Hubbry Logo
DeBargeDeBargeMain
Open search
DeBarge
Community hub
DeBarge
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
DeBarge
DeBarge
DeBarge
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

DeBarge was an American musical recording group composed of several members of the DeBarge family. In addition to various solo projects completed by members of the family, DeBarge was active between 1979 and 1989. The group originally consisted of El, Mark, Randy, and Bunny. James joined the group a year later for their 1982 second album. Bobby joined in 1987, following the departures of Bunny and El.

Key Information

DeBarge released six studio albums, four of them with Motown subsidiary Gordy Records. These albums included The DeBarges (1981), All This Love (1982), In a Special Way (1983), and Rhythm of the Night (1985). The latter became the group's best-selling album and contained the single "Rhythm of the Night", which hit No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it their highest-charting single in America. In the mid-1980s, El and Bunny went solo and DeBarge was subsequently released from its contract.

The remaining members, Mark, Randy and James, now augmented by their eldest brother, Bobby, signed with Stripe Horse Records, an independent label, in 1987, which released their final studio album, Bad Boys. The group continued to perform for an additional two years. Bobby, along with younger sibling, Chico, were arrested for drug trafficking in 1989. Legal issues and personal problems, compounded with the changing musical tastes of the public, led to the group's dispersion in 1989, ten years after its inception.

History

[edit]

Family background

[edit]

The DeBarge family are the children of Etterlene DeBarge (née Abney; 1935–2024), an African American gospel singer born in Royal Oak, Michigan in 1935 and Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr. (1932–2009), a White American soldier of French and English descent born in Cicero, Illinois.[1][2] They married when Etterlene was 17, a year after the death of her father James Abney, a church choir leader and peanut retailer.[2] They separated in the mid-1970s and divorced in 1974.[2][3] Etterlene remembers Robert DeBarge, Sr. as physically and emotionally abusive to her and the children, and said he used her youth, the absence of her father, and continuous pregnancy to control her.[2] DeBarge, Sr. has been characterized as "domineering and physically abusive to his wife," and some of the DeBarge children have accused him of having sexually abused them.[1] Bunny DeBarge, the eldest, recalls being sexually abused by him between the ages of seven and 13.[4]

The group hailed from the East Side of Detroit, where the siblings were born and raised; they later relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Members included sister Etterlene ("Bunny") and brothers Mark ("Marty"), William ("Randy"), Eldra ("El"), and James. Younger siblings Jonathan ("Chico"), Darrell ("Young"), and Carol ("Peaches") DeBarge are also singers though not with the group.[5]

Early years of the group and Switch

[edit]

The siblings who became DeBarge started performing in various groups together in the Detroit, Michigan area in the mid-1970s. In 1979, brothers Randy, Mark, and El were part of the SMASH band, which was a release on Source Records/MCA in the USA/Canada before it was released as Pall Mall Groove Hot Ice in Germany by Polydor. Bernd Lichters, who rented a home in Cerritos, California, bought them instruments, and they were mentored by members of the Motown group Switch, including their elder brothers Tommy and Bobby and co-founding member and family friend Gregory Williams. Bunny DeBarge had joined her younger brothers in 1979 as well, and they formed as The DeBarges in 1980. That year, because of Bobby's success with Switch, younger brother El was able to perform live on the piano and sing for Motown CEO and founder Berry Gordy, who was impressed by the group and agreed to sign them that year.[5] For a year the group worked alongside members of Switch, helping to add background vocals, instrumentation, arranging, and musical and lyrical composition to the band's works, most prominently in "I Call Your Name", "My Friend in the Sky", and "Love Over and Over Again".

By 1981, Bobby and Tommy had left Switch and returned the favor to their siblings working with them on their debut album, which was released that year with Bobby, Bunny, and El as main producers.[5] The only single, the Bobby-led ballad "What's Your Name", failed to chart.

Success

[edit]

In 1982, they added their brother James to the lineup and worked on their second album, All This Love, produced by El and Iris Gordy. The album launched them into R&B stardom with the recordings "I Like It" and "All This Love".[5] Both songs also became crossover pop hits with "All This Love" later going to number one on Billboard's adult contemporary chart. In 1983, the group made an impression after appearing on Motown 25, where they performed alongside High Inergy. Later in 1983, the group issued their third album, In a Special Way, which spawned two further hit singles, "Time Will Reveal" and "Love Me in a Special Way".[5] Like All This Love before it, the album reached gold status in the United States.[6]

Following that album's success, DeBarge was handpicked by Luther Vandross to open for him on his "Busy Body Tour" to support his album of the same name.[5] In 1984, James DeBarge made headlines when he secretly eloped with 18-year-old Janet Jackson of the famed Jackson family, but their marriage was quickly annulled the following year.[5] Janet would later recount how, following their wedding, she was left alone in a hotel for three hours not knowing the whereabouts of her new husband. These absences, the result of James' prolific drug use, became common occurrences throughout their brief marriage.[7]

When the tour ended in late 1984, the group recorded the Diane Warren composition, "Rhythm of the Night", for the soundtrack to the Motown-produced film, Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon from 1985.[5] The song was released in early 1985 and became a hit single, eventually reaching the top five in several countries, mainly in the US and UK, becoming the band's biggest-selling and their best-known hit.[5]

Siblings leave and the end of the group

[edit]

Sensing that El DeBarge was emerging as the "star" of the group, Motown had El working on the group's next album primarily by himself, with the label failing to call on the other siblings' help. It's hinted Motown was fearful of the other members' growing dependencies to drug addiction, only trusting El as he seemed to be the most reliable.

