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.
Source Links
- Grand Rapids’ Legendary R&B Groups: Switch and Debarge
- Review: DeBarge – The DeBarges
- VIBE Article-The Rise and Fall of The Debarge Family
- RE: The Rise and Fall of the DeBarge Family
- The Magic of Motown
- The Underrated Influence of the DeBarge Family
- Rediscover DeBarge’s ‘All This Love’ (1982) | Tribute
- Tuned In to El DeBarge | ABC7 Chicago | abc7chicago.com
- Second Chance: The Experience with El DeBarge | ABC7 New York | abc7ny.com
- EL DEBARGE ARRESTED
- Rise & Fall of DeBarge Family: Part 4
- Loneliness, Love, Hope and the DeBargesÂ
- El DeBarge talks love, life and redemption