This was the second time this year that Chicoborn Jonathan Arthur DeBargewas arrested for drug possession . The 15-year-old responded to the reports of her disappearing after a basketball game at her school with a post to her social media account. Tommy was included in Bobby's new band Switch and the group would have success in 1978 with the top ten R&B single, "There'll Never Be". She, Randy, James and Bunny's daughter appeared on an episode of Lifechangers to talk about their drug problems. All Rights Reserved. They annulled their marriage after a year in 1985 after Jackson discovered that her. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The couple married in 1996 but eventually divorced. The two incidents are hardly related..but still. He lets them get it out. Between their struggles with addiction, the crimes they suffered and committed, and the soap-opera-like drama they created, the DeBarges were like a reality-TV version of Requiem for a Dream, only more depressing. This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. As El told the LA Times in 1985, the Jacksons and DeBarges had known each other for years by that point. Etterlene met Robert shortly after her father died. We can only imagine how devastating the news must have been for the family, as social media was abuzz with concern about Abrielle before a tweet relieved everyone. The two incidents are hardly related.but still. DeBarge released his first single "Not 2 Gether" on December 17, 2002. Kyndall DeBarge Sands, daughter of El DeBarge. However, that year he was also a Grammy-nominated artist who said he'd seen the light: "I'm not even thinking about any drugs. Wishing that brotha all the best. Authorities say he posed as his brother James at the time of the arrest. The following year he entered rehab and in 2012 he was busted for allegedly trying to sell drugs. I have one child that I lost to the system when I was on drugs, he admits softly to JET over the phone. Etterlene divorced Robert DeBarge sometime in 1974 after 21 years of marriage. She is an actress, singer, and YouTube personality. In 1972, the DeBarges moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Etterlene's brother, Bishop William Charles Abney, Jr., pastored Bethel Pentecostal Church. Recording artists and groups within the family, DeBarge (Bunny, Randy, Mark, El and James), Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Tommy DeBarge from R&B Band Switch Dead at 64", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=DeBarge_family&oldid=1149628740, Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr. (father; 19322009). In school, Chico's classmates were used to him being poor, so when his siblings started raking in cash, "some kids couldn't handle that," according to Chico. Jackson had a visible baby bump when she was spotted out and about in London, England, in late September, in pictures. Let's check, How Rich is Caleb, American musician Don Newkirk, well known for his work with De La Soul and 3rd Bass, passed away at the age of 56. Keep in mind that Motown had signed megastars like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, the Jackson 5, and Marvin Gaye, to name a few, so that's saying something. Abrielle DeBarge is alive and safe after an Amber Alert was issued for her on Tuesday (January 13). In fact, in 2010 he couldn't even locate his 3-year-old daughter because he "lost" her "to the system" while hooked on drugs. In 1997, he recorded the hit album, Long Time No See. My granddaughter Abrielle DeBarge contacted Detective Sindle of the Burbank Police Department. "She's just always been so extremely private and is laying low, and I just wish her all the best," Perry said. That's not even a slap on the wrist for a wealthy musician more like a wrist massage. Chico DeBarge's son Dontae allegedly murdered in Los Angeles There's no credible evidence that Janet Jackson and James DeBarge created a DeJackson (or JaBarge) together. $20,000 reward!Abrielle Debarge, daughter of RNB singing legend Chico Debarge is missing! The artist reportedly has five kids in all. Then, 2016, happened. [5] Additionally, his 2003 album Free was remastered and re-released (as Free Remastered) to include 6 additional tracks. . Chico DeBarge was also arrested for narcotics possession in 2019 and again a year later in January 2021. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. He was arrested in January 2021 after a relapse. In 1986 El pleaded no-contest to causing a misdemeanor disturbance after a Michigan woman accused him of attacking her. