The DeBarge Family: Talent, Tragedy & Motown Royalty | The Untold Story of the DeBarge Family
The DeBarge Family: A Story of Talent and Trauma
Introduction to the DeBarge Family
- The DeBarge family is recognized as one of the most talented groups in Motown history, but their potential was hindered by past traumas and personal demons.
- The narrative focuses on Robert Louis DeBarge, who had a military background and moved to Michigan after serving in the Korean War.
Early Life and Marriage
- Robert married 16-year-old Albany in 1953 despite societal disapproval of interracial marriages at that time.
- They settled in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Detroit, facing challenges due to their mixed-race relationship.
Struggles with Identity and Acceptance
- The children felt pressure to fit into their community while grappling with their mixed heritage, leading to feelings of embarrassment about their father's race.
- Robert's job loss due to his marriage led to financial strain and increased tension within the family, resulting in abusive behavior towards Albany.
Abuse Within the Family
- Albany faced physical and mental abuse from Robert, who sought control over her appearance and interactions with other men.
- The children were not spared from abuse; five out of ten experienced physical or sexual abuse from their father, creating a cycle of trauma within the household.
Coping Mechanisms and Music as an Escape
- To cope with their difficult home life, the siblings turned to drugs and music; Bobby was noted as starting drug use at age 15.
- Music became a vital outlet for expression among the siblings, allowing them to bond through songwriting despite their struggles at home.
Gregory Williams and the Formation of Switch
Early Career and Relocation
- Gregory Williams graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1972 and began performing in bars with Bobby until 1973, when they received an opportunity from Barry White.
- The duo relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, to join a side project called White Heat, recruiting percussionist Jody Sims. They released a self-titled album in 1975.
Struggles and Changes
- After their first album flopped, they created another titled "Paul Groove" in 1977. Bobby's drug addiction worsened during this time.
- Following Bobby's departure due to addiction issues, Williams and Jody moved to Akron, Ohio, where they began touring the funk scene with new members including Tommy (Bobby's brother).
Transitioning to Los Angeles
- The group sent a cassette tape to Jermaine Jackson in Los Angeles; he liked it but was hesitant about Bobby’s involvement due to his drug problems.
- Despite concerns over Bobby's addiction, he vowed to quit using drugs and rejoined the band for performances that showcased their musical versatility.
Gaining Recognition
- While trying to secure a record deal at Motown, they impressed Jermaine Jackson with their performance style involving multiple instrument switches.
- This unique performance led them to be signed by Motown after showcasing their talent on stage.
Success with Motown
- Their self-titled debut album was released on June 17, 1978, reaching number 37 on the Billboard 200 charts and number six on the Top Soul LP charts.
- Produced by Jermaine Jackson, it included hit singles like "There Never Be" and "I Want To Be Closer," establishing Switch as a successful act.
Continued Achievements
- In subsequent years, Switch achieved further success with albums that reached high positions on music charts; their second album produced hits like "Best Beat In Town."
- By 1980, they released "This Is My Dream," which peaked at number 21 on R&B charts despite being produced internally rather than by Jermaine Jackson.
Challenges Ahead
- As Bobby struggled with heroin and cocaine use again after years of sobriety, tensions within the band increased while working on their fifth album.
- Released in 1981 as "Switch 5," it peaked lower than previous works but still featured notable singles. Bobby later pursued a solo career amidst ongoing personal challenges.
Bobby DeBarge: A Life of Struggles and Music
Early Life and Legal Troubles
- Bobby DeBarge, along with his younger brother Chico, faced legal issues related to drug trafficking, resulting in a five-year jail sentence for Chico and later a six-year federal prison term for both.
Health Challenges and Career Resurgence
- During the late 1980s, Bobby contracted AIDS; it remains unclear whether he acquired it through drug use or while incarcerated. Despite this, he attempted to relaunch his solo career with an album titled "It's Not Over."
Relationships and Rumors
- Bobby dated LaToya Jackson in the 1980s, writing the song "You and I" as a response to her track "Nighttime Lover." There were rumors about his bisexuality during incarceration that contributed to speculation regarding how he contracted AIDS.
Tragic End and Legacy
- Bobby passed away on August 16, 1995, at age 39 due to complications from AIDS exacerbated by heroin addiction. His life story was depicted in a TV movie aired by TV One in 2019.
The DeBarge Family's Musical Journey
- The DeBarge family established their musical group with mentorship from older brothers Bobby and Tommy. They initially followed their brothers' success but began mimicking their negative habits.
Rise to Fame
- Bobby gained significant opportunities performing live with bands like Switch. He impressed Barry Gordy enough to sign the siblings under Motown Records.
Albums and Hits
- The DeBarges released their debut album which included the popular song "What's Your Name," despite not having major hit singles initially. Their second album "All This Love" peaked at number 24 on Billboard charts.
Continued Success
- In 1983, they released another successful album titled "In a Special Way," which sold over 500,000 copies. It featured hit singles like “Time Will Reveal” that solidified their place in music history.
Collaborations and Influence
- The group opened for Luther Vandross on tour in 1983. They also contributed songs like “Rhythm of the Night” for films such as Barry Gordy's The Last Dragon.
Changes Within the Group
- By mid-1986, L & Bunny received solo deals from Motown leading to changes within the group dynamics. Without them, other members struggled commercially until signing with an independent label for one last album titled Bad Boys.
Final Years of Activity
- Despite releasing two hit singles from Bad Boys, lack of promotion led to its underperformance. The group's split occurred after legal troubles involving Chico and Bobby in drug trafficking charges around 1988.
Cultural Impact
- Both Switch and DeBarge left lasting legacies influencing many artists who sampled their work including notable names like Mary J Blige and Tupac Shakur among others.
Individual Paths Post-DeBarge
- After splitting up, Money pursued gospel music independently while James struggled for solo success post his marriage to Janet Jackson which ended due to substance abuse issues affecting both parties involved.
James DeBarge and Janet Jackson's Marriage
Early Relationship and Marriage
- James DeBarge eloped with Janet Jackson at age 20, surprising many, including the narrator who saw their marriage announcement in a magazine.
- Their marriage was annulled less than a year later, influenced by personal issues and drug problems, as noted by their mother.
Career Highlights of Chico DeBarge
- Chico DeBarge released his solo album in 1986 at just 18 years old, achieving notable success on the Billboard charts.
- Despite early success with hits like "Talk to Me" and "The Girl Next Door," he struggled with drugs and faced multiple incarcerations over the years.
Family Struggles with Addiction
- The DeBarge family has a history of addiction; Al attributed his drug issues to prescription painkillers after dental work.
- Al encountered legal troubles starting in 2001 for drug possession, leading to several arrests over the years for various offenses.
Legacy of the DeBarge Family
- The DeBarges are recognized as one of the most talented sibling groups but faced significant challenges due to addiction that hindered their potential.