The Debarges didn’t have “demons.” They had/have what many of us have: unaddressed, unidentified, and intreated *TRAUMA* They used substances to cope and self-medicate , to numb the emotional and psychological and to escape from it. However, I’m thankful for the gifts they gave and continue to give. 🖤🎼🖤
What the Debarge children suffered under their abusive father and a mother who engaged in denial was very disturbing. As adults, all of the siblings who had achieved musical success suffered traumatically. Especially older brother Bobby.
What an amazing group of siblings. Sad about their father and their demons. Wishing the best for those who are still alive and fighting the good fight!
I could SEE Bobby having a nice solo career, leaving the band switch. but it was little brother EL. who was going to be the breakout Superstar in that family.
The DeBarge family has the saddest story I have ever heard of. Everyone was always speaking bad about Joe Jackson being a horrible father, but no Robert DeBarge Sr was the absolute worst.
I was born in Detroit, then I moved to the other side of 8 Mile (Suburbs). I was bullied in school from 1st grade to 11th grade. Verbal abuse almost everyday, kept quiet shy and timid. I was afraid I'd get beat up. I grew up in a messy home. More verbal abuse. I was hit , the hitting stopped when I learned about the laws of child abuse at an early age. I think my life would have been worse if I didn't. I tried ending my life several times, I had to get professional help. I understand the pain that family was going through.
They accomplished so much. I wonder if they TRULY know how much they are loved by their fans. Prince and Michael are gone...so Debarge is dear to any 80's pop culture fanatic. There aren't many living legends left. We lost so many.
Bunny is also a prolific songwriter. She wrote "A dream " and led the song. I wish she could've had more lead songs with DeBarge.🤎🔥 They were all very talented. Their story is so tragic 😔🎈
I can understand the torture they went through cuz my story is similar to what they went through.... I'm so glad that I didn't get hooked on drugs to escape cuz it's so easy ....the pain that you can adore is like an open wound that never heals and even you forgive that person the pain stay with you for the rest of your life
@Tiffany Carroll, wow-thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry for all the pain that you went through and I’m glad that you avoided drugs. Your experience will help guide so many others who are/have experienced the same thing. 💜
They don't have demons, they have unresolved trauma. People that can't deal with their trauma do drugs or indulge in other behaviors to numb or disassociate from their reality.
The kids went through a lot! With an abusive father and a passive mother they never had a chance.... Supposedly the father finally told Bobby on his death bed that he was sorry and he loved him.
I saw Ashley Says So version of their story, part 1 & 2, on RUclips. It’s not a movie, but she painted their story so clearly. She said it’s alleged info though. My prayers are with them always. I went through something when I was younger too.
Yep. They also had "pretty privilege" but they actually had talent , charisma, and work ethic. They had "pretty privilege" and "light skinned privilege", but they also had a lot of prejudice and hate thrown their way. Even the family wasn't a haven of peace and love; it was a place of torture. People need to remember that when they "privilege" measure people, you never REALLY know what people are dealing with. 🌺
I feel so bad for them. I was physically & sexually abused as a girl, so I understand the pain they endured. I thank God everyday for keeping me away from drugs.
Lies lies, lying on the DeBarge boys. They never said their father had sex with them ( the boys). Bunny though told in her book about her father sexually molesting her. But where and when did the boys say their Dad molested them ??? Not true about the boys. If true, who says so ???
And yes she was an enabler especially when she got Bunny back in that house with the father, the rapist, after it was outed and became well known that the father sexually molested Bunny. ETERLENE even had the audacity to say Bunny could be lying. ETERLENE said this after ETERLENE went back to Rob Sr right after it was found out Bunny was molested.. And WHY would a woman go back to a man that raped her daughter. Etterlene did !!!!! what the heck, what was wrong with her .. I gave my sympathy to Bunny in an comment I posted and she responded back.. She said her mess is a message for others to do better.. That touched me.. That was a STRONG point from a STRONG survivor
@@sherrdi6778 in Bunny’s second book, she discussed catching her husband molesting her daughter. Bunny kicked him out. But took him back and they were together for years after. My point? You brought up Eterlene going back to the husband after Bunny told her what he was doing to her. Bunny repeated the same cycle with her own daughter. Just know you gave your sympathy to a woman who repeated the same cycle - staying with her daughters molestor. And Bunny saw the molestation with her own eyes.
@@jacksonstewart5528 YES I did. You bet I did give my sympathies to Bunny and her family. @jacksonstewart5528 . They had a death in the family, DUH. That's quite a tragedy for a family. Only an evil person would hold their mistakes against them at ""' a time like this ""'.. DUH
@@sherrdi6778 my point was you went on and on about Etterlene, not knowing Bunny did the SAME THING. “Only an evil person” lol only an evil person would stay with her daughters rapist. And ONLY an evil person would speak ill of the deceased. You legit wrote a paragraph dissing Etterlene… for doing exactly what Bunny did at that.
I understand she was abused too, but I felt she didn’t fight for her children’s peace or hers. He’s sexually abusing his own children my goodness there story always makes me cry.
Yeah keep an open mind that in 19 60 & 74 , it was hard for black people especially a mixed family to get out of abusive sexually relationship, especially the abusive was a white Male. It was hard for their to get outta of the situation, when their got there and yes their have a good house living in andecent experience area. Meaning all theirs money with to that house. So yes again it was harder for them to leave that home and she couldn't get outta of being beating by her abusive husband who also a white/ mixed with France Male who was also in the army, he was a soldier. What the young kids & white going to do against an soldier?🙄🤔🤦♂️. Yeah anyway their have a hard time, but that was always the case with mixed & black people all have went through. If it's not with the family members it's within the Society . And If its not happening with the Society/ public , again it's with the family, or it could be above all. It doesn't have to be in the same matter within this family situation in this video but nonetheless it's still be bad.