The Rhythm of the Night album became the band's best-selling work, going platinum and featuring further hits such as "Who's Holding Donna Now" and "You Wear It Well".[5] Following the end of its successful promotion, however, both El and Bunny departed from the group after Motown offered them lucrative solo deals. Without the powerful harmonies of the brother and sister duo, the rest of the DeBarges were not considered commercial enough to keep going, and they were dropped from the Motown label in 1986.[5]

In 1987, Bobby joined the group, and failing to find deals with major labels, the group (still known as DeBarge) signed with the independent label Striped Horse Records, later releasing what turned out to be their final studio album, Bad Boys.[5] Since Striped Horse had financial problems promoting the album and without the help of Motown, and although two singles were released – "Dance All Night", which peaked at number 33, and the ballad "I Got You Babe", which only reached number 73 – the album itself failed to chart.

DeBarge continued their career in 1988, even bringing along younger brother Chico (who had a successful hit "Talk to Me") with them as their opening act. The brothers made a guest appearance on the television show Punky Brewster in 1988.

Later in 1988, Bobby and Chico were arrested for drug trafficking in Grand Rapids. They were eventually convicted of the charges and sentenced to two different prisons to serve their sentences. The arrests and subsequent convictions brought an end to the group as a musical entity and it was disbanded in 1989.[5]

By the time of its disbanding, the group had released nine top 40 R&B singles, five top 40 pop singles, two Pop top 10 hits, five top 10 R&B singles, two number-one R&B singles, one number-one single on the dance chart, and three number-one hits on the adult contemporary chart. In 2008, Bunny DeBarge wrote a book about her famous family titled The Kept Ones. The narrative charted the siblings' success from their humble roots in Grand Rapids, Michigan, detailing the highs and lows along their journey. A second book with the same title was published in 2020, causing issues within the family. El DeBarge was most vocal, posting on social media that the books written by Bunny were works of fiction filled with lies.[8]

Setbacks, solo projects, and some success

[edit]

Despite the group's highly publicized drug addictions and several members serving jail time for drug offenses, the siblings have continued to perform together occasionally.

In 1991, Randy and James contributed to a gospel album featuring their mother Etterlene and younger siblings Darryl (Young DeBarge) and Carol (Peaches DeBarge), billed as "the DeBarge Family."

Several members of the family made several solo albums during the 1990s and 2000s, but never reached the fame and popularity of their original group.

The DeBarges' story of their rise and fall was documented in late 2008 as the debut episode of the TV One show Unsung.

In 2010 El, after a six-year sabbatical of releasing solo albums, and following a period of drug addiction and several arrests, released the well-received Grammy-nominated album, Second Chance and went on tour in support of R&B singer Mary J. Blige in 2011, but relapsed and went back to drug rehab to address his continuing issues.

In 2011, James, Randy and Bunny appeared on Dr. Drew's Lifechangers to discuss their troubles with drug addiction, later agreeing to attend a rehabilitation facility. While Randy and James left the facility on a follow-up episode, Bunny still attended and told Dr. Drew of her recovery, even performing a gospel song on the show.

Drug abuse has also brought various tragedies and setbacks over the years: Bobby DeBarge died at a hospice in Grand Rapids after contracting AIDS, following years of heroin addiction; Tommy DeBarge, who also suffered from drug addiction, was on kidney dialysis but sometimes performed with surviving members of Switch and with his family up to his death in 2021 from kidney failure; Randy DeBarge and Mark DeBarge are said to have "incurable diseases", according to their mother. James was sentenced to prison for drug offenses.[9]

Musical legacy

[edit]

The group's musical genre covers soul, boogie, and R&B, drawing inspiration from the family's initial roots in Detroit. The group's material has been either frequently sampled or covered:

  • Their collaborations with Switch on their recordings, "I Call Your Name" and "My Friend in the Sky" have been sampled as well as their own material, including "I Like It", "Stay with Me" and "A Dream".
  • Rapper The Notorious B.I.G.'s remix of "One More Chance", which sampled "Stay With Me".[10]
  • Mary J. Blige, a fan of DeBarge, also sampled and covered their work, including "Share My World" (adding the group's intro ad-libs from that song on her song of the same name), "A Dream" and "Don't Go" (which interpolated the ending of "Stay With Me").
  • Rapper Tupac Shakur interpolated the melody of "A Dream" for his posthumous hit, "I Ain't Mad at Cha".[11]
  • R&B group Blackstreet sampled the music of "A Dream" for their hit, "Don't Leave Me", and have said they were big fans of DeBarge (Teddy Riley calling El DeBarge "a living legend" in the liner notes of their 1994 debut album) and had covered "I Like It". On their platinum album Another Level the group did a gospel version of DeBarge's hit "Time Will Reveal". In 1998, Riley also sampled parts of Switch's "My Friend in the Sky" (co-composed by Bobby, Bunny and El) for rapper Queen Pen's album track, "No Hooks" off her My Melody album. (The same song would be sampled in 2005 for Raheem DeVaughn's title track off The Love Experience.)
  • The melody of "Stay With Me" was revisited by Ashanti on her single, "Foolish" and later by Mariah Carey on her single "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time" from E=MC².
  • In 2007, rapper Rich Boy's hit "Throw Some D's" sampled Switch's "I Call Your Name", which was co-written by Bobby and arranged by Bobby and El.
  • "I Like It" is their most sampled, with several acts sampling the music or interpolating the song's popular bridge (sung by El and written by Bunny), and "All This Love" has also been covered and sampled frequently by other artists.[who?]

