DeBarge family facts for kids

The DeBarge family is a famous group of rhythm and blues artists. They are originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the U.S. Many family members have become well-known musicians. Their journey in music began in the 1970s and continues today. They are especially famous for their soulful voices and catchy songs.

The DeBarge Family: Music Stars

The DeBarge family started their musical journey in the 1970s. Bobby DeBarge left Grand Rapids in 1975. He wanted to start a funk-soul band called Switch. His brother Tommy later joined the group.

Switch signed with Motown Records in 1978. Their first album was a huge success. It sold over one million copies. This album included the hit song "There'll Never Be." This success marked the beginning of the DeBarge family's musical fame.

In 1979, other DeBarge siblings joined Motown. Bunny, Marty, Randy, El, and James formed a group. They were first known as The DeBarges. Bobby and Tommy guided them.

In 1982, the group changed its name to DeBarge. They became very famous. Their hit singles included "I Like It" and "All This Love." They continued to release many more popular songs. These included "Time Will Reveal" and "Rhythm of the Night." By the mid-1980s, they were R&B superstars.

Younger brother Chico DeBarge also found solo success. His 1986 dance-pop song "Talk to Me" was a hit. Later, he released more soulful songs like "Iggin' Me." El DeBarge also had a successful solo career. He released hits like "Who's Johnny." He also worked with famous artists like Quincy Jones. Darrell DeBarge released his first solo album in 2005. Many DeBarge family members continue their music careers today.

Meet the DeBarge Family Members

The DeBarge family has a rich history. Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr. was born in 1932. He was from Cicero, Illinois. Robert served in the United States Armed Forces. His family had roots in France and England. Robert's grandfather, Arthur DeBarge, came from France.

Robert met Etterlene Abney in Detroit, Michigan. Etterlene was born in 1935 and is African American. They married in 1953. Robert was 21 and Etterlene was 17. They settled in Detroit and had ten children. In 1972, the family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Etterlene's brother, Bishop William Charles Abney, Jr., was a pastor there. Etterlene and Robert divorced in 1974. Etterlene later married George Rodriguez. This led to a false rumor that the family was part Puerto Rican. However, the DeBarge family is not of Latino descent.

Here are Robert and Etterlene's ten children:

• Etterlene "Bunny" DeBarge (born March 15, 1955)
• Robert Louis "Bobby" DeBarge, Jr. (March 5, 1956 – August 16, 1995)
• Thomas Keith "Tommy" DeBarge (September 6, 1957 – October 21, 2021); he was a bass guitar player for Switch.
• William Randall "Randy" DeBarge (born August 6, 1958)
• Mark "Marty" DeBarge (born June 19, 1959)
• Eldra Patrick "El" DeBarge (born June 4, 1961)
• James DeBarge (born August 22, 1963)
• Jonathan Arthur "Chico" DeBarge (born June 23, 1966)
• Carol "Peaches" DeBarge (born June 5, 1969); she is Darrell's twin.
• Darrell "Young" DeBarge (born June 5, 1969); he is Carol's twin.

Robert and Etterlene have many grandchildren. Several of them are also involved in entertainment.

• Bobby DeBarge III, son of the late Bobby DeBarge, is a singer.
• Andrew DeBarge, son of Tommy DeBarge, released his album Your Place in 2008.
• Adris DeBarge, daughter of El DeBarge, works as an executive assistant.
• Eldra Patrick DeBarge Jr., son of El DeBarge, released Welcome to the Lion's Den in 2012.
• Kyndall DeBarge Sands, daughter of El DeBarge, is an actress and singer.
• Kristinia DeBarge, daughter of James DeBarge, is a singer. She appeared on American Juniors and had a hit song "Goodbye".
• Cheyanne DeBarge, daughter of Chico DeBarge, is an aspiring actress.

Recording Artists and Groups

Many DeBarge family members have made their mark in music.

Etterlene DeBarge (Mama D)

Etterlene DeBarge, also known as "Mama DeBarge" or "Mama D," has recorded gospel music. She often works with her family members on her independent gospel releases.

Switch: Bobby and Tommy's Band

Brothers Bobby and Tommy became famous in the late 1970s. They were members of the R&B group Switch. The band recorded for the Motown label. Switch had great success in 1978 with their top ten R&B single, "There'll Never Be." Their first two albums sold over a million copies each. Switch's success inspired many other R&B bands.

Bobby DeBarge's Journey

In 1981, Bobby and Tommy left Switch. They began to guide their younger siblings in the group DeBarge. Bobby continued to work with his brothers and sister. Bobby faced health challenges and passed away in 1995 at the age of 39. His only solo album, It's Not Over, was released in 1996 after his death.

DeBarge: The Family Group

The group formed in 1979 as The DeBarges. It first included Bunny, Randy, Mark, and El. They moved to Los Angeles and signed with Motown. They trained for two years before releasing their first album in 1981. In early 1982, James joined the group. They then changed their name to DeBarge. That year, they released their first million-selling album, All This Love. From 1982 to 1985, DeBarge released three gold-certified albums. They also had more than ten hit singles.

El DeBarge's Solo Career

El DeBarge left DeBarge for a solo career in 1986. He had success with his hit "Who's Johnny." He also became known for his vocals on hip-hop and R&B songs. These included "Secret Garden" with Quincy Jones. His career faced pauses due to personal challenges. El DeBarge returned to music in October 2009. He released his album Second Chance in November 2010.

Bunny DeBarge's Music

In 1986, Motown released Bunny's only solo album, In Love. She is well-known for writing the hit songs "I Like It" and "A Dream." Bunny now records independently as a gospel artist.

James DeBarge's Path

James has not had solo success since DeBarge broke up. He is known for his marriage to R&B and pop singer Janet Jackson in the early 1980s. In 2001, he released a song called Nothing's Wrong with Won-G Bruny and Traci Bingham.

Chico DeBarge's Comeback

Chico was 18 when he released his first album in 1985. His first single, "Talk to Me," became a top 40 hit. After a period away, Chico DeBarge returned to music. He pioneered a new R&B sound called neo soul. In 1997, he recorded the hit album, Long Time No See. Chico is the only DeBarge to have a certified Gold album as a solo artist. He has been touring and recording new music.

Kristinia DeBarge's Debut

James' daughter Kristinia DeBarge was 19 when she released her first album. Her debut album, Exposed, came out in July 2009.

Images for kids

• Switch (band).jpg

  Switch, a band that included Bobby and Tommy DeBarge.