, Dawn performed with a local group named Realiti before signing a record deal and releasing her debut album Been a While in 2005. That same year, she auditioned for MTV’s Making the Band 3, earning a spot in the competition and ultimately joining Danity Kane under the Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment label.
FAQs
What inspired the name Danity Kane?
The name “Danity Kane” came from a female superhero character that Dawn Richard had drawn. When Sean “Diddy” Combs saw the drawing and asked about the character, Dawn shared the name. Diddy felt the character symbolized the strength and uniqueness of the group formed on Making the Band 3 and chose it as the group’s name.
Where did Dawn Richard move after Hurricane Katrina?
After being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, Dawn Richard and her family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland.
What school did Dawn Richard attend in New Orleans?
Dawn Richard attended De La Salle High School in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Who were some of Dawn Richard’s notable high school classmates?
At De La Salle High School, Dawn Richard was classmates with Marquise Hill, a former NFL defensive lineman, and Holland Diaz, a stunt double for Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man 3.
What early artistic talents did Dawn Richard show?
In addition to singing and dancing, Dawn Richard is a talented anime artist. Her creative abilities in drawing were recognized even in her early career.
How did Dawn Richard get involved in choreography?
Dawn developed her skills in choreography at a young age while spending time at her mother’s dance school, where she also refined her singing talents.