Unraveling Bobby DeBarge's Marital History: Who Was His Wife?
Bobby DeBarge, a name synonymous with the smooth R&B sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s, left an indelible mark on music as the lead singer of Switch and a member of the iconic DeBarge family. Beyond his captivating falsetto and charismatic stage presence, fans and curious minds often ponder the details of his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships. Was Bobby DeBarge married? If so, to whom, and what do we know about these unions? Let's delve into the available information to piece together the story of Bobby DeBarge's marital journey.
Bobby DeBarge's Marriages: A Look at the Records
Giving an insight into Bobby DeBarge’s love life, it's understood that he married twice in his life. However, the details surrounding his first marriage present an interesting narrative, with various accounts emerging from the available information.
The Jackson Connection: La Toya or Janet?
According to some accounts, Bobby DeBarge's first marriage was to La Toya Jackson of the famous Jackson family. It's noted that for several years, he pursued La Toya Jackson, even mentioning her song "Night Time Lover" in the Switch ballad "You & I," a song he wrote in response to Jackson's single. This pursuit reportedly culminated in their marriage, though specific dates are not widely detailed.
Interestingly, another piece of information within the provided data suggests a different first marriage: "Yes, he did marry Janet Jackson, becoming her first husband, but that was his height of good times and it was short lived. The couple eloped back in 1984, but the marriage was over." This particular detail adds a layer of complexity to Bobby's early marital history, indicating a brief union with Janet Jackson in 1984. By 1984, DeBarge had reportedly split from the "Jackson" he was involved with, whether La Toya or Janet, before moving on to his subsequent relationship.
Teri DeBarge: His Lasting Love
While details surrounding his initial unions might vary, Bobby DeBarge's second and most widely recognized marriage was to Teri DeBarge, also known as Teri Lee Gayle. Their relationship marked a significant chapter in his life, bringing him two children.
- Wedding Date: Bobby DeBarge and Teri DeBarge (née Teri Lee Gayle) exchanged marital vows on December 10, 1990. Their wedding ceremony took place five years after Teri and Bobby had first met.
- Children: Together, Bobby and Teri had two sons: Christian and Bobby DeBarge Jr. (also referred to as Bobby III).
- Duration of Marriage: Their marriage, sadly, was cut short. On August 16, 1995, Bobby DeBarge passed away due to complications from HIV. This means their marriage officially lasted from December 10, 1990, until August 16, 1995, which is approximately four years and eight months. He was buried in Garfield.
Teri DeBarge is now known as the widow of the late singer and has also been involved as a producer. After her marriage to the late American singer, Teri DeBarge—then Teri Lee Gayle—became well-known, staying by his side before his passing in 1995.
A Glimpse into Bobby DeBarge's Personal Life
Beyond his marriages, Bobby DeBarge's personal life was marked by both triumphs and significant challenges. Born on March 5, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, USA, Bobby was not only a singer but also had acting credits, known for his appearances in productions like "Shaft" (2019), "Punky Brewster" (1984), and "American Bandstand" (1952).
His struggles with substance abuse cast a shadow over much of his adult life. DeBarge's heroin addiction reportedly started in the early 1970s, and later, he developed addictions to cocaine and crack. These battles undoubtedly impacted his personal relationships and career.
Furthermore, Bobby DeBarge's sexuality has been a topic of discussion. It has been mentioned that Bobby DeBarge identified as bisexual. This aspect of his life was reportedly examined in a special episode of an "Unsung" series on TV One, where Bunny DeBarge and Gregory Williams discussed it.
The DeBarge Family Legacy
Bobby DeBarge was part of a large and musically talented family. His parents married in 1953, at the ages of 21 and 17 respectively, settling in a predominantly Black section of Detroit. They went on to have ten children. In 1972, the DeBarges moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the family's musical journey truly began to flourish.
The DeBarge family is known for its many talented members, including Bobby's brother, Eldra "El" DeBarge. El DeBarge also had a complex marital history, having been married multiple times, including to Monique DeBarge and later to Nobuko DeBarge, and has children from these marriages. This family context highlights a pattern of intricate personal lives within the DeBarge dynasty.
Conclusion
Bobby DeBarge's marital history is a fascinating, albeit sometimes complex, part of his life story. While there are varying accounts regarding his initial unions, particularly the connections to the Jackson family members La Toya and Janet, it is clear that he married twice. His most widely documented and enduring marriage was to Teri DeBarge (née Teri Lee Gayle), with whom he shared two sons, Christian and Bobby DeBarge Jr. This union, though cut short by his untimely passing in 1995, was a significant chapter in his life.
Bobby DeBarge's life was a tapestry woven with incredible musical talent, personal struggles, and intricate relationships. Despite the challenges he faced, his legacy as a gifted musician and a key figure in the DeBarge family remains. His marriages, particularly to Teri, provide a glimpse into the personal world of a man who left an unforgettable mark on the music industry.
Teri DeBarge (Bobby DeBarge's Wife) : Bio, Age, Affairs, Sons, & What
Bobby Debarge-Bio, Career, Net Worth, Height, Married, Facts
Who was Bobby DeBarge? Know His wife, Children, Siblings, Death, Net
