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El DeBarge Biography

el-debarge
  • Born: June 4, 1961 in Grand Rapids, MI
  • Years Active: 1970s-present
  • Genre: R & B

El DeBarge, known for his signature falsetto, was the lead singer of the '80s R&B sibling group DeBarge throughout their career, appearing on the hits "All This Love," "Love Me in a Special Way," "Who's Holding Donna Now," and "Rhythm of the Night." After leaving the group in 1985, he launched his solo career in 1986 with a self-titled debut album that featured the number three hit "Who's Johnny?," featured in the film Short Circuit. DeBarge recorded one more album for Motown -- 1989's Gemini -- prior to signing with Warner for 1992's In the Storm and 1994's Heart, Mind & Soul. None of those albums was particularly successful. For over a decade, DeBarge was away from music and battled drug addiction. Shortly after serving a prison term for violating probation, DeBarge resurfaced and released Second Chance in 2010. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi

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