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Thank God!http://meetmagazine.blogspot.com/2015/01/abrielle-debarge-found-daughter-of.htmlI posted a blog and video yesterday informing the internet about the disappearance of Abrielle Debarge, daughter of RnB legend Chico Debarge.http://meetmagazine.blogspot.com/2015/01/abrielle-debarge-chico-debarges.htmlWhen Abrielle went missing, her family wisely used social media as a tool in finding any information pertaining to her whereabouts. Chico DeBarge Wiki: 10 Facts About the Famed Performer - Black Enterprise to help spread the word about the Amber Alert!In fact, the scare became the most popular discussion for the day on Media Take Out!http://mediatakeout.com/264194/amber-alert-somebody-kidnapped-rb-singer-chico-debarges-daughter-police-are-looking-out-for-her.htmlJust hours later, \"The Black Celeb Kids\" website came through with some great news!http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2015/01/14/breaking-news-chico-debarges-daughter-alive-safe-after-missing-person-scare/She thankfully wasn't even gone for a full 24 hours before she posted the following tweet.\"I'm alive, I'm safe. Was James desperate for attention from his ex-wife or the media? According to the family, the. After his release in the mid-1990s, DeBarge returned to Motown to continue his musical career under the auspices of Kedar Massenberg and his neo-soul pioneering label imprint Kedar Entertainment. It featured the single "Home Alone" which garnered some airplay. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. James DeBarge - Wikipedia According to their mother, Etterlene, Motown didn't care about her kids' emotional welfare and eventually had them "fighting like enemies." Fans share the video of Keke Palmer that proved she would be a great mother, Young Thug is struggling to survive in jail, Ne-Yo says he doesnt care what you think of his beautiful baby mamas, Rich The Kid sued by a woman for allegedly hiding a pregnancy for him, Suge Knight claims Dr. Dre did not produce Snoops classic Doggystle, Nick Cannon blames toxic show Red Table Talk for Will Smiths Oscar slap. They would go on to have several more hit singles, such as "Time Will Reveal," "Love Me in a Special Way" and "Rhythm of the Night," reaching R&B superstardom by the mid-1980s. Dontae DeBarge Wiki: Chico DeBarge's Son Killed in California; Facts to In March 2017, he announced he's at work on a new studio album in addition to doing some work on a forthcoming DeBarge family album due in 2018. ), As the Michael of the group, El received special treatment from Motown architect Berry Gordy, who saw El as a budding solo artist. Last month, Jackson and her hubby stepped out again in London, holding hands. Perhaps his problems resulted from alleged molestation by his father, as Bobby's sibling claimed. Abrielle resorted to social media to inform her followers that she was alive, safe, and returning home later.. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 7. Chico DeBarge - Biography - IMDb Kristinia DeBarge, daughter of James DeBarge, was born on March 8, 1990, in California. El's brother/singer, Chico DeBarge, admires El for owning up to his wrongs and making genuine efforts to do right by his children : Also, pictures of Abrielle can be seen below. Hours later, Abrielle updated her Twitter account and let her friends, family and followers know that she's ok. She Tweeted. El Debarge Has 12 Kids & Detailed His Struggles To Reconnect With Them When Abielle went missing, her grandmother, Etteriene DeBarge, rushed to Twitter to inform the public of her granddaughters abduction. ", 1980s PSAs told kids to just say no to drugs, but that was much easier said than done for the DeBarge family. Cheyanne DeBarge, daughter of Chico DeBarge, is an aspiring actress. Daughter of Chico Debarge alive and well! But for decades rumors swirled that the two secretly conceived a child during their year-long marriage. Speaking with Jet, he revealed that at least two of his kids "got used to [him] not being around. Jonathan "Chico" DeBarge was determined not to ride his famous siblings' coattails. & 2023 CBS Studios Inc. and CBS Interactive Inc., Paramount companies. last contacted a friend via text saying that she didnt know where she was and she felt that someone was following her. Robert was four years older, in the army, and white, which made him socially forbidden fruit. You can catch her outside enjoying nature and classical literature. See also. If you grew up during the 1980s, congratulations, you're almost old. James' daughter Kristinia was 19 when Island Records / Sodapop released her debut