It's crazy how they were able to display their talent in spite of the trauma they suffered. They were not able to have a "normal" life due to the trauma. God bless them.
Bobby DeBarge did drugs to escape father abuse only how they can escape the abuse from their father it's very sad i what they had to go through for real though
My stomach turns knowing the abuse they endured and trauma that they’ve lived with. I love the DeBarge siblings and hope they’re receiving the healing they deserve🥺🩷
Wow, this was a very good video, and a sad one at that. They were all talented. Bobby voice still gives me chill bumbs, but so does El. I believe they would have been bigger than the Jackson’s myself. Listening to those songs took me back, I feel so bad for them. I don’t understand people who hurt children. This is one of my favorite videos from you, it was so deep!!! May those brothers be finally Resting in Peace!
Bigger as the Jacksons no way the Jacksons had michael by the time debarge had a big hit the Jacksons were already music royalty there 4 first hits all went nr1 they were compared to the Jacksons because they also were a music family but they only had 1 really big hit they were talented but not in the Jacksons their league who in the debarge group could compete with Michael? Bobby or el they were talented but compared to Michael they were mediocre
Why do people compare? Do they need to be bigger than the Jackson? There are many great people who don't have record contracts and as great as the Jacksons was, they might not have made it. We know of them because they did. Heard of this family but never knew the father was white at all. But biracial people should stop blaming black people for not accepting them as black. They didn't seem to blame the white people who fired their father for being married to a black woman? It shows white dads can be wicked too in that he abused his wife
@@AS-wj1du context is important. Let's recognize they are talking about growing up in the 1960's and 70's. They can absolutely look to the black people in their neighborhood for not accepting them because they grew up without a lot of resources in a black neighborhood. Blaming racism as it was par for the course during that timeframe. The world was different. I'm not biracial but even growing up during the 80's with biracial neighbors and schoolmates, I can understand their plight because I've witnessed some of the stuff people would say.
Their music had a positive impact on my life...have the best ballads ever secondly you have to love how this family stays together no matter what day dreamin bout the good memories the music their sultry voices seem to compliment each other the debarges is "that family" everyone grew to adore and love we all can relate to them much 💕💖
His daddy was messing with him, his sister and I believe Tommy too. Their dad was a sick man! He didn’t deserve these children. More than likely, Bobby was graped in jail. RIP
This was a great video, thank you for sharing. Love the DeBarge family. It is so sad what this family went through with a father that was insecure and did not know how to love his greatest blessing last and gift from God his children.
I have seen the debarge story so many times and it just saddened me that the father mistreated all of them. I honestly believe this man was prejudice against his own family the mother was abused and beaten on a regular basis. I am glad that the mother finally had enough courage to break free from her husband but these children have suffered so much mental, physical, and emotional abuse and disfunction. Extremely talented family they used the drugs too escape the trauma they had experienced growing up i am sure the mother knew what her husband was doing too her children.
Who told him to marry her? If I were her, I would've left that abusive Edomite wayyyyy before I would have ever thought about having any kids with that devil.
It's so crazy how when their early music came out...we literally had NO IDEA what they had gone through in that house growing up. May the father burn eternally in hell and I just can't support the mother knowing what was going on with the kids. Tragic all around.
So many hip hop and r&b artists sampled their music. Wow!! James even did a song with a rapper! They always had some hip hop influences in their family tree!
What A Amazing, gifted & talented Family group of singers . It’s heartbreaking 💔all the trauma/abuse they suffered. As a Sexual Abuse/Physical abuse survivor I know all too well. Mines started at 10 yrs old & even now at 33 I’m still Finding myself & Healing ❤️🩹 from things I can’t speak on. We can’t heal what we don’t reveal. Even contemplated suicide at one point but I know I gotta continue to fight n press thru
I was about 8 years old when I saw Debarge, Luther, Cheryl Lynn at MSG and I remember meeting Melba Moore in the audience. My older sisters took me and we saw Angela Bofill (although she was high on stage), Gladys and the Pips, Stevie Wonder, New Edition ......man life was good. So many memories. Now everybody cries about inflation. Concerts are few and far between.
Oh sh*t I thought it but really didn’t see or heard much of that rumor, at the same time I just assume it’s more of the truth….then on top of that it was around the same years people were dropping and dying 🥀like flies ⚰️⚱️
@@jayskywalker5049 Most people that were raped by the same sex at a young age end up confused about their sexuality. Sex creates endorphins , regardless to whom you engage in it with.
A few years ago, after watching them on that television show, I had a strong urging to pray a curse breaking prayer for the Debarge family. While I was praying the glass holding the candle near me burst, on it's own. It was the first time I ever experienced that and the last. I feel although they all love God, they have some sort of very very strong holds over their lives. They appear trapped in some sort of desperate cycle.
that’s very sad. their generational curse (demons) is strong within their family. all bc of the sins of their father. what a shame. I feel so bad for them.
The Mother had how "MANY BROTHERS", & though she suffered from abuse with that Demon... But to let your CHILDREN experience that😮 & You don't CALl, SOMEONE or try to HELP your Babies,😥 this I just DONOT Understand😡😠
She was groomed from a young age. If she was 17 when she got married, then he had control over her. What is never stated is how did he meet her? Who & where were her parents? Did they need to legally sign her marriage papers? Was that legal for a 17yo to get married at that time in Detroit? What was her upbringing like? For her to get married at such a young age, did she have a stable home with her Parents? So many questions. I hope they do a movie to clarify this.