Accolades and achievements

[edit]
  • In 1984, In A Special Way was nominated for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal in the 26th Annual GRAMMY Awards.[12]

Personnel

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: DeBarge discography

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

DeBarge

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
DeBarge was an American R&B, soul, and pop family vocal group formed in 1979 by siblings from the DeBarge family in , and active until 1989 as one of Records' few successful acts during the . The group originally featured lead vocalist (born Eldra Patrick DeBarge, June 4, 1961), his sister (born Etterlene DeBarge, March 15, 1955), and brothers Mark and , with brother (born August 22, 1963) joining later, the siblings building on the earlier success of their older brothers' group Switch. Signed to in 1979, DeBarge debuted with their album The DeBarges in 1980, but gained widespread recognition with their 1982 release All This Love, which included the title track peaking at No. 5 on the R&B chart and No. 17 on the Hot 100, alongside "I Like It" reaching No. 2 on the R&B chart. Subsequent albums like (1983) and (1985) produced additional hits such as "Time Will Reveal" (No. 1 on the R&B chart) and the title track "Rhythm of the Night" (No. 3 on the ), establishing their signature blend of lush harmonies, leads, and romantic themes that appealed to pop and urban audiences. Despite internal challenges including drug issues and lineup changes, DeBarge's era yielded five studio albums, including one Top 40 entry on the , and several gold-certified singles, influencing later R&B acts while members like El pursued successful solo careers with hits such as "Who's Johnny" (No. 3 on the Hot 100 in 1986).

Family Background

Early Life and Challenges

The DeBarge family consisted of ten children born to Etterlene "Mama D" DeBarge (née Abney) and Robert Louis DeBarge Sr. between the and 1960s. Etterlene, an African American woman with Native American ancestry, married Robert, a white man of French and English descent, in an interracial union that faced significant societal prejudice during the . The couple initially settled in , , where the children—including Bunny, El, Bobby, Randy, Mark, James, Tommy, and others—grew up amid economic hardship and racial tensions that complicated their family life. In 1972, Etterlene relocated the family to , seeking refuge from the abusive marriage and support from her brother, who pastored Bethel Pentecostal Church. The family's early years were marked by severe physical and emotional inflicted by Robert DeBarge Sr., who struggled with unemployment and alcoholism, often directing his frustrations toward his wife and children. This mistreatment, including allegations of , created long-term trauma and instilled a deep sense of and instability in the household, with music emerging as a primary means of emotional escape for the siblings. The abuse persisted until the parents' separation around 1974, after which Etterlene raised the children alone, fostering resilience amid ongoing challenges. Etterlene played a pivotal role in nurturing her children's musical inclinations, drawing from her own background as a singer to encourage participation in church activities at Bethel Pentecostal Church in Grand Rapids. She purchased an upright on installment payments, providing the with an instrument that became central to their home life and gospel-influenced rehearsals. This environment exposed the siblings to rich traditions through local church singing, helping them develop vocal harmonies and a spiritual foundation. Among them, showed early promise, self-teaching himself guitar and keyboards around age 13 following the family's move and his parents' divorce, using these skills to channel personal expression amid the household turmoil.

Musical Roots and Switch Connection

The DeBarge siblings began exploring music in their youth through informal singing sessions at home and participation in local events during the and in , where siblings including Bobby, Tommy, El, and Bunny experimented with vocal harmonies inspired by and R&B influences. These early family performances fostered a shared passion for music, allowing the siblings to develop their signature multi-layered vocal styles amid personal challenges. In 1976, older brothers on lead vocals and Tommy DeBarge on bass formed the R&B/funk group Switch along with non-sibling members Greg Williams, Eddie Fluellen, and , initially evolving from earlier local bands like White Heat. The group caught the attention of through a demo tape, leading to their swift signing to Motown's subsidiary label. Switch achieved notable success with their self-titled debut album in and follow-up Switch II in 1979, both released on , featuring smooth and soul tracks that highlighted the band's harmonies and groove-oriented sound. Their breakthrough single "There'll Never Be" from the debut album peaked at No. 36 on the in , establishing Switch as a rising act in the late-1970s R&B scene and providing crucial industry connections that later benefited the . Younger siblings El and Bunny DeBarge contributed to Switch's recordings, with El helping arrange music for tracks like "Love Over and Over Again" from Switch II and co-writing "My Friend in the Sky" alongside Bobby and Bunny. Bunny provided backing vocals and collaborated on several Switch songs during 1979–1981, blending her voice into the group's polished ensemble style. These involvements exposed the siblings to professional recording environments and Motown's resources. The relocation of several members to in the late 1970s opened greater music opportunities, aligning with Bobby and Tommy's pursuits in ' vibrant scene and Motown's operations. served as a key mentor to his siblings, co-producing DeBarge's debut album The DeBarges (1980) and co-writing early material like "" with El, infusing it with his falsetto ad-libs and songwriting expertise honed in Switch. His guidance shaped the group's initial sound, bridging their family harmonies to Motown's commercial framework.

