Randy DeBarge facts for kids

William Randall DeBarge (born August 6, 1958) is an American R&B and soul singer. He is also a talented bass guitarist. Randy is famous for being one of the first members of the popular family music group, DeBarge. This group was signed to the famous Motown label.

Randy is also known for singing a main part and writing lyrics for the group's first big song, "I Like It". He sang this song with his brother El in 1982.

Randy DeBarge's Early Life and Music Journey

Growing Up in a Musical Family

Randy DeBarge was born in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was the fourth oldest of ten children. His parents were Robert DeBarge, Sr. and Etterlene DeBarge.

All the DeBarge children loved to sing. They sang together in church. Randy also sang in high school.

Learning to Play Bass Guitar

Randy joined a local band when he was young. His older brother, Tommy, taught him how to play the bass guitar. This instrument became a big part of his music career.

Joining the Motown Family

When Randy was seventeen, his older brothers Bobby and Tommy started a funk and soul group called Switch. This group was based in Ohio. Switch later signed with Motown in 1977.

Three years later, Motown also signed Randy and his siblings El, Bunny, and Mark. They formed a group called The DeBarges. After their first album in 1981, they shortened their name to just DeBarge.

The DeBarge Group's Success

First Albums and Big Hits

The group's first album, The DeBarges (1981), did not become very popular. So, the group decided to write and produce their own music. They got some help from Iris, who was the niece of Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown.

Their second album, All This Love, came out in 1982. The song "Stop! Don't Tease Me" had some success. Then, their second song from the album, "I Like It", became a huge hit! It reached number two on the R&B music charts. It also became popular on other charts, reaching number 31.

Randy and El sang the main parts on "I Like It". After this, El's higher voice often led the group's other songs.

Becoming a Popular R&B Group

Within a year, DeBarge became one of the most popular R&B groups in the world. They had many hit songs, including:

• "All This Love"
• "Love Me in a Special Way"
• "Rhythm of the Night"

Changes in the Group

In 1986, El and his sister Bunny left the group to start their own solo music careers. Randy and his brothers then asked their oldest brother, Bobby, to join them. They recorded the group's fifth album, Bad Boys.

However, this album did not sell well. It was released by a smaller record label. The DeBarge group eventually stopped making music together at the end of the 1980s.

Randy DeBarge's Later Years

Randy DeBarge continues to live in California. In 2011, he appeared on a TV show called Lifechangers. This show was hosted by Drew Pinsky on The CW Television Network.

Randy DeBarge's Music Albums

Here are the albums Randy DeBarge recorded with the group DeBarge:

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