The reality of their lives was a complete nightmare! Growing up in those times biracial and having a abusive parent definitely traumatized these kids! How they were able to still do the things they did is amazing! I hate they went through so much pain and hurt but I understand each one of them. ThOSE are some strong kids! Despite their dysfunction in the home. I’ve always listen to their music growing up! Im a 90’s KID this is my first time learning of their life. I thought they were Puerto Ricans 😂.. thank you all for all you have done! Y’all really set the tone for a special and strong family although they suffered and struggled! My hat goes off!!! I LOVE YALL❤
I truly believe their mother's comfort and her loving words got them through even though at the same time she should have done more to protect them. Because they ALL love their mother affectionately and deeply.. YES THEY DO
It was reported that Robert DeBarge mother told Etterlerne verbally on the phone not to mess with her son because he had mental issues. Etterleene went ahead because she made it about race and thought the woman just didn’t want her with him because she was Black. Now that could have been some of it but no one truly knows. What we do know is that he not only repeatedly SA’d the children numerous times he SA’d numerous of her children. It’s just no way you can tell me a mother doesn’t know. With that said she will have to deal with that before her higher power as she is now gone. The other cruel thing is how it was reported that she repeatedly told them they couldn’t hate him and had to love him because he was their father😢As far as their music, I do say they made it because the world will always have those beautiful songs to sing and video won’t allow their memory to be erased. Perhaps they could have done more together I don’t know. DeBarge and Switch songs are still apart of my playlists and will remain. My sadness is that their still struggling with drugs. I pray one day they will all truly be free.
Wow this is amazing I didn’t know they where creative of all these fire beats they are so talented wow I love their music RIP to Bobby it’s so sad how drugs and abuse played a part in some of them demise they were so talented and handsome I’m glad they introduced us to they amazing music ❤ and I wouldn’t say they could’ve been better then the Jackson idk but no family group touching them but they were amazing family group in their own right they certainly had talent and deserve more recognition and their flowers 💐❤️💕
I used to love the DeBarge family they came to California and they let everybody use them from wolfman Jack to Jermaine Jackson way more to the inside story, Randy DeBarge used to go with my little sister Sharon Tolbert they we're so good together.
Last year while record shopping I found the 1st Switch album signed by every member including Jermaine Jackson and was also played on the air for WDAS FM in Philly as part of the DJ Don Juan Banks vinyl collection. I gave it to my father on Father’s Day framed. Still kind of regret that move😢😂😂
@@AnAdorableWombat1she was very naive the father started off lying before they went out she was looking for a Robert Barnes not debarge during a phone call he pretended to be another guy
@Eric Ross, Ones of the best and quickest ways to escape,....trauma. I can't imagine, but when it's just you, maybe it's different, but when everyone, most of the siblings, is dealing with abuse..I'm not surprised at the drug addiction.
17 year old is still so young to be paired with a man with many demons and be in an interracial marriage during that time. She probably had no way of knowing he was toxic prior to agreeing to marry him. The father’s demons reek terrible havoc on his family through physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuses. How sad. I wonder if he ever had any regrets or acknowledged his evil deeds. Many people like myself appreciate the musical and singing talents of the Debarge children. Love and Blessings to those still alive.❤
I went thru a lot with my mother. She was physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive towards me. She was very light skinned. And I was like a medium brown. My siblings were also light. I was pretty to everyone except her, my brother and my sister. They would always say or insinuate something deriogative about me not looking as good as them. (Black people are prejudice, too.) She lied on me to the family. .like taking me out of school to keep the 3 other kids then telling family that I had been shooting hookey, as we called it back then. She had these kids later, after taking me and my brother and leaving my dad. I used to think, 'she must have some White in her' because she worked me like a slave. I don't think she ever picked up a broom. Anyway, she didn't have White in her. Both sides of my family had Indian blood. Mama's grandpa married an Indian lady. And when she died giving birth to her 3rd daughter he married another Indian. Ma Betsy, we called her. And on my dad's side his mama, Ma Mattie, was part Indian. When her Indian husband died she married papa. Enough about me. I love the DeBarge. So hurt over their terrible life. Their White father was a lost soul. It was probably hard losing his family and the White community. He was a weak man with no direction. He just took it out on his family. He saw them as the cause for his troubles. Though I had it rough, I was lucky to not get sexually abused like Bobby and Bunny....not for a lack of her boyfriends and my cousin trying. God, take care of this hurted family and hurted people in this world.
They have some nice songs. Let me say that in life, we should all love ourselves for yhe person we are, as God has made us. Being of mixed nationalities does not limit our greatness, capabilities. That does not go to say what we can or cannot do, will or won't be able to do. As people, we should see "a person" first. Who we are inside is what matters most. Not the color of our skin, or race.
How could a father penetrative their own child that shit was sick.i watched the Bobby debarge story today. I watched this story several time about 2yrs ago. I also listened to the book that Tommy wrote it was so sad. But you know what Mr. Dabage mother told the mother that she didn't know what she was getting herself into marrying her son Robert debarge. It was hard to watch part of the story. I'm just glad the El is OK. With El that sexy sound secret garden it blew my mind with al b sure Barry white. 😅😅😅
The Bebarge family is wonderfully blessed with their talents It's sad the life they lived NO ONE was there for them They did not have the love from the father and the mother ..my opinion Was worst than the father . My opinion is that the mother failed in her duties to protect her kids ...