Group History

Formation and Motown Signing

DeBarge was officially formed in 1979 by siblings Eldra "El" DeBarge on lead vocals and keyboards, Etterlene "Bunny" DeBarge on vocals, Mark DeBarge on guitar and vocals, and Randy DeBarge on bass and vocals, adopting the family surname for their group identity as The DeBarges. Leveraging family ties to their brothers' successful Motown act Switch, the siblings submitted demo tapes that caught the attention of label founder , resulting in their signing to Motown's subsidiary Gordy Records later that year. The group relocated to to focus on studio work, immersing themselves in recording sessions that emphasized a blend of R&B and with intricate harmonies, soaring , and subtle grooves. emerged as a primary songwriter during these initial efforts, crafting tracks like "I Like It" that captured the label's expectations for a fresh post-Switch sound rooted in youthful energy and vocal interplay, though the single's release was delayed beyond the early sessions. Bunny DeBarge took a prominent role in the lineup's vocal arrangements and contributed to songwriting, providing stability and a distinctive feminine perspective to the group's dynamic as they honed their material under Motown's guidance.

Rise to Fame and Key Releases

DeBarge's debut album, The DeBarges, released in 1981 by Gordy Records, marked the group's entry into the music industry with a blend of smooth R&B and pop-soul tracks, including the single "Stop! Don't Tease Me," but achieved only modest commercial success and stalled outside the upper echelons of the charts. The group's breakthrough came with their second album, All This Love, issued in 1982, which peaked at number 24 on the Billboard 200 and number 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, earning gold certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units sold. Key singles from the album included "I Like It," a re-release of the track from their debut that reached number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and the title track "All This Love," which climbed to number 17 on the Hot 100, number 5 on the R&B chart, and number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. These hits showcased El DeBarge's soaring falsetto and the family's harmonious vocals, propelling the group toward mainstream recognition. In 1983, DeBarge followed with In a Special Way, their third studio album, which reached number 36 on the and number 4 on the R&B albums chart while also attaining gold status from the RIAA. The release emphasized sophisticated ballads and intricate arrangements, with standout singles like "Time Will Reveal," which peaked at number 18 on the Hot 100 and number 1 on the R&B chart, and "Love Me in a Special Way," hitting number 45 on the Hot 100 and number 11 on the R&B chart. For this album, the group received a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the . DeBarge's commercial peak arrived with their 1985 album Rhythm of the Night, which debuted at number 19 on the and number 3 on the R&B chart, securing another RIAA gold certification. Produced primarily by alongside contributions from and others, the album featured upbeat synth-driven tracks that broadened the group's appeal. The title track, "Rhythm of the Night," became their biggest hit, reaching number 3 on the Hot 100 and number 1 on the R&B and charts, while "Who's Holding Donna Now" peaked at number 6 on the Hot 100 and number 2 on the R&B chart. During this period, DeBarge gained significant visibility through live performances and television appearances, including multiple episodes on where they performed hits like "I Like It" and "Time Will Reveal," as well as spots on featuring "I Like It" and interviews with . These platforms helped solidify their presence in the early R&B scene. Overall, the group's key releases from to 1985 amassed over 1.5 million album sales through three gold-certified projects, establishing them as a prominent act.

Internal Conflicts and Disbandment

The DeBarge group's harmony began to fracture in the mid-1980s amid personal struggles and shifting label priorities. , the sole female member and eldest sibling, departed in 1986 to pursue a solo career with , citing the toll of family dynamics and emerging substance issues on her well-being. Her exit altered the group's vocal blend, which had relied on her alto for emotional depth in hits like those from the 1982 album All This Love, leaving the remaining members to adapt during a period of declining cohesion. James DeBarge had joined the lineup in 1982 for the All This Love sessions, contributing keyboards and lead vocals to tracks such as "I Like It," bolstering the group's sound as they transitioned from The DeBarges to simply DeBarge. However, his high-profile marriage to in 1984, at ages 21 and 18 respectively, drew intense media scrutiny and family tensions, with the union annulled in 1985 amid allegations of and immaturity. This personal drama exacerbated internal strains, diverting focus from the band's creative efforts and highlighting the pressures of fame on the DeBarge siblings. El DeBarge's burgeoning to drugs, including and later , emerged as a significant issue during the mid-1980s recordings, impairing his reliability and contributing to erratic group dynamics. As the primary lead singer and songwriter, his struggles delayed sessions and fueled family conflicts, with siblings noting how substance use permeated their interactions, echoing broader patterns of rooted in . These personal battles spilled into professional tensions, as Motown's emphasis on El's solo potential created resentment among the group. The 1985 album Rhythm of the Night, featuring the title track's chart-topping success, represented the group's commercial zenith but also underscored underlying strains. Motown's priorities shifted toward newer acts like those influenced by emerging pop trends, sidelining DeBarge amid their internal discord and reducing promotional support. El's addiction further complicated production, leading to a sense of inevitability about the group's trajectory. DeBarge's disbandment unfolded informally from onward, following the label's release of a greatest hits compilation that effectively ended their contract with . El and Bunny's solo pursuits formalized the split, while remaining members Mark, , and James attempted a 1987 album, Bad Boys, under Striped Horse Records, but it failed to recapture past success. By 1989, legal troubles—including drug trafficking arrests for brothers Bobby and Chico—marked official inactivity, compounded by unresolved family tensions and financial hardships from low royalty rates typical of deals. The era closed with sporadic performances overshadowed by personal losses, sealing the group's active history.

