Mark DeBarge facts for kids

Mark "Marty" DeBarge was born on June 19, 1959. He is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Mark is known for playing drums and percussion. He also plays many wind instruments. These include the saxophone, trumpet, flugelhorn, and flute.

He is most famous for being a founding member of the 1980s family music group DeBarge. This group was signed to Motown. Mark also wrote the popular song "Stay With Me." Many famous artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Ashanti, and Mariah Carey later covered this song.

Mark DeBarge: A Musical Journey

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Mark DeBarge was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was the fifth of ten children. His parents were Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr. and Etterlene DeBarge. His father had French roots. His mother had African American and American Indian heritage.

As a child, Mark sang in his local church choir. Later, his family moved to Grand Rapids. There, he and his family performed at Bethel Pentecostal church. His uncle, William Charles Abney, Jr., was the pastor there.

Mark and his siblings loved soul singers. They were also inspired by his older brother, Bobby DeBarge. Bobby was a writer, lead singer, and pianist for the group Switch.

Joining the Group DeBarge

In 1980, Motown Records signed Mark and his siblings. These included his brothers El and Randy. His sister Bunny also joined. Their group became known as DeBarge. They released their first album, The DeBarges, on April 6, 1981.

By 1982, their second album, All This Love, came out. Their brother James had also joined the group. This album brought them their first hit songs. These included "I Like It" and "All This Love." Mark sang backing vocals on these songs. He also played the flugelhorn.

Throughout the 1980s, DeBarge had many other hit songs. Some of these were "Love Me in a Special Way" and "Time Will Reveal." They also had "Rhythm of the Night" and "Who's Holding Donna Now."

Later Music and Family Life

Mark stayed with the group when El and Bunny left in 1986. They wanted to start their own solo careers. After this, their brother Bobby joined the group. DeBarge then left Motown Records. They signed with a new record label called Striped Horse Records. The new DeBarge group released an album called Bad Boys. However, it did not have any hit songs.

In 1991, Mark, El, James, Randy, and Bunny reunited. Their twins Darryl and Carol, and their mother Etterlene, also joined. They formed "The DeBarge Family." They released a gospel music album called Back on Track.

Mark DeBarge is a father of six children. Their names are Lakeysha, Mark Jr., Devyn, Piper, Michael, and Giovanni. According to his mother Etterlene, Mark DeBarge lives in California.

Discography

with DeBarges

• The DeBarges (1981)
• All This Love (1982)
• In a Special Way (1983)
• Rhythm of the Night (1985)
• Bad Boys (1987)
• Back on Track (1991)