The biggest mistake that happens with Family Groups (IE The Sylvers, Them, Musical Youth) is that they think that they are going to be the next big thing after The Jackson Five. It doesn't happen. Fame didn't solve their problems it only adds to them.
DeBarge (The Group) didn't get into the music business with dreams of being as big as the Jacksons. In fact, they were ALL surprised when they 1st got mobbed/rushed from overzealous fans after their 1st commercial hit. It happened after a performance. The one in which someone tried to get some of Bunny's hair and a brothers earring. They grew up not having that type of acceptance. So they carried that humbleness into the industry with them. However, your last statement is true. But that's pretty much true for nearly all young folks who become stars.
I really enjoy your videos but it would be even better if you worked on your audio a bit. The interview parts a very low while your narration is very loud. Otherwise A-1 production!
I do too. Just didn't get that PUSH like the Jackson's had. However Randy Jackson was multi talented like the Debarges when it came to playing many instruments and writing, composing and producing
It's much deeper than mentioned. Their father had outside relationships while married for years. Bobby was caught molesting Tommy in a back room of a recording studio
The Debarge children were severely traumatized and criminal acts were done to them also, I hardly call that having demons, they were physically and emotionally tortured. Thank God that they were healed and God brought them through. Thank Jesus for the healing and success, in spite of.
The father is a demon. He leads them into an addicted state. Even though you can call on Ahayah in time of need. There would have been a divine intervention rather than them selecting the dark side.
The Debarges didn’t have “demons.” They had/have what many of us have: unaddressed, unidentified, and intreated *TRAUMA* They used substances to cope and self-medicate , to numb the emotional and psychological and to escape from it. However, I’m thankful for the gifts they gave and continue to give. 🖤🎼🖤
Best explanation ever!
100 percent accurate
El Debarge sounds so good right now♡♡♡
You just explained what demons are but with extra steps
😔🙏💜 heart breaking
What the Debarge children suffered under their abusive father and a mother who engaged in denial was very disturbing. As adults, all of the siblings who had achieved musical success suffered traumatically. Especially older brother Bobby.
Welcome to the hood
What an amazing group of siblings. Sad about their father and their demons. Wishing the best for those who are still alive and fighting the good fight!
Their father’s mom was domineering & racist. She told Etterline that she couldn’t marry her son because he had severe mental problems.
Bobby's voice is out of this world! So sad that drug trafficking took him down. What a loss.
I could SEE Bobby having a nice solo career, leaving the band switch. but it was little brother EL. who was going to be the breakout Superstar in that family.
Bobby was the best! I remember reading somewhere that Berry Gordy said that Bobby was the most talented singer he heard.
The DeBarge family has the saddest story I have ever heard of. Everyone was always speaking bad about Joe Jackson being a horrible father, but no Robert DeBarge Sr was the absolute worst.
Abuse Is Abuse: Irregardless of nature Physical, Mental, Verbal, or Sexual. BOTH of These Men Were HORRIBLE Fathers & Husbands
The mother was just as horrible.
@@FrozenRemix1 AMEN!!!
Absolutely!!
Hey, joe beat the jacksons to fame. Hey it's like the military.
I was born in Detroit, then I moved to the other side of 8 Mile (Suburbs). I was bullied in school from 1st grade to 11th grade. Verbal abuse almost everyday, kept quiet shy and timid. I was afraid I'd get beat up. I grew up in a messy home. More verbal abuse. I was hit , the hitting stopped when I learned about the laws of child abuse at an early age. I think my life would have been worse if I didn't. I tried ending my life several times, I had to get professional help. I understand the pain that family was going through.
❤ Born and raised. I left Detroit over 35 years ago. Very similar childhood. Everyone's passed on now, so I guess that's it...
Thank God you found a way out
They accomplished so much. I wonder if they TRULY know how much they are loved by their fans. Prince and Michael are gone...so Debarge is dear to any 80's pop culture fanatic. There aren't many living legends left. We lost so many.
Bunny is also a prolific songwriter. She wrote "A dream " and led the song. I wish she could've had more lead songs with DeBarge.🤎🔥 They were all very talented. Their story is so tragic 😔🎈
Agreed. She and El had powerful tones that cut through the music and background vocals profoundly.
This explains why this family struggled with drugs because of the emotional pain from their father.
The moma too cos she did nothing to protect them from him.
@@mstate_ exactly.
Absolutely 💯
I met Bobby and el debarge in the 90s in Milwaukee and. I also met the mother and they all were beautiful Amen
Yes right before Bobby died I met them all and they made me feel so special Amen
I can understand the torture they went through cuz my story is similar to what they went through.... I'm so glad that I didn't get hooked on drugs to escape cuz it's so easy ....the pain that you can adore is like an open wound that never heals and even you forgive that person the pain stay with you for the rest of your life
@Tiffany Carroll, wow-thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry for all the pain that you went through and I’m glad that you avoided drugs. Your experience will help guide so many others who are/have experienced the same thing. 💜
@@tiffanycarroll9439 no disrespect but we don’t want a “me too” comment
When I was a teenager I won talent shows singing El's songs. Our falsettos are so close! The entire family are legends! 💯🎙
The mother didn't protect her children.
@@Margit-rn3te BW hardly do
Love the the DeBarge music indeed very good music indeed
Love the group switch Bobby DeBarge can really Love that's group very much indeed
They don't have demons, they have unresolved trauma. People that can't deal with their trauma do drugs or indulge in other behaviors to numb or disassociate from their reality.
