Bobby DeBarge was an American singer and musician with a voice destined to make waves in the R&B/soul genre.
As was the case for many talented singers in the funk, soul, and R&B sphere of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, there was no better place to showcase talent than under the Motown banner, learning and growing with the influence of other legendary ensembles like the Jackson 5 and The Temptations.
Bobby and several of his brothers and sisters joined an exclusive fraternity as a sibling-led group known as DeBarge, who spearheaded and helped define the height of the soul/funk/R&B era.
So join us as we learn more about this musically gifted family while we rank the DeBarge siblings from oldest to youngest!
10. Bunny DeBarge (March 15, 1955 – Present)
Age (as of June 29, 2022): 67
Born: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter
Known For: DeBarge
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Bunny DeBarge is the eldest and only female of the acclaimed DeBarge group at 67-years-old! She is the daughter of Etterlene and Robert DeBarge. As a female vocalist amongst a sea of testosterone in her brotherly contemporaries, Bunny needed a competitive edge and hardened spirit to hold her own.
Bunny was the lead vocalist for DeBarge’s R&B ballad “A Dream.” She co-wrote “I Like It” and their #1 hit, “Time Will Reveal.” Her success as a writer wasn’t by accident. Behind the scenes, Bunny would observe her brother Bobby and his band – Switch.
Witnessing their rise to superstardom was the spark she needed to ignite the fire to launch her career. She sharpened her songwriting skills by writing material for her brother’s group while making occasional appearances on vocals.
Did You Know?
Bunny authored an autobiography called The Kept Ones. It details her struggles with substance issues and her father’s abuse.
9. Bobby DeBarge (March 5, 1956 – August 16, 1995)
Age: 39
Born: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation: Singer, Producer
Known For: DeBarge, Switch
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Bobby DeBarge was the lead singer of the Motown group Switch, best recognized for his unmistakable falsettos and instrumental talent. Switch is known for hit songs like “There’ll Never Be, “I Call Your Name,” and “Love Over & Over Again.”
Bobby didn’t have to look further than his siblings to see how his influence shaped the lives of those around him. He is credited as the main inspiration for the group DeBarge, which featured El, Bunny, Mark, and Randy.
His involvement was as a mentor and co-producer but joined with his brother Chico to replace El and Bunny when they moved on.
His son, also named Bobby DeBarge, is carrying on the OG Bobby DeBarge’s legacy.
Did You Know?
Bobby’s later years were ridden with substance abuse issues and drug trafficking charges, putting a halt on his music and DeBarge. At 39, he passed away after contracting HIV/AIDS.
8. Tommy DeBarge (September 6, 1957 – October 21, 2021)
Age: 64
Born: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation: Singer
Known For: Switch
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Tommy DeBarge was part of the R&B group, Switch. As a bass guitarist, he and his bandmates were responsible for the three Billboard Hot 100 hits during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. He and Bobby were also responsible for mentoring their younger up-and-coming siblings who dreamed of reaching the same heights as he had.
Tommy passed after health complications brought by liver and kidney failure.
Did You Know?
Bunny went to Facebook to pay homage to her brother, writing, “Tommy has gained his wings.”
7. Randy DeBarge (August 6, 1958 – Present)
Age (as of June 29, 2022): 63
Born: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation: Singer, Bass Guitarist
Known For: DeBarge
Randy DeBarge was 17 when he and his brothers Bobby and Tommy created their funk/soul group Switch. Their first hit, titled “I Like It,” came in 1982, earning Randy notoriety as a co-writer and vocalist on the track.
Unfortunately, Randy also suffered from his struggles with substance abuse. We know he was sober for a time during the 1990s, but it’s unclear if he maintains his sobriety today.
Did You Know?
Randy joined the family group DeBarge, which became one of the best-selling R&B acts in the world thanks to world-renowned and instantly recognizable hits like “All This Love” and “Rhythm of the Night.”
To see pictures of Randy DeBarge click here.