album, Exposed, in July 2009. Breaking News: Chico Debarge'S Daughter 'AliveSafe' After 'Missing Janet Jackson's Ex-Husband James DeBarge Claims the Two Have a Secret The couple, who had four children together, had two of their children before their marriage, and the singer was unsure if they were his offspring. While everything appeared to be going well for The Girl Next Door singer (save for his incarceration, which we shall discuss later), he was hit by a huge catastrophe in 2020. The Debarges' musical legacy started with brothers Tommy and Bobby, who formed a funk group called Switch. Chico was 18 when he released his first album in 1985. Jonathan "Chico" DeBarge was determined not to ride his famous siblings' coattails. According to the family, the teen was last seen leaving a basketball game at Burbank High School in Burbank, California, where she is a student. Dontae DeBarge Wiki: Chico DeBarge's Son Tragically Dead in California. Ive seen him do that. But the DeBarges also had to cope with the callous self-interest of the music business. However, the case proceeded, and the couple is no longer together. She appeared on 2003's American Idol spin-off American Juniors. Or maybe fame simply provided too many temptations and imposed too few restrictions. I am calling and texting Its kind of hard; they got used to me not being around. He admits, I lost them. Chico DeBarge's Troubled Past: Family Abuse, Arrests & Son's Murder MEET Magazine. Chico DeBarge Arrested For Meth Possession | News | BET El DeBarge Has 12 Kids And Once Detailed His Struggles To Reconnect Janet Jackson and James DeBarge, who were briefly married in 1984, had a daughter together, DeBarge's brother Young DeBarge has claimed on a radio program. After disbanding shortly in 1986, a reinvented version of the group now featuring Bobby DeBarge and excluding El and Bunny, released a record in 1988 before disbanding the following year due to Bobby's conviction of drug offenses. El DeBarge with daughter Bobbie. ". He can't do it now." According to a source, he was stabbed in Los Angeles and pronounced dead at the scene by authorities. He has been married to Andrea Bordenave since December 14, 1996. Her son Bobby, who achieved success with both Switch and DeBarge, did die of AIDS. Sources say she last contacted a friend via text saying that she didnt know where she was and she felt that someone was following her. In 2007, DeBarge was arrested for drug possession in California and later went to rehab. But even if they were, it wouldn't prove that Janet was Tiffany's mom because biology doesn't work that way. DeBarge's Tragic Real-Life Story - Grunge The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The wee hours of this morning were intense for the Debarge family. While some of his siblings experienced success in the R&B groups Switch and D. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Jackson, 50, is now pregnant with her first child with husband Wissam Al Mana. "I was under the impression that there was no baby, and I wanted to believe it's not true. In 2008, Chico DeBarge appeared in the video for Joe's single, "We're Family" off the Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins soundtrack. Unfortunately, the one thing he couldn't seem to do was heal. Bobby allegedly took the bulk of the abuse, but all the children suffered. But he hasn't always been there for them. She further charged that El Debarge turned to drugs partly because "he just couldn't deal with all the people in the music industry" and their cutthroat tactics. At 59 years young, El DeBarge may have a youthful look, but hes got grown man responsibilities. Previously hailed as the creative soul of DeBarge, he did zero writing or producing for his first solo album, plainly titled El DeBarge. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The devil had his chance to destroy me. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. He did not seek custody, but he did want visitation privileges. Kristinia appeared on 2003's American Idol spin-off American Juniors, and later received a recording contract through Island Def Jam Records . And as an almost-fogey you probably have memories of the musically gifted DeBarge siblings warehoused in the cobwebs of your brain. Abrielle is famed singer Chico DeBarges daughter. Janae tells Drew a horrifying story of what her mother's addiction drove her to do. He began a musical career of his own with Motown in the mid-1980s. Chico DeBarge is famous for making hits with his family members in the '80s . Zoe Kravitz & Channing Tatum's NYC Bike Ride Looks Real