Bobby DeBarge’s brother James DeBarge has recently spoken out on how Bobby treated him. The DeBarge family are considered a legendary music family.
Bobby DeBarge, born Robert DeBarge Jr. on March 5, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, remains a celebrated yet tragic figure in the world of music. Known for his extraordinary vocal range and musical talent, Bobby’s career was marred by a series of personal battles, including childhood trauma, substance abuse, and legal troubles. Despite his immense potential, Bobby’s life was overshadowed by dark moments that ultimately led to his untimely demise.
Bobby’s childhood was far from easy. Born into a complex family dynamic, Bobby was the son of Robert DeBarge Sr., a white Army officer, and Erlene DeBarge, an African-American gospel singer and songwriter. Bobby was one of several children born into a tumultuous household. His father, Robert Sr., was reportedly abusive and often violent toward Bobby and his siblings. The environment was chaotic, and Bobby’s experiences with abuse and neglect would shape much of his adult life.
Tragically, Bobby’s childhood trauma extended beyond physical abuse. At the age of 15, Bobby was introduced to heroin, a substance that would soon control his life. Despite his potential as a musician, this early introduction to drugs set him on a path that would lead to addiction and devastating consequences. His family’s relocation to Grand Rapids, Michigan, following his parents’ divorce in the early 1970s, offered Bobby a chance to start anew, but his personal struggles with addiction only deepened.
Despite the chaos surrounding his childhood, Bobby DeBarge’s musical abilities were undeniable. He was an exceptionally talented musician, skilled in playing various instruments, including the keyboard and drums, and had a powerful multi-octave vocal range. His talent led him to form bands with his brother Tommy DeBarge and friends in the local music scene. These early collaborations set the stage for Bobby’s eventual rise to fame.
In 1975, Bobby and Gregory Williams formed a group that would later be known as Switch, a band that gained recognition for its unique sound, with the ability to switch instruments seamlessly. The group’s big break came when they were signed to the legendary Motown Records. In 1978, Switch released their debut album, which featured the hit song “There’ll Never Be,” written by Bobby. The album’s success was propelled by Bobby’s musical talents and was produced by none other than Jermaine Jackson, further solidifying the group’s connection to the Motown legacy.
Switch’s success continued with the release of their second album, Switch II (1979), which also went gold. Songs like “I Call Your Name” further showcased Bobby’s skill as a writer and performer, and it was clear that his place in the music world was well earned. However, despite this outward success, Bobby’s battle with addiction continued to worsen, and it would begin to affect his relationships with the band and his career.
By 1980, Bobby DeBarge’s substance use had reached a critical point. While Switch continued to release successful albums, including This Is My Dream (1980), Bobby’s personal life was in turmoil. His struggle with heroin escalated, and he eventually turned to cocaine. This led to tension within Switch and Bobby’s growing isolation from his fellow band members.
Despite his struggles, Bobby’s musical contributions remained valuable. He co-produced and co-wrote songs for his siblings’ musical group, DeBarge. DeBarge’s debut album, which included the hit song “Rhythm of the Night,” showcased Bobby’s talents once again. However, as Bobby became more entrenched in his addiction, his relationship with his family became strained. His battles with substance abuse were well-documented, and his personal life began to unravel.
In 1988, Bobby’s troubles took a darker turn when he was arrested for drug trafficking. He was caught attempting to smuggle cocaine with his brother Chico DeBarge. This led to a five-year prison sentence for Bobby, further damaging his career and personal life. During his time in prison, Bobby learned that he had contracted HIV, which he likely acquired through his intravenous drug use. At the time, there were no effective treatments for HIV, and Bobby’s health rapidly deteriorated.
Bobby’s time in prison marked the beginning of a downward spiral that would define his final years. Separated from his wife, Terry, and children, Bobby became increasingly paranoid and isolated. His health continued to decline as he battled both his addiction and HIV. Despite these struggles, Bobby remained dedicated to his music and completed his final album, It’s Not Over (1987). However, the album was released posthumously, and Bobby did not live to see its success.
Bobby’s personal life was complicated. He had relationships with several members of the Jackson family, including a brief affair with La Toya Jackson, which inspired the song “You and I” from his album. However, it was his brother James DeBarge who had a much-publicized marriage to Janet Jackson, which ended in an annulment less than a year later. In the wake of these relationships, Bobby married Terry in 1990, and the couple had two children. However, the rumors surrounding Bobby’s sexuality persisted, with some reports suggesting that he was bisexual. His sister, Bunny DeBarge, later confirmed that Bobby did have relationships with men but was not exclusively homosexual.
Bobby DeBarge passed away on August 16, 1995, at the age of 39. His death was attributed to complications from AIDS, but it was also a tragic end to a life marked by addiction, legal troubles, and personal loss. Bobby’s story is a reminder of the impact that childhood trauma, addiction, and personal demons can have on even the most talented individuals.
Despite his troubled life, Bobby DeBarge’s musical legacy endures. His contributions to Switch and DeBarge, as well as his work as a solo artist, continue to influence musicians today. Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, once described Bobby as the most talented artist he had ever signed, a testament to the extraordinary abilities that Bobby possessed. His voice, songwriting, and production skills made him a standout talent in the world of R&B.
Though his life was filled with tragedy, Bobby DeBarge’s music remains a testament to his brilliance and his enduring influence on the genre. His struggles, however, serve as a cautionary tale of how fame and success can often be overshadowed by personal demons, and how the legacy of a talented artist can still shine despite the darkness that surrounds it.
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