You may not know of the DeBarge father, Robert Louis DeBarge Sr., but if you grew up during the ’80s or are just a fan of soul music, you probably heard of the musical group DeBarge. He was the DeBarge Father.
With R&B soul tracks such as “Rhythm of the Night” and “Love Me in a Special Way”, the Motown-influenced family band seemed to have the voice and the looks.
Etterline and Robert Louis DeBarge Sr.
According to their mother, Etterlene, the DeBarge siblings had music in their DNA. She recalls that her choir singer father was a profoundly talented and entertaining musician.
Etterlene had 10 kids who became famous musicians in the 1980s. The DeBarges might have taken after their grandfather talent-wise, but their father, Robert Louis DeBarge Sr., had the most significant impact.
Robert Louis DeBarge Sr. Family Background
Robert DeBarge was born on July 9, 1932, in Cicero, Cook County, Illinois, United States of America. He was the son of John DeBarge, born in 1902 in Indiana.
John DeBarge’s father, Arthur, was an immigrant from France, and his mother, Mary Blane West, was from Indiana or Illinois — was documented as being born in both states in different censuses.
John DeBarge married Frances, who was born in 1904 in Illinois. Frances’s parents were both from the USA.
Together, John and Frances had 11 children: George DeBarge, Carol DeBarge, William DeBarge, John DeBarge Jr., Frances DeBarge Jr., Ronald DeBarge, (opens in a new tab)”>El DeBarge, and 5 others, including Robert.
Robert DeBarge was raised in a middle-class household. He attended the Chicago public school system. After graduating from high school in 1949, he enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean War until his discharge in 1952.
Robert DeBarge’s Marriage
In 1953, Robert Louis DeBarge Sr. met his first wife, Etterlene. He was 21 years old at the time, four years older than her.
The couple got married and settled in a predominantly Black area of Detroit. However, things did not go well for the young couple and quickly went downhill. Interracial marriages at the time were neither expected nor widely accepted, and the DeBarge family paid the price.
When Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr. landed a truck driving job in Detroit, he was fired from it by his employers because he was married to a Black woman. The impact this had on Robert is unknown, but it was evident he became increasingly hostile towards his wife.
According to Etterlene, Robert tormented her physically and emotionally, even keeping her continuously pregnant. He was also insanely jealous of her and did not want her to look pretty. He ordered her never to wear makeup, jewelry, wigs, or anything else that would attract the attention of another man and even demanded to know the names of any men who tried to speak to his wife.
Robert Louis DeBarge Sr. and Etterlene had their first child in 1955, “Bunny” DeBarge, and the second one, the late Robert Louis “Bobby” DeBarge, only a year later. They had eight more children together in the years to come: Thomas Keith “Tommy” DeBarge (b. 1957), William Randall “Randy” DeBarge (b. 1958), Mark “Marty” DeBarge (b. 1959), Eldra Patrick “El” DeBarge (b. 1961), James DeBarge (b. 1963), Jonathan Arthur “Chico” DeBarge (b. 1966), Carol “Peaches” DeBarge (b. 1970), and Darrell “Young” DeBarge (b. 1970).
Debare Family Abuse: The Hostile Childhood of the DeBarge Children
Etterlene’s children had horrific memories of their father. “My father sexually and physically abused many of my brothers and sisters,” Chico DeBarge told Vibe. The second-born son, Bobby, was the quietest and most sensitive. He was Etterlene’s favorite of the children, and his father was jealous that he took all her attention. Because of his demeanor, he allegedly bore the brunt of the abuse, but all the children suffered equally.
Bunny later recalled years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of her father, stating that he started molesting her when was 7 years old, and this continued until was 13. Bunny blames the siblings’ woes and struggles on the rough childhood they endured living with their father. Robert Sr. denied ever abusing his family, but something undoubtedly scarred them for years to come, even leading them to lives of drugs and crime.
The Results of the Hostility at Home
Bobby DeBarge was the first of the siblings to succumb to drugs, in his case, heroin. At age 15, he became addicted, and years of substance abuse led to legal problems. It is not surprising that he turned to drugs at a young age for solace, given his father’s notoriety for being domineering and physically abusive to his family. In 1988, Bobby was sentenced to 5 years in prison for drug trafficking. He later died at 39 years old of complications from HIV/AIDS contracted in prison.
