The Enduring Legacy Of Bobby DeBarge: A Look At His Wives And Children
Bobby DeBarge, a name synonymous with the smooth R&B sounds of the 1970s and 80s, left an indelible mark on the music industry. As the lead singer of the Motown funk group Switch, his incredible falsetto captivated audiences and set a high bar for vocalists. Beyond his musical prowess, Bobby DeBarge's personal life, particularly his relationships and family, was a significant part of his story. While his career was marked by dazzling highs, his private world navigated complex challenges and ultimately, enduring love. This article delves into the details of Bobby DeBarge's marital life and the children who carry on his name, offering a glimpse into the man behind the legendary voice.
Bobby DeBarge's Marital Journey: More Than Just Music
Bobby DeBarge's romantic life was as dynamic as his music. The late singer was known to have married twice, a testament to his search for companionship and stability amidst the demanding world of entertainment and his personal struggles. His relationships, though sometimes turbulent, were a vital part of his life's narrative.
The Early Years and First Marriage
Before his most publicized marriage, Bobby DeBarge had other significant relationships. The provided information indicates that he "married twice in his life. He was first married to the Jackson." While specific details about this first marriage are not extensively provided in the available data, it signifies an earlier commitment in his life. Furthermore, in the late 1970s, Bobby DeBarge also had a notable romantic relationship with LaToya Jackson, a connection that garnered attention given both their prominent family names in the music world. These early romantic entanglements set the stage for his later, more enduring union.
Teri DeBarge: Love, Stability, and Legacy
Bobby DeBarge's most well-known marriage was to Teri DeBarge, born Teri Lee Gayle. Their relationship blossomed over a few years before they decided to tie the knot on December 10, 1990. Their union brought a much-needed sense of stability into Bobby's life, which was often described as a rollercoaster due to his personal battles. They spent six years together, a period that saw them navigate life's complexities side by side, until Bobby's untimely death from AIDS in 1995.
Teri DeBarge is much more than just Bobby's widow; she has become a significant figure in preserving his memory and legacy. She is recognized as a producer and was an executive producer for "The Bobby DeBarge Story," a project that brought his life story to a wider audience. Teri's role extends beyond professional endeavors; she is seen as a family caretaker and a preserver of the DeBarge family values. Her quiet resilience and unwavering determination have been instrumental in ensuring Bobby's story continues to be told accurately and respectfully. Interestingly, there are speculations that El DeBarge's ex-wife, Monique DeBarge, may have played a role in facilitating Teri and Bobby's initial relationship, highlighting the interconnectedness within the broader DeBarge family circle.
The Children of Bobby DeBarge: Carrying on the Name
From his marriage to Teri DeBarge, Bobby was blessed with two sons. These children represent the direct continuation of his lineage and legacy, ensuring that the DeBarge name, so famous in music, lives on through another generation.
Christian and Bobby DeBarge Jr.
Bobby and Teri DeBarge welcomed two boys into their lives:
- Christian DeBarge: As the elder son, Christian holds a special place in the family. The available information indicates that Christian is currently married to an Asian woman, suggesting he has built his own family life.
- Bobby DeBarge Jr.: Named after his famous father, Bobby DeBarge Jr. carries the weight and pride of his father's legacy. While less is publicly known about his current life, his name serves as a constant reminder of the musical icon.
These two sons are the direct descendants of Bobby DeBarge, embodying a living connection to his personal story and the enduring DeBarge family narrative. Their existence is a testament to the personal life Bobby built away from the stage lights.
The DeBarge Family Tree: Roots of a Musical Dynasty
To truly understand Bobby DeBarge, one must appreciate the rich tapestry of the DeBarge family, a name synonymous with musical talent and a complex family history. Bobby was part of a large and influential family, many of whom also ventured into the music industry.
Robert Louis DeBarge Sr. and Etterlene Abney
Bobby DeBarge was born Robert Louis DeBarge Jr. His parents were Robert Louis DeBarge Sr. (1932–2009) and Etterlene Abney (1935–2024). Robert Louis DeBarge Sr., who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, was of French and English descent, with his grandfather Arthur DeBarge having immigrated from France. Etterlene Abney was African American. They met in Detroit in the early 1950s and married in 1953 when Robert was 21 and Etterlene was 17. They settled in a predominantly Black section of Detroit, where they began to build their large family.
Together, Robert Sr. and Etterlene had ten children, a remarkable brood that would later produce several musical talents. The DeBarge children were:
- Bunny DeBarge
- Bobby DeBarge (the subject of this article)
- Tommy DeBarge
- Randy DeBarge
- Marty DeBarge
- El DeBarge
- James DeBarge
- Chico DeBarge
- Carol DeBarge
- Darrell DeBarge
The DeBarge children were born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a city that also saw some of Bobby's personal struggles, including an arrest alongside his younger brother Chico DeBarge and two other accomplices.
The DeBarge Legacy Beyond Bobby
While Bobby DeBarge was a pioneer with Switch, the DeBarge family's musical influence extended far beyond him. Siblings like El DeBarge went on to achieve significant fame as part of the group DeBarge, further cementing the family's place in R&B history. The sheer number of talented individuals from this one family underscores the unique environment they grew up in, fostering creativity and a deep connection to music. This familial background provided both a foundation for Bobby's talent and a complex backdrop to his life.
Bobby DeBarge's Life and Struggles
Bobby DeBarge's life was a testament to immense talent intertwined with profound personal struggles. As the lead singer of Switch, his "amazing falsetto" became his signature, earning him widespread acclaim. However, behind the dazzling performances, Bobby was battling his own demons, which made aspects of his life, including his relationships, challenging. These struggles ultimately led to his tragic passing. Bobby DeBarge died of AIDS in 1995, a heartbreaking end to a life filled with both extraordinary musical gifts and significant personal pain. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities that can lie beneath the surface of public figures.
In summary, Bobby DeBarge's life was a vibrant mosaic of musical genius, complex relationships, and personal battles. His marriages, particularly to Teri DeBarge, provided moments of stability and love, while his children, Christian and Bobby Jr., ensure his direct legacy continues. Rooted in a large and musically gifted family, Bobby's journey was unique yet emblematic of the challenges faced by many artists. Through the efforts of his loved ones, especially Teri, his story and musical contributions continue to resonate, reminding us of the man behind the unforgettable voice.
Final Summary: Bobby DeBarge, the iconic falsetto singer of Switch, had a multifaceted life marked by talent and personal struggles. He married twice, most notably to Teri DeBarge (née Teri Lee Gayle) on December 10, 1990, with whom he had two sons, Christian and Bobby DeBarge Jr. Teri has since become a key figure in preserving his legacy as a producer and family caretaker. Bobby was one of ten children born to Robert Louis DeBarge Sr. and Etterlene Abney, a family renowned for its musical talent. His life, though cut short by AIDS in 1995, left an enduring mark on music and continues through his family.
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Teri Debarge - (Bob Debarge's Wife) - Where is she now?