Post-Group Developments

Solo Careers of Members

El DeBarge launched his solo career in 1986 with the self-titled album El DeBarge, which featured the hit single "Who's Johnny?", peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The album marked a successful transition from the group, blending R&B and pop elements that built on his vocal style from DeBarge. Subsequent releases included Gemini in 1989, In the Storm in 1992, and Heart, Mind & Soul in 1994, the latter produced with assistance from Babyface. In 2010, DeBarge staged a comeback with Second Chance, his first album in 16 years, which debuted at number 21 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart; the title track reached number 19 on the Adult R&B Songs chart. Throughout his solo work, DeBarge collaborated with artists across genres, including features on DJ Quik's tracks in the early 2000s and a guest appearance on 50 Cent's "Format" from Second Chance. James DeBarge pursued limited solo endeavors after the group's peak, releasing occasional singles and features rather than full albums. Later contributions included guest vocals on tracks like "Change Da Game" with in 2000 and "We Came 2 Play" featuring AMG, highlighting his continued involvement in R&B production and collaborations. Recent independent releases include "Heartache and Pain" (2023) and "Who Loves U" (2024), reflecting his ongoing but sporadic musical activity amid personal challenges. DeBarge also ventured into brief acting roles and production work, but his output remained limited. Bunny DeBarge transitioned to a solo career after departing with the group in the mid-1980s, releasing her debut album In Love in 1987. The project yielded the single "Save the Best for Me," which reached number 18 on the R&B charts and showcased her smooth, emotive style. Subsequent efforts included a shift toward with In Shady Grove in 1989, followed by occasional R&B singles, though she increasingly prioritized family life over extensive touring or recordings. Mark DeBarge's post-group pursuits were sporadic, with participation in the family gospel album Back on Track (1991) alongside siblings. He contributed as a songwriter and musician to various projects, including co-writing "Stay With Me," which was sampled in Ashanti's "Foolish" (2002), but maintained a lower profile as a solo performer compared to his siblings. Randy DeBarge explored solo tracks intermittently. Much of his later work involved reunions with Switch and contributions to family projects rather than standalone solo albums. Other siblings had more behind-the-scenes roles; Bobby DeBarge focused on productions before his death in 1995, completing his final solo album It's Not Over, released independently that year. Tommy DeBarge, the family's best known for his work with Switch, continued session playing until his passing in 2021 without notable solo releases.

Reunions, Losses, and Recent Projects

In 1991, several DeBarge family members, including El, Bunny, Randy, and others, released the gospel album Back on Track under the name The DeBarge Family, marking an early attempt at a collective revival following the group's disbandment. This project featured original material led by family members and emphasized spiritual themes amid personal challenges. Sporadic reunion performances occurred in the ensuing decades, such as El DeBarge's medley appearance at the 2010 BET Awards, which highlighted the group's enduring appeal and served as a comeback moment. In 2017, El led informal family reunions on stage, including shows with brothers James and Marty DeBarge in California, blending classic hits with live energy to reconnect with fans. The endured profound losses that deepened their struggles with and . , a key Switch member and later DeBarge contributor, died on August 16, 1995, at age 39 from AIDS-related complications after years of battles. His passing profoundly affected the family, as noted by surviving siblings in subsequent reflections on shared trauma. Tommy DeBarge, the family's who played with both Switch and DeBarge, succumbed to liver and kidney failure on October 21, 2021, at age 64, following a hospitalization and earlier bout; publicly mourned him as reunited with Bobby in heaven. These deaths underscored the toll of long-term health issues and on family bonds. Recent projects have spotlighted the DeBarges' resilience amid adversity. In 2017, El DeBarge's stage collaborations with relatives evolved into a series of live appearances, fostering brief group-like moments without a full reformation. The 2025 documentary DeBarge, directed by Matthew Siretta and premiered at the , centers on brothers James and Randy DeBarge's ongoing battles with and , depicting their lives in RVs on streets while recounting the family's rise to fame and personal tragedies. The film has sparked family tensions but also renewed public empathy for their story. As of 2025, no formal DeBarge group activity persists, with members pursuing individual paths amid health and financial hurdles; however, has sparked renewed interest and discussions on platforms like . This digital revival highlights classics like "I Like It" gaining new audiences through shares and samples, sustaining the family's musical legacy without active performances.

Group Composition

Core and Rotating Members

DeBarge's core lineup during its primary Motown era from 1979 to 1989 consisted of siblings as founder, , and (1979–1989, with a return for the 1991 reunion), Mark DeBarge on drums, percussion, and vocals (full tenure 1979–1989), and on bass and vocals (full tenure 1979–1989). The initial lineup also featured (Etterlene) on vocals (1979–1986), with her brother joining on vocals (1982–1989), creating a five-member mixed-gender group until Bunny's departure in 1986 for a solo career, after which the configuration shifted to all-male. Older brother joined in 1987 (1987–1989) on vocals and as producer, forming a four-member lineup with Mark, Randy, and James for the final Motown album. No full permanent members rotated in beyond these family transitions, though the group occasionally incorporated session musicians for live tours and select recordings to support instrumentation. Siblings like Darryl and Carol DeBarge were not part of the official performing roster.

