Robert Louis DeBarge, Jr. Biography
Bobby DeBarge was an American singer, songwriter, and musician, known for his contributions to the funk, soul, and R&B music scenes. He was born on March 5, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, and was the lead singer of the popular Motown group, Switch.
Key Takeaways
- Full Name: Robert Louis DeBarge, Jr.
- Stage Name: Bobby DeBarge
- Born: 5 March 1956 (age 39 years old)
- Place of Birth: Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Died: 16 August 1995, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
- Nationality: American
- Height: 1.70 m
- Parents: Etterlene DeBarge, Robert Louis DeBarge Sr
- Siblings: Bunny DeBarge, El DeBarge, James DeBarge, Tommy DeBarge, Chico DeBarge, Randy DeBarge, Mark DeBarge, Carol “Peaches” DeBarge, Darryl DeBarge
- Wife • Spouse: Teri DeBarge (m. 1990–1995)
- Girlfriend • Partner: La Toya Jackson
- Children: Christian DeBarge, Bobby DeBarge Jr
- Occupation: Singer • Songwriter
- Net Worth: $1 million
Robert Louis DeBarge, Jr. Personal Life
Bobby DeBarge, a singer, died on August 16, 1995. He was born on March 5, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan. Robert DeBarge Sr. and Etterlene DeBarge were his parents.
After the DeBarge family moved to Grand Rapids in the 1970s, he started playing in a number of the city’s bands. Afterwards, he hooked up with a handful of his mates to establish White Heat, Barry White‘s supporting band.
Bobby DeBarge was the oldest of the DeBarge family’s male offspring, born throughout the span of Robert DeBarge Sr. and Etterlene DeBarge‘s 21-year marriage. Etterlene DeBarge, a gospel singer, encouraged her children and assisted them in developing their talents.
Bobby DeBarge‘s siblings are Bunny DeBarge, El DeBarge, James DeBarge, Tommy DeBarge, Chico DeBarge, Randy DeBarge, Mark DeBarge, Carol “Peaches” DeBarge, and Darryl DeBarge.
Bobby DeBarge‘s late wife, Teri DeBarge, also goes by the name Teri Lee Gayle. After her marriage to the late American singer Teri DeBarge—then Teri Lee Gayle—became well-known.
She was with the famous artist for six years before his death in 1995. After dating for a while, the two married on December 10, 1990. They had initially met in the middle of the 1980s. When they first met, Teri DeBarge was just 15 years old, and Bobby DeBarge was already in his early 30s.
There are rumors that El DeBarge‘s ex-wife, Monique DeBarge, encouraged Teri DeBarge and Bobby DeBarge‘s connection. Christian DeBarge, Bobby DeBarge Jr., and Bobby DeBarge Jr. are his two children. He once dated La Toya Jackson.
The Bobby DeBarge Story, a TV One original film developed by Swirl Productions, was released in 2019. The 90-minute biopic was a part of the UNSUNG series on the network. The primary character in the film, played by Roshon Fegan, is Bobby.
Robert Louis DeBarge, Jr. Career
Bobby DeBarge and his younger brother Tommy DeBarge both began their musical careers in local bands. Later, in 1975, he established a trio with another vocalist, Gregory Williams. The duo and several other musicians were accepted after a successful audition for the renowned Barry White backing band, White Heat.
Bobby DeBarge’s music career began in the 1970s, where he formed the group Switch with his brother Tommy and other musicians. They achieved success with hit songs such as “There’ll Never Be” and “I Call Your Name”.
Aside from his work with Switch, Bobby DeBarge was also a prolific songwriter, penning hits for artists such as The Jackson 5, Whitney Houston, and The Pointer Sisters. He also released a solo album, “It’s Not Over”, in 1985.
Unfortunately, Bobby DeBarge struggled with drug addiction and legal troubles throughout his life, which ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 39 in 1995.
Despite his personal struggles, Bobby DeBarge’s musical legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today. He was a talented musician and songwriter who made significant contributions to the R&B and funk music scenes, and his music will always be remembered by fans and music lovers alike.
Robert Louis DeBarge, Jr. Net Worth
As of his passing in 1995, Bobby DeBarge’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. He achieved his wealth through his successful music career and as a songwriter for other artists.
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