The kids went through a lot! With an abusive father and a passive mother they never had a chance.... Supposedly the father finally told Bobby on his death bed that he was sorry and he loved him.
@TragicallyDelicious aaliyah has nothing to do with this 😳
If they made a movie about them it would definitely be a hit
They did! Well, about Bobby really... it's so good! You gotta look it up and watch. The scenes about the abuse are so sad.
I saw Ashley Says So version of their story, part 1 & 2, on RUclips. It’s not a movie, but she painted their story so clearly. She said it’s alleged info though. My prayers are with them always. I went through something when I was younger too.
Yes they have the movie out about there life seen it Lots of Tyms it'z Off the Hook!!
Not only were they abused by their dad but they also had biracial prejudices against them. 💔💔
Yep. They also had "pretty privilege" but they actually had talent , charisma, and work ethic.
They had "pretty privilege" and "light skinned privilege", but they also had a lot of prejudice and hate thrown their way.
Even the family wasn't a haven of peace and love; it was a place of torture.
People need to remember that when they "privilege" measure people, you never REALLY know what people are dealing with. 🌺
I feel so bad for them. I was physically & sexually abused as a girl, so I understand the pain they endured. I thank God everyday for keeping me away from drugs.
Amen.
That's very sad that kids had go through this this very scary
I read Bunny’s first book and their mom was definitely an enabler
Lies lies, lying on the DeBarge boys. They never said their father had sex with them ( the boys). Bunny though told in her book about her father sexually molesting her. But where and when did the boys say their Dad molested them ??? Not true about the boys. If true, who says so ???
And yes she was an enabler especially when she got Bunny back in that house with the father, the rapist, after it was outed and became well known that the father sexually molested Bunny. ETERLENE even had the audacity to say Bunny could be lying. ETERLENE said this after ETERLENE went back to Rob Sr right after it was found out Bunny was molested.. And WHY would a woman go back to a man that raped her daughter. Etterlene did !!!!! what the heck, what was wrong with her .. I gave my sympathy to Bunny in an comment I posted and she responded back.. She said her mess is a message for others to do better.. That touched me.. That was a STRONG point from a STRONG survivor
@@sherrdi6778 in Bunny’s second book, she discussed catching her husband molesting her daughter. Bunny kicked him out. But took him back and they were together for years after. My point? You brought up Eterlene going back to the husband after Bunny told her what he was doing to her. Bunny repeated the same cycle with her own daughter. Just know you gave your sympathy to a woman who repeated the same cycle - staying with her daughters molestor. And Bunny saw the molestation with her own eyes.
@@jacksonstewart5528 YES I did. You bet I did give my sympathies to Bunny and her family. @jacksonstewart5528 . They had a death in the family, DUH. That's quite a tragedy for a family. Only an evil person would hold their mistakes against them at
""' a time like this ""'.. DUH
@@sherrdi6778 my point was you went on and on about Etterlene, not knowing Bunny did the SAME THING. “Only an evil person” lol only an evil person would stay with her daughters rapist. And ONLY an evil person would speak ill of the deceased. You legit wrote a paragraph dissing Etterlene… for doing exactly what Bunny did at that.
Beautiful talented siblings. It's awful how their father hurt them, and mother neglected them.
The mother… that mother mannnnn she pissed me OFF
I understand she was abused too, but I felt she didn’t fight for her children’s peace or hers. He’s sexually abusing his own children my goodness there story always makes me cry.
She had plenty opportunities to leave him & continue to go back to him.
😂 I feel the same way, too.
Yeah keep an open mind that in 19 60 & 74 , it was hard for black people especially a mixed family to get out of abusive sexually relationship, especially the abusive was a white Male. It was hard for their to get outta of the situation, when their got there and yes their have a good house living in andecent experience area.
Meaning all theirs money with to that house.
So yes again it was harder for them to leave that home and she couldn't get outta of being beating by her abusive husband who also a white/ mixed with France Male who was also in the army, he was a soldier.
What the young kids & white going to do against an soldier?🙄🤔🤦♂️.
Yeah anyway their have a hard time, but that was always the case with mixed & black people all have went through. If it's not with the family members it's within the Society . And If its not happening with the Society/ public , again it's with the family, or it could be above all.
It doesn't have to be in the same matter within this family situation in this video but nonetheless it's still be bad.
Now she's unfortunately dead
My grandmother played me Rhythm of the night when I was about 5 (early 90’s) and been a fan ever since
Only way Bobby DeBarge can get away from his father abuse is he died did he could surely be that his story is so sad it's so sad 😢😭
People made so many mistakes in the past learn how to forgive them and move on
Such a sad story 😞
@@oholm09 you don’t forgive ppl who have sex with and beat children. It’s a special place in hell for them.
@@oholm09 Not sexual abuse you damn bozo!🤡👎
It's crazy how they were able to display their talent in spite of the trauma they suffered. They were not able to have a "normal" life due to the trauma. God bless them.
Bobby DeBarge did drugs to escape father abuse only how they can escape the abuse from their father it's very sad i what they had to go through for real though
WE MUST PROTECT OUR CHILDREN'S. 4/7/23.
My stomach turns knowing the abuse they endured and trauma that they’ve lived with. I love the DeBarge siblings and hope they’re receiving the healing they deserve🥺🩷
Bobby was the voice mannnn was it beautiful
Amen
WBPTV. Thank you for this story. It's very sad. Keep bringing great videos. 👍
The Debarge family is one of music biggest what ifs.