Bunny DeBarge, the only female member of DeBarge, once stated that didn’t hate her father and had a way of blocking things out of her mind. She was fortunate enough to overcome her drug habit in rehabilitation, managing to do so after intentionally sought a relationship with God.
Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr. Ministerial Appointment, Divorce, Remarriage, and Death
In the late 1950s, after Randall “Randy” DeBarge was born, Robert DeBarge Sr. received his license to minister and later became a devoted member of the Bethel Apostolic Temple in Miami, Florida. Robert and Etterlene remained married for the next 20 years until divorced him in 1970 with the help of her brothers. They left him and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Around the time Mark “Marty” DeBarge was born, Robert had started an affair with another Black woman, Barbara. They had two children together, Chantell DeBarge and Deathra DeBarge. After the divorce, Robert married Barbara and remained with her until his death on August 30. He was buried in Parkview Cemetery in Wayne County, Michigan.
A lot of details about Robert DeBarge Sr.’s life remain hidden, but his abusive character, as witnessed through the narration of his children, shows that he was not a good father. His negative influence on his family is reflected in all the negative aspects of his children’s lives.
The stories about Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr.’s abuse of his children emerged when they were young. They probably are the reasons behind the dark shadow that followed the family, causing the demise of their successive careers. The full impact of his actions on his family may never be fully understood.
This account of Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr. and his family highlights the complexities and tragedies within the DeBarge family, showing how personal and familial struggles can deeply affect personal lives and professional careers. Despite the hardships, the musical legacy of the DeBarge family continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
The story of Robert DeBarge Sr. and his family is a poignant reminder of how deeply family dynamics can influence individuals’ lives and careers. Despite the considerable challenges and adversities faced by the DeBarge siblings, their remarkable talent and contributions to the music industry continue to resonate with audiences. Their legacy is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring appeal of their music.
The DeBarge’s Signing to Motown Records
The DeBarge family’s journey to signing with Motown Records is a testament to their undeniable talent, strategic connections, and the pivotal moments aligned to launch their career. The DeBarge siblings were naturally gifted musicians, honing their vocal and instrumental skills from a young age. This foundational talent set the stage for their future endeavors in the music industry.
Before DeBarge’s formation, the older siblings Bobby and Tommy were part of the band Switch, which had already signed with Motown Records and enjoyed some success. This connection to Motown indirectly opened doors for the younger DeBarge siblings, giving them a glimpse into the music industry and its possibilities.
Jermaine Jackson, of the Jackson 5 fame and a successful solo artist under Motown, played an instrumental role in DeBarge’s discovery. After being introduced to the DeBarge siblings’ music, Jackson was thoroughly impressed and took it upon himself to introduce them to the executives at Motown. His endorsement was crucial, as it came from a well-respected artist within the same label.
DeBarge: Auditioning for Motown Records
The DeBarge siblings then auditioned for Motown executives, showcasing their unique blend of R&B, soul, and pop and their harmonious vocal abilities. Their performance was compelling enough to secure a recording contract with the label, demonstrating that their talent was undeniable and that they were ready for the bigger stage.
After signing with Motown, DeBarge went on to release their debut album. Though their first album received a lukewarm response, their subsequent releases, including “All This Love,” propelled them to fame, featuring hits highlighting their musical versatility and solidifying their status in the music industry.
The signing of DeBarge to Motown Records was not just about being in the right place at the right time; it was a culmination of their early exposure to the industry through family connections, the recognition of their talent by establid artists like Jermaine Jackson, and their ability to impress Motown executives with their unique sound and harmonious vocals.
As the DeBarge family’s journey from adversity to artistry continues to inspire, it also reflects on the complexities of familial relationships and the lasting impact of parental actions on children’s lives.
In remembering the DeBarge family’s history, it’s crucial to acknowledge the strength and talent that emerged from their struggles. Their music, a blend of soul, R&B, and funk, remains a significant part of the 80s musical landscape and beyond, celebrated for its depth, emotion, and the unique story it tells of their family’s legacy.
The narratives of Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr. his children, and their musical achievements underscore the complexity of human experiences—blending creativity, hardship, and the quest for personal redemption. As we reflect on their contributions to music and culture, we are reminded of the enduring human spirit’s capacity to overcome, create, and inspire.