Contributions and Roles

emerged as the creative cornerstone of DeBarge, serving as the primary songwriter, lead vocalist, and who shaped the group's sound through his work on keyboards and . He penned and arranged the "All This Love" from the 1982 album of the same name, infusing it with lush harmonies that highlighted the siblings' vocal interplay, and similarly orchestrated the rhythm arrangements for tracks like "I Like It." His role extended to arranging most of the group's intricate sibling harmonies, which became a defining element of their smooth R&B style, often minimizing reliance on external producers by handling much of the musical assembly in-house. Bunny DeBarge brought a distinctive high-range vocal presence to the group's early recordings, contributing gospel-inflected tones that added emotional depth to songs like "I Like It," where she co-wrote lyrics alongside brothers El and . Her ballad co-writing credits, such as "Time Will Reveal" from the 1983 In a Special Way, further showcased her influence on the group's tender, heartfelt s, enhancing the familial vocal blend with her nuanced delivery. James DeBarge joined the lineup in 1982, providing tenor vocals that injected youthful energy into the group's mid-1980s output, including backing support on hits like "Who's Holding Donna Now," where he complemented El's lead with rhythmic vocal arrangements. His contributions focused primarily on vocal performance rather than extensive songwriting, helping sustain the sibling harmony dynamic during lineup transitions. Mark DeBarge anchored the group's instrumental foundation with baritone vocal support and his proficiency on wind instruments, including , , , and , which added textural layers to tracks like those on . As a percussionist and , he co-contributed to the rhythmic stability, occasionally influencing production elements through his multifaceted musicianship. Randy DeBarge provided essential stability in the rhythm section as the primary bassist, crafting memorable bass lines for uptempo tracks like "I Like It," while delivering backing vocals and occasional co-leads that underscored the group's cohesive sound. His bass work and vocal contributions helped drive the funky grooves, complementing the sibling harmonies without overshadowing the lead dynamics. The DeBarge siblings' synergy lay in their unparalleled family harmonies, a signature feature that El often arranged to create seamless, layered vocal textures blending highs with robust lows, setting them apart in the R&B landscape. This internal collaboration emphasized their organic chemistry, with members' individual talents converging to produce a unified, emotive sound.

Discography

Studio Albums

DeBarge released five studio albums between 1981 and 1987, initially through Motown's Records imprint, showcasing their evolution in R&B and with family harmonies and romantic themes. The first four albums were produced primarily by members like , with later input from external collaborators. The debut album, The DeBarges, was released on April 6, 1981, and peaked at No. 58 on the US R&B chart. Produced by and others, it featured eight tracks emphasizing lighthearted romance. Key songs include "" and "". The track listing is:
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."What's Your Name", , 4:35
2."Dance the Night Away", 4:50
3."You're So Gentle, So Kind", 4:40
4."Queen of My Heart"3:49
5."Hesitated", , , 3:42
6."Saving Up (All My Love)"Bill Gable, 4:16
7."Share My World", 5:39
8."Strange Romance"Joe Blocker, Reggie Andrews5:00
The second album, All This Love, was released on July 22, 1982, reaching No. 24 on the and No. 3 on the R&B chart. It featured greater production by , with lush ballads. Standout tracks include "All This Love" and "I Like It". The track listing is:
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."I'll Never Fall in Love Again", 4:37
2."Stop! Don't Tease Me"6:00
3."I Like It", , 4:40
4."Can't Stop"Crossley, Nolen4:05
5."All This Love"5:52
6."It's Getting Stronger"4:00
7."Life Begins with You"4:48
8."I'm in Love with You", 3:35
In a Special Way, released on September 24, 1983, peaked at No. 36 on the and No. 4 on R&B, incorporating orchestral elements. Produced mainly by , it balanced grooves and ballads. Key track: "Time Will Reveal". The track listing is:
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1.""4:14
2."Stay with Me", 3:45
3."Time Will Reveal", , 4:09
4."Need Somebody"4:45
5."Love Me in a Special Way"4:10
6.""3:35
7."Baby, Won't Cha Come Quick", Bruce Fisher4:32
8."I Give Up on You", 3:40
9."A Dream"4:15
The fourth album, , debuted on March 14, 1985, reaching No. 19 on the and No. 3 on R&B. It featured external producers like and Babyface, shifting to . Title track became a signature hit. The track listing is:
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1.""Clif Magness, , 4:27
2."The Heart Is Not So Smart"4:36
3."Who's Holding Donna Now", , 4:27
4."Give It Up", , Tom Canning4:19
5."Single Heart", Pete Bellotte3:33
6."You Wear It Well", 4:45
7."The Walls (Came Tumbling Down)", Tony Redic6:45
8."Share My World", , 5:36
9.""3:49
After Rhythm of the Night, DeBarge recorded material for a planned fifth Motown album in 1985–1986, but due to lineup changes and label issues, it was shelved, with tracks repurposed. The group then released Bad Boys on October 25, 1987, via independent Striped Horse Records, featuring brothers James, Mark, and Randy DeBarge (with El producing some tracks). It peaked at No. 44 on the R&B chart. Track listing:
No.TitleLength
1."Dance All Night"3:44
2."We're Having a Party"3:36
3."You're a Big Boy"4:34
4."You're Not the Only One"3:15
5."All Over"4:28
6."Heart Full of Love"4:22
7."Special Lady"4:24
8."Baby Don't Stop"4:15
9."You Are the One"4:30
In 2011, Hip-O Select released the 4-CD box set Time Will Reveal: The Complete Motown Albums, compiling the four Gordy albums with bonus tracks, alternate mixes, and unreleased outtakes, restoring original artwork and improving audio.