Coupledom-Like, FAMILY AFFAIR: Keke Palmer And Her Boys Make Their Red Carpet Debut At Atlanta Film Fest, BABY #2 LOADING: Sydel Curry Shows Off Her Baby Bump Before Heading Off To See Her Husband Damion Lee's Playoff Game, Tyrese's Child Support Battle Takes A Costly Turn: Judge Orders Him To Pay Nearly $650K To Ex-Wife & Attorney, Ty Plans To Appeal, Antonio Browns Unpaid Child Support Prompts Judge To Issue An Arrest Warrant, Jonathan Majors Problems Mount As More Alleged Abuse Victims Collaborate With D.A. When Chicos daughter Abrielle DeBarge went missing in 2014, the DeBarge family experienced a brief period of anxiety. "I think that is going to give her a sense of fulfillment that she's never had before," he added. Its a beautiful thing to see El DeBarge doing everything in his power to be a better man and a better father to his children. El officially started dancing to his own drum beat after DeBarge released Rhythm of the Night, but he stumbled out of the gate. A third single (which did not appear on the album), "Playa Hater" was released in 2000. He chooses his words with care. His sixth studio album Addiction was released in July 2009 under Kedar Entertainment Group (since 1997)[3] and included the single "Oh No" which peaked at #76 on the R&B chart. Your email address will not be published. The Jackson 5 and DeBarge were successful Motown acts, and each had a member named Randy. El DeBarge also found solo fame in the 1980s with singles such as "Who's Johnny" and "Love Always" and collaborations on hits by Quincy Jones, Tone Loc and Fourplay. His third album Long Time No See was released on November 18, 1997, to critical acclaim and was preceded by the single "Iggin' Me" which garnered considerable airplay. Let's check, How Rich is Mas Ysa in, Chico DeBarges Life TragediesFrom Missing Daughter to Sons Murder, Don Newkirk A Musician Died At 56 Years Of Age. Chicos life has not been easy since his daughter went missing in 2015, resulting in the loss of a very crucial part of his life. Jonathan Arthur "Chico" DeBarge (born June 23, 1966) is an American R&B singer and musician. He believes that the girl has been adopted. Cher Spotted Holding Hands With Amber Roses Ex/Sons Father Alexander AE Edwards, Cher Hints At Being 'In Love' On Twitter, Fab Mama-To-Be Rihanna Spotted Shopping For Baby Clothes In Target, Fans Notice Shes Holding A Dress, BOO'D UP OR NAH? Abrielle is described as good kid who has never threatened to run away. According to reports, the 35-year-old was found laying on the street with multiple stab wounds. [5] In 2001, a song with Won-G Bruny and Traci Bingham called Nothing's Wrong, The music video didn't feature Traci but James has lip-synced both parts of the chorus, his and Traci's. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "DeBarge brothers convicted in drug case", "CHICO DEBARGE - Addiction - Amazon.com Music", "R&B soul singer Chico DeBarge talks new music before Prince Tribute concert", "Feel Good (feat. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Earlier, Bobby had joined a group as background member for Barry White called White Heat. Im coming home later, Im trying to reply to as many texts as I can right now, tweeted Abrielle on Wednesday. She is known by the name, "Mama DeBarge" or "Mama D" for short. But as the LA Times pointed out, when Chico released his first album in 1986, DeBarge was already a household name and people frequently mistook him for a former member of the singing group. Chico DeBarge Arrested For Drug Possession - VIBE.com Robert Sr. denied ever abusing his family, but something certainly scarred them. In 2011 Bunny's daughter Janae tearfully confronted her about her ongoing substance abuse on an episode of Dr. Drew's Lifechangers. As Entertainment Tonight mentioned, Janet was expecting her first (real) baby. The follow-up single "Listen To Your Man" (reuniting him with R&B singer Joe) peaked at #41 on the R&B chart and at #33 on the R&B Airplay Chart. El DeBarge - Wikipedia I know where they are. The DeBarge singer got. Abrielle Debarge (Chico Debarges daughter) MISSING! A family friend says that Abrielle lives within walking distance from the school and that she has walked the same route over and over without incident. Els brother/singer, Chico DeBarge, admires El for owning up to his wrongs and making genuine efforts to do right by his children : He [El] is very attentive, he is on it. Amber Alert issued for 15 year old. A native of Detroit, Michigan, El was the sixth of the children born to Robert Louis DeBarge Sr. (1932-2009) and Etterlene (ne Abney) DeBarge.DeBarge sang in his local church choir and played piano as a child. His debut self-titled album was released in 1986 and featured the hit single "Talk To Me" (#21 US, #7 R&B). placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', . The dude, who wanted no part of El or his wrench, fled to an RV, at which point El bashed in the vehicle's windshield. And I thought it was wise for me to speak out now because it needs to be addressed. One of 11 children herself, Etterlene would have 10 kids, most of whom became famous musicians in the 1980s. Etterlene's youngest son Darrell released his first solo album in 2005, continuing on the DeBarge name as various members continued solo careers. