DeBarge: Legendary R&B Family Band of the 80s

The DeBarge family had an amazing ten siblings, including Etterlene “Bunny” DeBarge, Bobby, Tommy, Randy, Marty, El, James, Jonathan “Chico”, Darrell, and Carol¹. They moved from Detroit to Grand Rapids, Michigan in the mid-1970s¹. This move led to the rise of the group DeBarge, becoming a top Motown act of the 1980s¹.

El, Marty, Randy, and Bunny DeBarge made up the core of the group¹. In 1981, they released their first album, The DeBarges². The next year, James, their younger brother, joined, adding three key tracks to their 1983 album In a Special Way². During their career, DeBarge achieved a lot, with five Top 40 pop singles and more¹.

Key Takeaways

The DeBarge family, hailing from Detroit, consisted of ten siblings who formed the successful R&B group DeBarge.
DeBarge released six studio albums, four of them with Motown’s Gordy Records, and had numerous chart-topping hits in the 1980s.
The group was known for their smooth vocal harmonies and groove-driven sound, with popular songs like “Rhythm of the Night” and “All This Love.”
DeBarge was a pioneering Motown act that paved the way for other family-based R&B groups in the decade.
Despite their success, the group faced personal and legal challenges that ultimately led to their disbandment in 1989.

The Rise of DeBarge

Origins and Early Days

The DeBarge family came from the East Side of Detroit and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan³. They were surrounded by gospel music at Bethel Church, where their uncle Bishop William C. Abney led the choir. The siblings started performing together in the mid-1970s.

Older brothers Tommy and Bobby DeBarge formed Switch with Jermaine Jackson’s help. This group led to the younger DeBarges signing with Motown Records in 1980⁴.

Switch’s first album in 1978 had a hit single “There’ll Never Be” that reached No. 6 on the Billboard R&B charts and sold over a million copies³. Their 1982 album “All This Love” was a hit and inspired other groups like Five Starr and The Jets³. Hits like “All This Love,” “I Like It,” and “Rhythm of the Night” made them crossover stars³.

The DeBarge family shined on the Luther Vandross “Busy Body” tour in 1984, showing their growing fame³. But Motown’s tactics caused tension, making El feel above his siblings. This led to family problems³. Issues like interracial marriage and a troubled father added to their challenges in the music world³.

Motown Success and Major Hits

DeBarge’s time with Motown Records was a game-changer for their career. They released hits like “I Like It,” “All This Love,”⁵ and “Time Will Reveal” and “Love Me in a Special Way.”⁵ Their hit “Rhythm of the Night” was a big success, featured in “The Last Dragon” movie in 1985. It became their top hit, loved worldwide⁵.

From 1960 to 1971, Motown had over 100 Top 10 hits, showing their huge success⁵. The Funk Brothers, Motown’s band, played on more No. 1 hits than many famous bands, adding to Motown’s fame⁵. By 1966, Motown had over 450 employees, showing how big the label had grown⁵.

“Rhythm of the Night” became the group’s best-selling and most well-known song, reaching the top 5 in several countries.

The Supremes, a big name at Motown, had 12 No. 1 hits, showing their huge success⁵. Berry Gordy, Motown’s founder, was very strict, making sure songs were perfect⁵. But, some artists felt they didn’t get paid enough, showing there might have been unfairness⁵.

When Gordy moved Motown to Los Angeles, it changed the label’s sound and success⁵. Motown was careful not to show artists’ faces on records to avoid racial issues in Southern markets⁵.

Motown was a black-owned label with many parts controlled by itself, which was new in the music world⁵. This new way of working, along with a focus on quality and success, helped DeBarge and others shine in the 1980s R&B scene⁵.

Debarge’s Legacy and Influence

Despite facing personal and legal challenges, DeBarge made a big mark on R&B and pop music⁶. Their music has been used in over 200 songs, shaping R&B and hip-hop⁶. Hits like “Time Will Reveal” and “Love Me in A Special Way” topped the R&B charts⁶.

Impact and Solo Careers

Members like El DeBarge and Bunny DeBarge went on to successful solo careers⁶. Bunny even wrote a book about their journey⁶. Chico DeBarge and Kristinia DeBarge have also kept the family’s music alive⁶. Their song “Stay with Me” has been used in many famous songs⁶.

DeBarge’s music still influences R&B and hip-hop today⁶. DeBarge was Motown’s top act in the 1980s⁶. Their song “I Like It” was used in many tracks, including ones by Guy and Warren G⁶. “A Dream” by Bunny DeBarge was also sampled in songs by Tupac and Blackstreet⁶.

“DeBarge’s music continues to have a lasting impact in the R&B and hip-hop genres.”

⁷ Their second album, “All This Love,” came out on July 22, 1982⁷. It was a hit, reaching number 24 on the US Billboard album chart⁷. “I Like It” was a big hit, reaching number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100⁷.

⁷ “All This Love” also hit number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Adult Contemporary chart⁷. Marvin Gaye’s influence was clear in “All This Love,” which reached various chart peaks⁷.

The Turbulent Path of DeBarge

The DeBarge family became a legendary R&B group in the 1980s. But, their fame was shadowed by personal struggles and challenges.3 këë> They had a hard journey, facing drug addiction, legal issues, and health problems⁸⁹.

James DeBarge’s brief marriage to Janet Jackson ended because of his drug use¹⁰. Bobby and Chico DeBarge faced drug charges¹⁰. Sadly, Bobby DeBarge died in 1995 from HIV and AIDS⁸. Tommy DeBarge also struggled with health issues from drugs and passed away in 2021¹⁰.

Despite their struggles, the DeBarge family’s music still touches fans around the world⁸⁹. Their story shows the tough road to success in the arts.

“The DeBarge family’s rise to fame was marred by personal setbacks, including drug addiction and legal troubles.”

Conclusion

The DeBarge family’s legacy as a legendary Motown R&B group of the 1980s is clear¹¹. Despite personal struggles and commercial ups and downs, their music still touches hearts¹². The group broke up in 1989, but solo careers kept the DeBarge name alive¹¹¹³.

El DeBarge has made a big comeback, touring with Mary J. Blige and performing at famous spots¹³. His album ‘Second Chance’ shows off his talent with new collaborations¹³. Chico DeBarge also keeps making music, like the hit “Make You Feel Good” with Jim Jones and Young Nic¹¹.

Many artists today have used the DeBarge family’s music, proving their lasting impact¹¹. Despite the tough times, the DeBarge family’s legacy in 80s R&B is strong¹². They inspire new musicians and show how family and hard work can make a difference¹².