Singles and Chart Success

DeBarge's singles achieved success on Billboard charts in the 1980s, with crossovers from R&B to pop. Peaks based on sales, airplay, and other metrics of the era. The group had multiple Top 10 R&B hits. Breakthrough with "I Like It" (1982) at No. 31 Hot 100, No. 2 R&B. "All This Love" (1983) No. 17 Hot 100, No. 5 R&B, No. 1 Contemporary. From 1983: "Time Will Reveal" No. 18 Hot 100, No. 1 R&B; "Love Me in a Special Way" No. 45 Hot 100, No. 11 R&B. Earlier single "What's Your Name" (1981) did not chart prominently. "Stop! Don't Tease Me" (1982) No. 46 R&B. In 1985, "Rhythm of the Night" No. 3 Hot 100, No. 1 R&B/AC/Dance; "Who's Holding Donna Now" No. 6 Hot 100, No. 2 R&B, No. 1 AC; "You Wear It Well" No. 46 Hot 100, No. 7 R&B, No. 1 Dance; "The Heart Is Not So Smart" No. 75 Hot 100, No. 29 R&B. From Bad Boys: "Dance All Night" (1987) No. 33 R&B.
SingleYearAlbumHot 100 PeakR&B PeakOther Notable Peaks
"What's Your Name"1981The DeBarges———
"Stop! Don't Tease Me"1982All This Love—46—
"I Like It"1982All This Love312—
"All This Love"1983All This Love175AC: 1
"Time Will Reveal"1983181—
"Love Me in a Special Way"19844511—
""198531AC: 1, : 1
"Who's Holding Donna Now"198562AC: 1
""1985467: 1
"The Heart Is Not So Smart"19857529—
"Dance All Night"1987Bad Boys—33—
Albums All This Love, In a Special Way, and were certified gold by the RIAA in 1983, 1984, and 1985, respectively, for 500,000 units shipped.

Legacy

Musical Influence and Sampling

DeBarge's music blended the lush, multi-layered harmonies characteristic of 's family-oriented vocal groups with soaring leads, particularly from , creating a signature sound that emphasized emotional depth and romantic introspection in R&B and . This approach drew from the group's Motown roots while incorporating rhythms reminiscent of their familial ties to Switch and broader influences like Earth, Wind & Fire's horn-driven grooves, fostering a polished yet energetic style that bridged and 1980s pop-soul. Their harmonic complexity and falsetto-driven melodies helped shape the sound of subsequent R&B ensembles, such as and , contributing to the evolution of vocal group dynamics in the genre during the late . DeBarge's tracks have been extensively sampled in hip-hop and , underscoring their enduring rhythmic and melodic appeal, with over 100 documented instances across their catalog as of 2025. For example, "I Like It" from their 1982 album All This Love has been one of the most sampled tracks, appearing in Nelly's (2000), which used its groove for a party anthem, and Grand Puba's "I Like It (I Wanna Be Where You Are)" (1995). "Stay with Me" (1983) was sampled by in the remix of "One More Chance" (1995), adding emotional depth to the track. Similarly, other songs like "A Dream" (1983) influenced 2Pac's (1996). Beyond sampling, DeBarge's intimate ballads epitomized the quiet storm radio format, a smooth, jazz-inflected R&B style that dominated late-night airwaves and emphasized sensual, laid-back vibes. Tracks like "All This Love" became staples in playlists, influencing the genre's focus on vulnerability and close harmonies that defined radio. El DeBarge's production techniques, marked by meticulous layering and melodic sophistication, inspired contemporaries and successors; Babyface has cited El as a key musical inspiration, crediting their collaborations for shaping his approach to lush, heartfelt R&B arrangements. Similarly, producers like worked closely with El on later projects, adopting elements of his emotive sound design in their hit-making formula for artists like . In the 2020s, DeBarge experienced a resurgence through , with users recreating their harmonies and dance routines to tracks like "Rhythm of the Night," driving viral clips that highlighted the group's timeless appeal among younger audiences. This digital revival correlated with streaming growth, as DeBarge amassed over 454 million total plays on by late 2025, reflecting renewed interest in their catalog amid nostalgia-driven trends. Modern covers, such as Lewis Sky's soulful rendition of "All This Love" (), further attest to their lasting melodic influence on emerging R&B interpreters.

Awards, Recognition, and Cultural Impact

DeBarge earned a single Grammy nomination as a group for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for their 1983 album In a Special Way at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards, though they did not secure a win. The group's enduring cultural footprint is evident in the widespread use of their music in film and television, particularly the hit "Rhythm of the Night," which appeared on the soundtrack of the 1985 martial arts film The Last Dragon and later in movies such as You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008), Horrible Bosses (2011), and Ghostbusters (2016). These placements have helped sustain the song's popularity across generations, often evoking 1980s nostalgia in pop culture. The DeBarge family's personal narrative of triumph amid adversity was prominently featured in a 2007 VIBE magazine four-part exposé titled "The Rise and Fall of the DeBarge Family," which detailed the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse inflicted by their father, Robert DeBarge Sr., shaping public understanding of the challenges faced by Black musical families in the industry. In recent years, DeBarge's legacy has gained renewed recognition through honors and media projects. Fan-driven petitions have advocated for the group to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, highlighting their contributions to R&B, though no induction has occurred as of 2025. The 2025 documentary DeBarge, directed by Matthew Siretta and premiering at the Slamdance Film Festival, has received acclaim for its unflinching exploration of the siblings' post-fame struggles with addiction, homelessness, and familial trauma, including living in RVs on Los Angeles streets; critics praised it as a "solemn portrait of the lowest low from the highest high" that refuses to let their story fade. This film has amplified discussions of the family's abuse history within the framework of the #MeToo movement, fostering greater empathy for survivors in entertainment and contributing to ongoing conversations about generational trauma in Black American music dynasties. DeBarge's influence continues to resonate, underscoring their role as Motown-era pioneers whose harmonious sound and heartfelt lyrics bridged R&B and pop.