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=2501894830055909&ev=PageView&noscript=1" Though he hasn't had any solo success since DeBarge's breakup, James is most notable for his personal relationship and short marriage to R&B and pop singer Janet Jackson during the early 1980s. Young DeBarge said the child, named . In 2007 she explained to Vibe, "If you weren't doing drugs, you weren't in.". Who Is The Biological Father Of King Conde? Hopefully, in the long run El will follow the advice he offered fans: "Just learn from my mistakes. Adris Debarge is known for Good Luck Chuck (2007), Who's Your Caddy? El felt lonely without his siblings. Whether it changed Bunny's life is unclear. This page is not available in other languages. Tuesday) around 2AM EST: AMBER ALERT! According to Etterlene's memoir, The Other Side of Pain, her son Tommy, whose funk group Switch had a string of R&B hits, ended up on kidney dialysis. By signing up, you agree to our That's when a violent stabbing incident took place that . El reconnected with his oldest daughter, Adris (pictured above on her wedding day), when she was in her late 20s and he said this about having been a teenage dad: I was in no way ready when my daughter was born. Perspective on Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnigs Relationship. Far too often in life, we're forced to choose between career success and personal happiness. However, shortly after getting out of prison, he was living right and touring as a cast member for Tyler Perry's stage play, "Why Did I Get Married.". However, he was imprisoned for drug charges not long after and served time in prison for drug trafficking.[1]. He was only 35. Would love your thoughts, please comment. (Update 1/14/15: As of 2:28 p.m. EST, Abrielle has been located. Adding to his painful past, Chico's son, Dontae DeBarge was murdered last year. The badgering seemed to work, and the marriage was annulled in 1985. Singer Chico DeBarge's son is believed to have died after he was allegedly stabbed to death in Los Angeles on late Thursday evening, Eurweb and Mediatakeout report. ET has reached out to Jackson for comment. Kristinia DeBarge, daughter of James DeBarge. Then again, one brother's dessert might be another brother's tumultuous marriage. The DeBarge family is a family of rhythm and blues artists from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rumor had it that Janet and James were clashing like plaid and polka dots, and the Daily Beast reported that James was depressed and on drugs. The 26 Best Walmart Deals to Shop This Weekend, EXCLUSIVE: Tyler Perry Talks Janet Jackson Pregnancy: 'I'm Excited for Her'. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', CIARA AND RUSSELL WILSON THROW DAUGHTER AN EPIC BRITHDAY PARTY, PREGNANT RIHANNA STUNS IN BLACK AND WHITE FUR LOOK, KEKE PALMERS BABY BOY MAKES HIS RED CARPET DEBUT, KYLIE JENNER HINTS HER DAUGHTER MADE HER RETHINK COSMETIC SURGERY AND BEAUTY STANDARDS, SWEET SIBLINGS: QUINCY BROWN AND HIS SISTERS. But her manager wanted to cultivate the image of nasty Janet, not a carnally unavailable married woman. After leaving DeBarge for a solo career in 1986, El DeBarge had modest success as a solo artist peaking with the hit "Who's Johnny" and finding fame as a featured vocalist on several hip-hop and quiet storm-leaning R&B productions including most prominently "Secret Garden" with Quincy Jones and his cover of Marvin Gaye's "After the Dance" with Fourplay. As reported by Jet, the 25-year-old singer had allegedly "pulled her hair, dragged her to the floor, and hit her"when she refused his advances at a hotel. An eighth DeBarge, Chico, made waves as a solo act but was considered a part of the larger DeBarge constellation. He is reaching out to them and communicating with them on all levels. Chico DeBarge was arrested in 2007, following which he went to treatment, and later in 2009, through his sixth album, Addiction, he