Etterlene DeBarge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Etterlene DeBarge
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|---|---|
| Born |
Etterlene Louise Abney
October 13, 1935 Royal Oak, Michigan, U.S.
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| Died | February 16, 2024 (aged 88) |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter |
| Years active | 1950–2024 |
| Spouse(s) |
Robert DeBarge
(m. 1953; div. 1974)George Rodriguez
(m. 1980) |
| Children | 10; including Bunny, Bobby, Randy, Mark, El, James and Chico |
| Family | DeBarge |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Gospel |
| Instruments |
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Etterlene Louise Rodriguez (born Abney, previously DeBarge; October 13, 1935 – February 16, 2024) was an American gospel singer and songwriter. She was also the mother of the famous R&B/soul group DeBarge. Etterlene wrote a book called Other Side of the Pain. This book shared the story of her family and her children's journey to fame.
About Etterlene DeBarge
Her Early Life
Etterlene Abney was born on October 13, 1935, in Royal Oak, Michigan. She was one of twelve children and had a twin sister. When she was young, her family moved to Detroit, Michigan.
In 1952, she met Robert DeBarge, who had served in the Army. They got married in 1953 and lived in Detroit. They had ten children together. In 1972, the DeBarge family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Etterlene's brother, Bishop William Charles Abney, Jr., was a pastor there. Etterlene and Robert DeBarge divorced in 1974. Later, she married George Rodriguez.
Her Family
Etterlene and Robert DeBarge had ten children. Many of them became famous musicians.
Here are their children:
- Etterlene "Bunny" DeBarge (born March 10, 1955)
- Robert "Bobby" DeBarge, Jr. (March 5, 1956 – August 16, 1995)
- Thomas "Tommy" DeBarge (September 6, 1957 – October 21, 2021)
- William "Randy" DeBarge (born August 6, 1958)
- Mark "Marty" DeBarge (born June 19, 1959)
- Eldra "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, 1970)
- Darrell "Young" DeBarge (born June 5, 1970)
Etterlene also had many grandchildren. Some of them are also in the entertainment world. For example, Kristinia DeBarge, James's daughter, is a singer. She was on American Juniors in 2003. Kristinia later released a successful album called Exposed and a popular song, "Goodbye".
Etterlene lived in California for many years. She passed away on February 16, 2024, at the age of 88.
Her Music Career
Etterlene DeBarge also had her own music career. In 1991, with help from her children, she released a gospel album. It was called Back on Track and was released under the name DeBarge Family.
Later, in 2005, she released another gospel album. This album was titled A City Called Heaven.