Wow, this was a very good video, and a sad one at that. They were all talented. Bobby voice still gives me chill bumbs, but so does El. I believe they would have been bigger than the Jackson’s myself. Listening to those songs took me back, I feel so bad for them. I don’t understand people who hurt children. This is one of my favorite videos from you, it was so deep!!! May those brothers be finally Resting in Peace!
No way bigger than the Jacksons but well up there
Bigger as the Jacksons no way the Jacksons had michael by the time debarge had a big hit the Jacksons were already music royalty there 4 first hits all went nr1 they were compared to the Jacksons because they also were a music family but they only had 1 really big hit they were talented but not in the Jacksons their league who in the debarge group could compete with Michael? Bobby or el they were talented but compared to Michael they were mediocre
Why do people compare? Do they need to be bigger than the Jackson? There are many great people who don't have record contracts and as great as the Jacksons was, they might not have made it. We know of them because they did. Heard of this family but never knew the father was white at all. But biracial people should stop blaming black people for not accepting them as black. They didn't seem to blame the white people who fired their father for being married to a black woman? It shows white dads can be wicked too in that he abused his wife
Porn stars are bigger 😅
@@AS-wj1du context is important. Let's recognize they are talking about growing up in the 1960's and 70's. They can absolutely look to the black people in their neighborhood for not accepting them because they grew up without a lot of resources in a black neighborhood. Blaming racism as it was par for the course during that timeframe. The world was different. I'm not biracial but even growing up during the 80's with biracial neighbors and schoolmates, I can understand their plight because I've witnessed some of the stuff people would say.
Their music had a positive impact on my life...have the best ballads ever secondly you have to love how this family stays together no matter what day dreamin bout the good memories the music their sultry voices seem to compliment each other the debarges is "that family" everyone grew to adore and love we all can relate to them much 💕💖
His daddy was messing with him, his sister and I believe Tommy too. Their dad was a sick man! He didn’t deserve these children. More than likely, Bobby was graped in jail. RIP
This was a great video, thank you for sharing. Love the DeBarge family. It is so sad what this family went through with a father that was insecure and did not know how to love his greatest blessing last and gift from God his children.
If not for the inner demons they could’ve been a powerful dynasty for many generations. I’m still waiting for that Earth Wind & Fire story
Their demons were their parents!!!
I'm glad i stumbled across this channel!💓👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍
I have seen the debarge story so many times and it just saddened me that the father mistreated all of them. I honestly believe this man was prejudice against his own family the mother was abused and beaten on a regular basis. I am glad that the mother finally had enough courage to break free from her husband but these children have suffered so much mental, physical, and emotional abuse and disfunction. Extremely talented family they used the drugs too escape the trauma they had experienced growing up i am sure the mother knew what her husband was doing too her children.
I hear this a lot in many interracial relationships where the father molested the kids like he has a disdain for them being black it’s weird
@@CookWithStephh wow
Who told him to marry her? If I were her, I would've left that abusive Edomite wayyyyy before I would have ever thought about having any kids with that devil.
Mother never took responsibility for letting the abuse go unchecked
It's so crazy how when their early music came out...we literally had NO IDEA what they had gone through in that house growing up. May the father burn eternally in hell and I just can't support the mother knowing what was going on with the kids. Tragic all around.
So many hip hop and r&b artists sampled their music. Wow!! James even did a song with a rapper! They always had some hip hop influences in their family tree!
This video was presented well. You covered each singer individually which explained a lot.
To me El is the best DEBARGE & El is continuing to be the TOP DEBARGE!
I love Switch! I wanna be closer was my song
That's very sad Bobby DeBarge it's very sad how's his father abuse him
It's sad how the father abused all of them.. he was pure evil.
@@Cakerybakeryphx He didn’t abuse El, James, Chico, Carol & Darrell.
@@therealmarlonbellamy, he didn't abuse El either.
@@ombreyarenee3826 That’s right
Wow, this is so very sad- this man destroyed a very talented family due to his own misery and life choices.
What A Amazing, gifted & talented Family group of singers . It’s heartbreaking 💔all the trauma/abuse they suffered. As a Sexual Abuse/Physical abuse survivor I know all too well. Mines started at 10 yrs old & even now at 33 I’m still Finding myself & Healing ❤️🩹 from things I can’t speak on. We can’t heal what we don’t reveal. Even contemplated suicide at one point but I know I gotta continue to fight n press thru
@stephenchristian
❤🩹
@@Just_us-2 I’m still here by the grace of God
I was about 8 years old when I saw Debarge, Luther, Cheryl Lynn at MSG and I remember meeting Melba Moore in the audience. My older sisters took me and we saw Angela Bofill (although she was high on stage), Gladys and the Pips, Stevie Wonder, New Edition ......man life was good. So many memories. Now everybody cries about inflation. Concerts are few and far between.
I read Tommy's Debarges book and he confirmed that bobby was a switch hitter especially once they got to LA
Oh sh*t I thought it but really didn’t see or heard much of that rumor, at the same time I just assume it’s more of the truth….then on top of that it was around the same years people were dropping and dying 🥀like flies ⚰️⚱️
Bobby was EMOTIONALLY CONFUSED because of that "DEM👿N'S" influence.
@@jayskywalker5049
Most people that were raped by the same sex at a young age end up confused about their sexuality.
Sex creates endorphins , regardless to whom you engage in it with.
A few years ago, after watching them on that television show, I had a strong urging to pray a curse breaking prayer for the Debarge family. While I was praying the glass holding the candle near me burst, on it's own. It was the first time I ever experienced that and the last. I feel although they all love God, they have some sort of very very strong holds over their lives. They appear trapped in some sort of desperate cycle.