admitted to being addicted to heroin, cocaine, and medicine. In 2012 CBS reported that Mark, James, and El were all arrested for unrelated cases of drug possession. How to Watch King Charles' Coronation Live in the U.S. Dontae DeBarge was found murdered on April 2, 2020. Thank God! Robert and Etterlene have dozens of grandchildren, several of whom are involved in the entertainment industry. He is trying to make up for what he didnt do and give them what he can right now, Chico told Jet Magazine. Etterlene DeBarge Bio, Wiki, Age, Birthday, Husband - Wothappen In 2010 El met with his daughter Kendall for the first time in 15 years. Since the release of "Addiction," Chico DeBarge had been sober and touring while recording a new CD. Chico DeBarge was born into one of America's most influential musical families. Younger brother Chico became a solo success first with his 1986 dance-pop single, "Talk to Me," and then after a stint in prison, with more soulful singles such as "Iggin' Me" and "No Guarantees." Chico DeBarge Busted for Drugs Again, Told Cops He Was His Brother - TMZ What gives me so much joy and so much pride right now at this point in our lives is to just watch him and be able to see him sober and happy, so happy and whole. El's brother/singer, Chico DeBarge, admires El for owning up to his wrongs and making genuine efforts to do right by his children : We're happy it worked out and that Abrielle is safe. Bobby grew paranoid and distant from his family as his health declined. Given enough time, everyone's body will break down and eventually stop working altogether. Chico DeBarge, the younger brother of the Motown-famous family act, lost his oldest son in a tragic circumstance. Chico DeBarge. The "Rhythm Nation" singer eloped with DeBarge in 1984, but the marriage was annulled in 1985. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 's Office + Lawyer Files Video Evidence Of Accuser Unhurt After Alleged Attack, BLACK ROYALTY:QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY, Marques Houston Under Fire For Controversial Dating Remarks, Labeling Women His Age & Single Mothers As 'Red Flags, PREVIOUS: Regina Hall & Gabrielle Union PROMOTE "With This Ring" On "EXTRA" + Angela Bassett TALKS 'Whitney' On "GMA" & "Nightline", NEXT: Frank Ocean Shows Brad Pitt Love During 1st Performance In 3 Years + Lil Wayne Is Still Beyond PISSED At Birdman + Solange Headlines Paris Festival, EXCLUSIVE: Queens Court Hosts Holly Robinson Peete & Rodney Peete Share Relationship Lessons Learned From Magic Johnson & Samuel L. Jackson's Marriages, EXCLUSIVE: Idris Elba On The Emotional Toll Of Playing Luther, Reveals His Toughest Scene Yet, EXCLUSIVE: Power Book II Star Larenz Tate Reflects On Why The 90s Were So Special For Black Cinema & The Possibility Of Sequels, WEEKEND FOOLERY: Ye Blasts Kim K Over North Again & Pete Davidson Savagely CLAPS BACK + Kanye Threatens D.L. Abrielle Debarge FOUND! Daughter of Chico Debarge alive and - YouTube Not according to his mother and some woman named Tiffany. More on the mysterious development inside. TVOne re-aired the DeBarge episode of "Unsung" last week and days later, Chico DeBarge's 15-year-old daughter went missing. (Heck, he kind of sounded like Michael with a slight cold. Most known for writing the hits "I Like It" and "A Dream" She now records independently as a gospel artist. Described by Vibe as "a tortured soul" with an attractive exterior, Bobby sunk into heroin addiction and never resurfaced. Fellow DeBarge member Randy allegedly contracted incurable illness. As if that wasn't ominous enough, the singer also confessed to fighting some of his multiple personalities before adding, "I don't enjoy some of them and I know other people don't enjoy them either." Eight of the 10 DeBarge siblings had music careers while all nine Jacksons had solo hits. March 2015). DeBarge has four children from his first marriage, and the rest are from his past relationships. It's easy to spot similarities between the DeBarges and the Jacksons (yes, those Jacksons). Tiffany contacted Mamma DeBarge claiming to be her not-so-mythical granddaughter. In 1981 Bobby and his brother Tommy left Switch and started to mentor their younger siblings in the group DeBarge. Abrielle Debarge FOUND! He blamed his lack of involvement on a failed romance, but it wasn't his only source of sadness. [3] Robert met Etterlene Abney (born 1935), who is African American, in Detroit, Michigan, in the early 1950s. Chico DeBarge proved he could stand on his own as a musician, temporarily venturing away from the family business to record his self .