6. Mark DeBarge (June 19, 1959 – Present)
Age (as of June 29, 2022): 63
Born: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter
Known For: DeBarge
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Mark DeBarge is a multi-talented musician. He’s known for playing several instruments, ranging from drums, saxophone, trumpet, flute, and a flugelhorn. Yes, a flugelhorn. In case you were curious, it looks like a close relative of the trumpet!
He wrote the track “Stay With Me,” which was covered by music greats like Notorious B.I.G. and Mariah Carey.
Did You Know?
DeBarge officially split after Bobby and Chico were pinned on drug trafficking charges.
5. El DeBarge (June 4, 1961 – Present)
Age (as of June 29, 2022): 61
Born: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter
Known For: DeBarge
photo source: depositphotos.com
El DeBarge was the main attraction in the family troupe, catapulting to fame as the lead singer in songs like “Stay With Me,” “All This Love,” and most notably, “Rhythm of the Night.”
El’s status as the lead wasn’t a fluke. Even as a solo artist, he’s a five-time Grammy Award nominee, demonstrating his versatility through collaborations with artists like Babyface, Quincy Jones, and Al Green.
El is another in a long line of DeBarge’s who struggled with substance issues. Based on interviews and autobiographical accounts, much of it was linked to the dysfunctional household they grew up in.
Did You Know?
El DeBarge has 11 biological children and one adopted!
4. James DeBarge (August 22, 1963 – Present)
Age (as of June 29, 2022): 58
Born: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation: Singer
Known For: DeBarge
Despite not being the frontman like his brother El, James DeBarge has plenty of recognition on his own. That’s partly thanks to his high-profile former marriage to pop superstar Janet Jackson.
The ‘80s power couple ultimately split after Janet annulled the marriage in 1985, only one year after they wed. Unfortunately, James has become a bit of a controversial figure after a documentary about Janet Jackson revealed that their marriage was marred by James’ drub abuse.
Did You Know?
James has three children – Kristina, James, and Tori. His oldest daughter, Kristina, appeared on the 2003 season of American Juniors and netted a recording contract with Island Def Jam Records.
To see pictures of James click here.
3. Chico DeBarge (June 23, 1966 – Present)
Age (as of June 29, 2022): 56
Born: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation: Singer
Known For: DeBarge
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Chico DeBarge proved he could stand on his own as a musician, temporarily venturing away from the family business to record his self-titled album under Motown in 1986, featuring his hit song “Talk to Me.” It reached #21 on U.S. charts and peaked at #90 on the Billboard 200.
Chico’s solo success continued, proving he wasn’t a one-hit wonder by following up with six charting albums.
Did You Know?
In 2003, Chico was stabbed by Italian mafioso John Casasanto following an altercation while Chico was on tour for the Tyler Perry stage play Why Did I Get Married?
2. Darryl DeBarge (June 5, 1970 – Present)
Age (as of June 29, 2022): 52
Born: N/A
Occupation: N/A
Known For: DeBarge Family
Darryl DeBarge is born the same day as sister Carol “Peaches” DeBarge, meaning they both own the distinction as youngest of the DeBarge siblings! However, we couldn’t discern who beat out who, but the difference couldn’t have been more than a few minutes, so we’ll save the #1 spot for the youngest daughter of Etterlene and Robert.
Information on Darryl is scarce, but he’s dabbled in music like his siblings despite never being a part of the DeBarge family group.
Did You Know?
On YouTube, you can hear him perform a song called “Loving You.” He goes by the alias Young DeBarge.
To see a picture of Darryl click here.
1. Carol DeBarge (June 5, 1970 – Present)
Age (as of June 29, 2022): 52
Born: N/A
Occupation: Singer
Known For: DeBarge sibling
Carol “Peaches” DeBarge is the youngest DeBarge sibling!
Carol has followed the path set by her family as a singer.
Did You Know?
Carol was in a song, along with her mother Etterlene, and Bunny, titled You Mean So Much to Me.
To see a picture of Carol click here.