Wow. How sad
that’s very sad. their generational curse (demons) is strong within their family. all bc of the sins of their father. what a shame. I feel so bad for them.
The Mother had how "MANY BROTHERS", & though she suffered from abuse with that Demon... But to let your CHILDREN experience that😮 & You don't CALl, SOMEONE or try to HELP your Babies,😥 this I just DONOT Understand😡😠
She was groomed from a young age. If she was 17 when she got married, then he had control over her. What is never stated is how did he meet her? Who & where were her parents? Did they need to legally sign her marriage papers? Was that legal for a 17yo to get married at that time in Detroit? What was her upbringing like? For her to get married at such a young age, did she have a stable home with her Parents?
So many questions. I hope they do a movie to clarify this.
Her brothers kicked her husband’s a$$. It was too late & the damage had already been done.
She had no money. And nobody would help her because her husband was WHITE. Lots of bigotry back then. Black women had no rights. 😢
@@Lovely-ff7uv You have some legitimate questions...however SHE Grew Up & "Hot Grease" or Leaving, works better than staying with a Demon Anytime!
From what I understand the laws to marry were different. The legal age to marry back in those days were a lot younger than they are today.
The reality of their lives was a complete nightmare! Growing up in those times biracial and having a abusive parent definitely traumatized these kids! How they were able to still do the things they did is amazing! I hate they went through so much pain and hurt but I understand each one of them. ThOSE are some strong kids! Despite their dysfunction in the home. I’ve always listen to their music growing up! Im a 90’s KID this is my first time learning of their life. I thought they were Puerto Ricans 😂.. thank you all for all you have done! Y’all really set the tone for a special and strong family although they suffered and struggled! My hat goes off!!! I LOVE YALL❤
I truly believe their mother's comfort and her loving words got them through even though at the same time she should have done more to protect them. Because they ALL love their mother affectionately and deeply.. YES THEY DO
It was reported that Robert DeBarge mother told Etterlerne verbally on the phone not to mess with her son because he had mental issues. Etterleene went ahead because she made it about race and thought the woman just didn’t want her with him because she was Black. Now that could have been some of it but no one truly knows. What we do know is that he not only repeatedly SA’d the children numerous times he SA’d numerous of her children. It’s just no way you can tell me a mother doesn’t know. With that said she will have to deal with that before her higher power as she is now gone. The other cruel thing is how it was reported that she repeatedly told them they couldn’t hate him and had to love him because he was their father😢As far as their music, I do say they made it because the world will always have those beautiful songs to sing and video won’t allow their memory to be erased. Perhaps they could have done more together I don’t know. DeBarge and Switch songs are still apart of my playlists and will remain. My sadness is that their still struggling with drugs. I pray one day they will all truly be free.
Wow this is amazing I didn’t know they where creative of all these fire beats they are so talented wow I love their music RIP to Bobby it’s so sad how drugs and abuse played a part in some of them demise they were so talented and handsome I’m glad they introduced us to they amazing music ❤ and I wouldn’t say they could’ve been better then the Jackson idk but no family group touching them but they were amazing family group in their own right they certainly had talent and deserve more recognition and their flowers 💐❤️💕
Love the Debarge family. Every single one of them was talented despite the trauma they had to deal with. Hats off to them ❤❤🙏🏾🙏🏾💯💯
I used to love the DeBarge family they came to California and they let everybody use them from wolfman Jack to Jermaine Jackson way more to the inside story, Randy DeBarge used to go with my little sister Sharon Tolbert they we're so good together.
Chico's debut album was the bomb❤
I still own the album in my collection.
the one he did in 1997 was good too/long time no see...that album sold a million/went gold.
Yes
Last year while record shopping I found the 1st Switch album signed by every member including Jermaine Jackson and was also played on the air for WDAS FM in Philly as part of the DJ Don Juan Banks vinyl collection. I gave it to my father on Father’s Day framed. Still kind of regret that move😢😂😂
Wow I would love to tell my story my Mom left me in the hospital when I was Born and my life Began I understand this family horror. 😢😢
O man I’m so sorry to hear that
That was so sad I can't understand those days it was help to seek help this made me cry blessings to this family
This is so sad. I didn't know this. God them🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Beautiful children and mother. Too bad their Dad was so evil. I was a huge fan of their music. Very talented family.
The mom isn’t innocent. She allowed harm to her children yet you gave her a pass. 🙄
The dad was bad looking . He was just evil as all hell
@@AnAdorableWombat1she was very naive the father started off lying before they went out she was looking for a Robert Barnes not debarge during a phone call he pretended to be another guy
Neither of them were healthy.
Switch is a great example of how shitty the music industry is in so many ways then and now
I know the Mother just died. She didnt protect her children. Prayers to the Debarge Family
This is Absolutely Amazing story of the DeBARGE FAMILY SINGING GROUPS ❤️ ♥️ !!! I LOVEEEEEEE YOU YOU ALL 😘 ❤️
Sad that they use drugs to escape
@Eric Ross, Ones of the best and quickest ways to escape,....trauma. I can't imagine, but when it's just you, maybe it's different, but when everyone, most of the siblings, is dealing with abuse..I'm not surprised at the drug addiction.
Very well done I enjoyed it
Thank you very much!
They had a rough childhood
Very interesting 🤔 that crazy how he did was beautiful wife very sad 😢😭
17 year old is still so young to be paired with a man with many demons and be in an interracial marriage during that time. She probably had no way of knowing he was toxic prior to agreeing to marry him. The father’s demons reek terrible havoc on his family through physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuses. How sad. I wonder if he ever had any regrets or acknowledged his evil deeds. Many people like myself appreciate the musical and singing talents of the Debarge children. Love and Blessings to those still alive.❤
It *wreaked* terrible havoc 😉
The mom is just as bad. She did nothing to protect her children. Not sure why so many black women are giving her a pass.