References

  1. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/debarge-mn0000816517
  2. https://app.soulyears.com/artist-DeBarge%2B%2B.htm
  3. https://www.jango.com/music/DeBarge/_full_bio
  4. https://blackpast.org/african-american-history/debarge-1979-1989/
  5. https://soultracks.com/artist/debarge/
  6. https://www.theroot.com/heard-of-the-debarges-this-talented-musical-family-suf-1851728807
  7. https://elpee.jp/artist/Debarge/
  8. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?id=11168
  9. https://www.musicvf.com/DeBarge.songs
  10. https://www.billboard.com/artist/el-debarge/
  11. https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2009/07/mama_d_the_debarge_music_famil.html
  12. https://ethnicelebs.com/el-debarge
  13. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0o1fXxO_yR/?hl=en
  14. https://www.grmag.com/entertainment/all-this-love/
  15. https://blackamericaweb.com/2015/07/17/bunny-debarge-talks-about-her-famous-family-new-book-and-music-and-finally-being-free-from-drugs/
  16. https://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/2011/06/profile_musical_family_matriar.html
  17. https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/1158
  18. https://www.facebook.com/groups/soultraingroup/posts/24156142207409181/
  19. https://djrobblog.com/archives/8571
  20. https://switchentertainmentworld.com/the-fellas
  21. https://www.discogs.com/artist/253606-Switch-6
  22. https://classic.motown.com/story/debarge-in-a-special-way/
  23. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1978-11-11/
  24. https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/3901
  25. https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-40-years-of-debarge-all-this-love
  26. https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/244
  27. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/artist/debarge/
  28. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-debarges-mw0000319903
  29. https://www.adampwhite.com/westgrandblog/album-certs
  30. https://musicchartsarchive.com/artists/debarge
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNrJ4Zt4rvw
  32. https://www.grammy.com/artists/DeBarge/8482
  33. https://www.discogs.com/master/98188-DeBarge-Rhythm-Of-The-Night
  34. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/debarge/rhythm-of-the-night
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crlFbErvHhQ
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSVyFzFjzTY
  37. https://prince.org/msg/8/244389
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/5868449-DeBarge-All-This-Love
  39. https://nypost.com/2022/01/26/inside-janet-jacksons-scandalous-marriage-to-james-debarge/
  40. https://www.npr.org/2010/12/16/132108626/crooner-el-debarge-returns-after-rock-bottom-hiatus
  41. https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-03-20/motowns-abuse-of-its-artists.html
  42. https://www.billboard.com/pro/publishing-briefs-el-debarge-reservoir-artist-house-sony/
  43. https://www.allmusic.com/album/el-debarge-mw0000193495
  44. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/el-debarge-gets-ready-to-take-his-second-chance-956619/
  45. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/el-debarge-plots-headlining-tour-records-with-babyface-956035/
  46. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/el-debarge-signs-with-geffen-for-first-album-in-16-years-957455/
  47. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/james-debarge/394507
  48. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bunny-debarge-mn0000941629
  49. https://www.discogs.com/artist/300463-Bunny-DeBarge
  50. https://www.musicvf.com/songs.php?page=artist&artist=Mark%2BDeBarge&tab=songaswriterchartstab
  51. https://www.grammy.com/artists/randy-debarge/1840
  52. https://www.ebony.com/tommy-debarge-co-founder-of-rb-funk-band-switch-passes-away-at-64/
  53. https://www.discogs.com/release/1513494-The-DeBarge-Family-Back-On-Track
  54. https://news.pollstar.com/2010/06/28/comeback-night-at-bet-awards-chris-brown-debarge/
  55. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/debarge?year=2017
  56. https://www.grunge.com/256403/the-tragic-death-of-bobby-debarge/
  57. https://www.bet.com/article/9dfmjj/el-debarge-releases-statement-tommy-debarge-dead
  58. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tommy-debarge-dead-switch-9649831/
  59. https://slamdance2025.eventive.org/films/6761ae61df3a3b5ff5484629
  60. https://urbanbridgez.com/2025/02/26/new-debarge-documentary-causes-family-riff/
  61. https://www.spokesman-recorder.com/2025/03/04/debarge-documentary-latest-news/
  62. https://www.tiktok.com/discover/debarge-documentary
  63. https://www.sessiondays.com/2021/09/1987-debarge-bad-boys/
  64. https://www.allmusic.com/album/all-this-love-mw0000203347
  65. https://www.discogs.com/release/8026028-DeBarge-I-Like-It
  66. https://www.whosampled.com/DeBarge/I-Like-It/
  67. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/james-debarge-mn0000139394
  68. https://genius.com/Debarge-whos-holding-donna-now-lyrics
  69. https://www.sessiondays.com/2016/05/1985-debarge-whos-holding-donna-now/
  70. https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/1345
  71. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mark-debarge-mn0000830292
  72. https://www.talkbass.com/threads/who-do-you-think-played-bass-on-debarges-i-like-it.1658615/
  73. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/randy-debarge-mn0001457810
  74. https://www.discogs.com/release/4405077-DeBarge-Time-Will-Reveal-The-Complete-Motown-Albums
  75. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=DeBarge
  76. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-motown-songs-1139063/
  77. https://soulfinger.substack.com/p/debarge-and-switch
  78. https://www.quora.com/Im-a-fan-of-older-American-R-B-Temptations-Fourtops-Boyz-II-Men-what-else-do-you-think-Ill-like
  79. https://www.whosampled.com/DeBarge/
  80. https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/music-sermon-the-quiet-storm-646924/
  81. https://pitchfork.com/features/5-10-15-20/babyface-on-the-music-that-made-him/
  82. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/6is2U7I1jlI8PjxNZOHIMV_songs.html
  83. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8900157/
  84. https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/for-debarge-family-get-hollywood-walk-of-fame
  85. https://filmthreat.com/reviews/debarge/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.