Unraveling Bobby DeBarge's Marriages: A Look At The Love Life Of A Music Legend
Bobby DeBarge, a name synonymous with soulful harmonies and the smooth sounds of groups like Switch and later, DeBarge, left an indelible mark on the music industry. Beyond his undeniable talent, Bobby's personal life was a tapestry woven with fame, passion, struggle, and ultimately, tragedy. Fans and music historians alike often wonder about the man behind the music, particularly his romantic entanglements. So, who did Bobby DeBarge marry, and what were these relationships like?
Bobby DeBarge's journey through love was as complex and tumultuous as his life itself. He was known to have been married twice, with other significant relationships that colored his narrative. Let's delve into the details of his most notable romantic connections.
The Pursuit of La Toya Jackson and the Brief Marriage to Janet Jackson
Before settling down, Bobby DeBarge had a well-documented pursuit of another member of the iconic Jackson family: La Toya Jackson. For several years, he reportedly pursued La Toya, even referencing her song "Night Time Lover" in the Switch ballad "You & I," a song he penned as a direct response to her single. While their relationship was significant, it never culminated in marriage. By 1984, DeBarge had split from La Toya Jackson.
It was also in 1984 that Bobby DeBarge made a surprising and rather famous marital move. Yes, he did marry none other than Janet Jackson, who would later become a global superstar in her own right. Their union was a whirlwind affair, with the couple eloping. This period is often cited as the height of Bobby's good times, a moment of joy and apparent stability. However, this high was short-lived. Their marriage was over almost as quickly as it began, marking Janet Jackson's first marriage.
Teri DeBarge: The Last and Most Enduring Marriage
After his brief marriage to Janet Jackson and his split from La Toya, Bobby DeBarge found a more lasting connection with Teri Lee Gayle, who would become Teri DeBarge. Their relationship blossomed, and they exchanged marital vows on December 10, 1990. The wedding ceremony took place five years after Teri and Bobby had first met, indicating a period of courtship and a deeper bond than his previous, more impulsive marriage.
At the time of their marriage, there was a significant age difference between them; Teri was just fifteen years old, while Bobby was in his early 30s. Despite this, the available information suggests they shared a genuine connection. Bobby DeBarge's wife was indeed Teri DeBarge (née Teri Lee Gayle), and together they welcomed two sons into the world: Christian and Bobby DeBarge Jr. (also known as Bobby III). These children became an important part of Bobby's life, offering him a sense of family and legacy.
Their marriage, though officially lasting six years, was tragically cut short. On August 16, 1995, Bobby DeBarge died of complications from HIV/AIDS. He was buried in Garfield. Teri DeBarge became known as the widow of the late singer, and she continued to be a significant figure in the DeBarge family's story. Sadly, Teri DeBarge herself passed away more recently, leaving behind her profound impact on the industry and the DeBarge family.
Other Significant Relationships and Personal Struggles
Bobby DeBarge's life was undeniably complex, and his romantic relationships were no exception. Despite his marriage to Teri, tales circulated about other significant connections. Notably, there are accounts of a three-year relationship with a man named Tony, with whom Bobby reportedly shared a California condo before his death. This relationship also ended tragically, as Tony's life mirrored Bobby's in more ways than one—he also died of AIDS, a year or two after Bobby, around 1996 or 1997. Some believed Bobby married Teri with the intention of presenting a certain image or for reasons beyond traditional romance, perhaps to navigate the societal pressures of his time, though this remains a circulating belief rather than a confirmed fact.
It's also important to acknowledge that Bobby DeBarge's personal life was heavily impacted by his struggles with addiction. His heroin addiction began in the early 1970s, and later, he developed addictions to cocaine and crack. These struggles undoubtedly put immense strain on his relationships and overall well-being, contributing to the tragic trajectory of his life.
A Note on the DeBarge Family Marriages
To avoid confusion, it's worth clarifying that Bobby's marital history is distinct from that of his famous brother, Eldra "El" DeBarge. El DeBarge has been married multiple times, notably to Monique DeBarge and later to Nobuko DeBarge, and has children from these marriages. Bobby, however, officially married twice.
Furthermore, the foundation of the DeBarge family itself came from the marriage of Bobby's parents, Robert and Etterlene DeBarge. They married in 1953 when Robert was 21 and Etterlene was 17, settling in a predominantly Black section of Detroit. They had ten children, and in 1972, the family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Etterlene recounted that Robert was very jealous, indicating that complex relationship dynamics were perhaps a part of the family's fabric from its very roots.
In Conclusion
Bobby DeBarge's love life was a poignant reflection of his journey: marked by moments of intense passion, fleeting joy, and profound sorrow. He officially married twice: first, a brief and widely publicized elopement with Janet Jackson in 1984, and later, a more enduring union with Teri Lee Gayle (Teri DeBarge) on December 10, 1990, with whom he had two sons, Christian and Bobby III. While his marriage to Teri provided him with a family and lasted until his untimely death in 1995, his life was also touched by other significant, and sometimes tragic, relationships and the pervasive shadow of addiction. Bobby DeBarge's story is a powerful reminder of the complex interplay between fame, personal struggles, and the search for love and belonging.
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