@@atarbuck3452I read some of the mothers book her mama told her don’t get involved with that guy she didn’t know him plus he was white
One report said that the dad went to his deathbed saying that he never abused the kids. So sad that the Debarge kids never got an apology from him.
Bobby and Tommy left after the 4th album not the 5th
She was a terrible mom and the dad lord I can't even speak when it comes to him
I went thru a lot with my mother. She was physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive towards me. She was very light skinned. And I was like a medium brown. My siblings were also light. I was pretty to everyone except her, my brother and my sister. They would always say or insinuate something deriogative about me not looking as good as them. (Black people are prejudice, too.)
She lied on me to the family. .like taking me out of school to keep the 3 other kids then telling family that I had been shooting hookey, as we called it back then. She had these kids later, after taking me and my brother and leaving my dad.
I used to think, 'she must have some White in her' because she worked me like a slave. I don't think she ever picked up a broom. Anyway, she didn't have White in her. Both sides of my family had Indian blood. Mama's grandpa married an Indian lady. And when she died giving birth to her 3rd daughter he married another Indian. Ma Betsy, we called her. And on my dad's side his mama, Ma Mattie, was part Indian. When her Indian husband died she married papa.
Enough about me.
I love the DeBarge. So hurt over their terrible life. Their White father was a lost soul. It was probably hard losing his family and the White community. He was a weak man with no direction. He just took it out on his family. He saw them as the cause for his troubles.
Though I had it rough, I was lucky to not get sexually abused like Bobby and Bunny....not for a lack of her boyfriends and my cousin trying.
God, take care of this hurted family and hurted people in this world.
Love Me in a Special Way is an amazing song.Instrumental versions are great too.
Loved the band Switch ! I call your name ❤
They have some nice songs. Let me say that in life, we should all love ourselves for yhe person we are, as God has made us. Being of mixed nationalities does not limit our greatness, capabilities. That does not go to say what we can or cannot do, will or won't be able to do. As people, we should see "a person" first. Who we are inside is what matters most. Not the color of our skin, or race.
This your first video that made me very sad
May those who have passed away rest in peace. God bless their family.
Main sample I thought of was Rich Boy lol
I heard Rich Boy before i heard i call your name & the first thing that came out of my mouth when i heard i call your name was Rich Boy sampled this.
I loved that song "You And I" (13:30). My second favorite Switch song after "There'll Never Be." _(10/8/2023)_
I have my Switch album on my dresser. I am 58 and live in MKE
How could a father penetrative their own child that shit was sick.i watched the Bobby debarge story today. I watched this story several time about 2yrs ago. I also listened to the book that Tommy wrote it was so sad. But you know what Mr. Dabage mother told the mother that she didn't know what she was getting herself into marrying her son Robert debarge. It was hard to watch part of the story. I'm just glad the El is OK. With El that sexy sound secret garden it blew my mind with al b sure Barry white. 😅😅😅
The Bebarge family is wonderfully blessed with their talents It's sad the life they lived NO ONE was there for them They did not have the love from the father and the mother ..my opinion
Was worst than the father . My opinion is that the mother failed in her duties to protect her kids ...
The biggest mistake that happens with Family Groups (IE The Sylvers, Them, Musical Youth) is that they think that they are going to be the next big thing after The Jackson Five. It doesn't happen. Fame didn't solve their problems it only adds to them.
DeBarge (The Group) didn't get into the music business with dreams of being as big as the Jacksons. In fact, they were ALL surprised when they 1st got mobbed/rushed from overzealous fans after their 1st commercial hit. It happened after a performance. The one in which someone tried to get some of Bunny's hair and a brothers earring. They grew up not having that type of acceptance. So they carried that humbleness into the industry with them. However, your last statement is true. But that's pretty much true for nearly all young folks who become stars.
debarge and switch. i feel bad for kids. the kids are great musicians.
The best ever..Nobody has come close to their gift and talent. Thank you L.Debarge.
So heartbreaking 💔
U didn't mention King Grand Puba who made I LIKE IT!!!!😮😮
Where is Chico lately? Never see him anymore.
In prison due to dr*g trafficking
Wow! This is a great video
I really enjoy your videos but it would be even better if you worked on your audio a bit. The interview parts a very low while your narration is very loud. Otherwise A-1 production!
Can you do untold story of what's happening
The Debarge's dad looks like George Bush to me
I think they were more musically gifted then the jacksons.
I do too. Just didn't get that PUSH like the Jackson's had. However Randy Jackson was multi talented like the Debarges when it came to playing many instruments and writing, composing and producing
Thanks for covering this story but brother what is interracialnal?
Mary J Blige also remade their song A Dream!
I love El so much ❤
It's much deeper than mentioned. Their father had outside relationships while married for years. Bobby was caught molesting Tommy in a back room of a recording studio
Very sad story!!
The Debarge children were severely traumatized and criminal acts were done to them also, I hardly call that having demons, they were physically and emotionally tortured. Thank God that they were healed and God brought them through. Thank Jesus for the healing and success, in spite of.
The father is a demon. He leads them into an addicted state. Even though you can call on Ahayah in time of need. There would have been a divine intervention rather than them selecting the dark side.
FOR YEARS I THOUGHT THAT WAS EL. WOW!!