Bobby DeBarge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bobby DeBarge
DeBarge circa 1979.
Background information
Birth name	Robert Louis DeBarge Jr.
Born	March 5, 1956 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Died	August 16, 1995(1995-08-16) (aged 39) Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
Genres	R&B soul
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter composer musician
Instruments	Vocals piano keyboards
Years active	1975–1995
Labels	RCA Victor MCA Records Motown Records Polydor Polygram Striped Horse Records
Associated acts	Barry White Switch DeBarge Phillip Ingram Chico DeBarge LL Cool J

Robert Louis "Bobby" DeBarge, Jr. (March 5, 1956 – August 16, 1995) was a talented American singer and musician. He was best known as the lead singer of the popular Motown R&B/soul group Switch. Bobby was famous for his amazing falsetto singing voice. Later, he helped guide and produce music for his younger siblings' band, DeBarge. He even joined their group for a while. Bobby DeBarge passed away in 1995 at the age of 39 due to health complications.

About Bobby DeBarge

Early Life and Musical Start

Bobby DeBarge was born in Detroit, Michigan. His parents were Etterlene and Robert DeBarge, Sr. After his parents separated in the early 1970s, Bobby and his family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Bobby was very gifted with music from a young age. He could play many instruments and sing well. He started performing in local bands with his younger brother, Tommy.

Joining Switch

In 1975, Bobby teamed up with another musician from Grand Rapids, Gregory Williams. They formed a group with other musicians from the Midwest. They successfully auditioned to be a background group for Barry White, called White Heat. They even helped create their first album that year.

The group later changed its name to Hot Ice and recorded an album called Pall Mall Groove. This album featured Bobby's incredible singing and piano skills on his song, "Please Don't Let Me Go."

After some changes, Gregory Williams formed a new band. They called themselves Switch because they could "switch" between different instruments. Motown Records soon signed the group, which now included Bobby's brother, Tommy.

Switch's Success

Switch released their first album in 1978. It became a gold record! This was thanks to the song "There'll Never Be," which Bobby wrote all by himself. Bobby and Phillip Ingram also shared lead vocals on "I Want to Be Closer."

The next year, Switch had another gold album with Switch II. This album included another hit song written by Bobby, "I Call Your Name." Switch became very popular because of their musical talent and Bobby's wide vocal range. In 1980, their album This Is My Dream also went gold. It featured the hit song "Love Over and Over Again."

Working with DeBarge

In 1981, Bobby left Switch after Motown offered him a solo recording deal. At this time, Bobby also started helping to produce albums for his younger siblings' band, DeBarge. He co-produced their first album, The DeBarges. He also co-wrote the song "Queen of My Heart" with his younger brother, El. Bobby added his famous falsetto singing to the end of this song.

Later, in 1987, Bobby joined his siblings' group, DeBarge, forming a new four-person band. They recorded the album Bad Boys. Bobby and his younger brother James shared the lead singing on this project.

Bobby also worked on his own music. He finished his last album, It's Not Over, shortly before he passed away.

Personal Life

Bobby DeBarge was married to Teri, and they had two children, Christian and Bobby III. For some years, he was also interested in La Toya Jackson from the famous Jackson family. He even mentioned her song "Night Time Lover" in the Switch song "You & I," which he wrote as a response.

Later Years and Passing

In 1993, after facing some legal challenges, Bobby promised to live a healthier life. He worked with Bernd Lichters, who had helped him years earlier. Bobby recorded new songs he had written, which were released in August 1995 on the album It's Not Over.

Bobby DeBarge became very ill and was cared for in a hospice in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He passed away on August 16, 1995, at the age of 39, due to health complications. He is buried in Garfield Park Cemetery in Grand Rapids.

In Popular Culture

In June 2019, a movie about Bobby DeBarge's life was released. It was part of the Unsung series on TV One. Actor Roshon Fegan played Bobby DeBarge in the film.

Discography

with Switch

• White Heat (1975)
• Pall Mall Groove (1977)
• Switch (1978)
• Switch II (1979)
• Reaching for Tomorrow (1980)
• This Is My Dream (1980)

with DeBarge

• Bad Boys (1987)

Solo

• It's Not Over (1995)