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Disco Music > Disco People Index > In Memory Of > Bobby DeBarge
Bobby DeBarge
(19?? - Aug 16, 1995)
Bobby DeBarge (19?? - Aug 16, 1995)
Member of Switch and later DeBarge. Career cut short by conviction for cocaine trafficking. Bobby DeBarge died of AIDS. His brother Chico stated in an interview a few years ago that he believes that Bobby contracted the disease while in prison. He left behind two children.
The photos of Bobby DeBarge below submitted by Renee Russell.
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COMMENTS ON Bobby DeBarge
In our lifetime we are blessed to share time and space with angels and even though we cannot keep them on earth we can keep them in our hearts.
R.I.P.Bobby,God Bless your family,children.Heaven has a Angel you with your great voice...
heavy stuff....
god bless him....
Bernie,
I know that Bobby DeBarge tragically died of aids before his time, but Chico Debarge is the one who spent time in prison for cocaine trafficking, and then reestablished his career after he served his time, and the only thing I have heard him talk about in interviews is his mistake of getting caught up in the drug trafficking. I have never heard him speak of his brother Bobby. If what you are saying is true then they must have been prosecuted at the same time, for the same crime, and both served time. However I have never heard this about Bobby, only that he died of aids. If you can direct me to any information about this I would appreciate it.
Bernie,
I just found this: Bobby and Chico DeBarge were arrested and convicted of cocaine trafficking charges in 1988.
Bobby DeBarge died on the 16th of August 1995, from the AIDS virus.
That is all it said, I would still like more info if possible.
When I heard of Bobby's death I was devestated. I really loved him in the group Switch. they are one of my all time favorite groups.
I really think that chico debarge did a wonderful job on the two cds he did put out when he got of of jail. I miss him, he should come back out. And capricornnoir, I saw chico debarge performing at a club in NY and did a few dedications to his brother. Trust me, he has not forgotten his brother.
Just want to remember Robert Louis De Barge Sr on his upcoming B-day March 5, 2005 '56.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBY RIP MAY YOUR SOUL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! You and Chico may have made mistakes in life but i will always remember the love U shared w/the world in yr music. We fans will pay tribute to U on the airwaves on yr beloved B-day!!! Peace to yr family may God be with yr loved ones.... R.I.P., Twilyt
I remember Bobby He was A friend of mine way back in the day. He used to go with a girfriend of mine named Terry I was very young I think I was 17 at the time they had a small studio in Grand Rapids I remember going there once or twice one time was my birthday and the four bothers sang for me. I remember it clear I was imbarassed . however it was the biggest thing that had happened in my life up untill that point. I remember Bobby
as sweet , nice and from time to time offering words of encouragment . I remember the day he had to go to prison as well he came over to my friend and I apartment just hours away from lock up I remember him in the door way
saying his good-byes to my friend and I ran into my room and got a new penny from a jar I gave it to him I told him it was for good luck and that he needs to be safe my friend closed the door and that was the last time I saw him over the years I would think about him in passing you know whatever happened to. but, never followed it up untill today when I heard somthing on t.v. about the Debarge famliey so I looked the name up on the internet and this is what I find He died....... funny the way life goes. he may have made bad choices but he had a good heart in my opion. sorry to see you go bobby but your always there as a part of my life hope you didnt lose that penny .
i am being involved with bobby's son, he is now 15 years old and is going to be 16 in august. Him, his brother christian and his mother are doing fine. bobby is following in his fathers footsteps with the singing career. he is doing very well. i have been with him for 6 months already. may he rest in peace "BOBBY DEBARGE".
Bobby was born Mar. 5, 1956.
I am very proud of Bobby and his contributions to the world of Music, I am proud to be from the same neighborhood, city and state, that gave him his footing to walk the walk that he so graciously walked. God created the Universe with the use of vocal tones that being said it's fair to say that The voice is the primary instrument, and Bobby played his with the same ferocity that Miles used when he played his trumpet, That Thelonius used when he played his piano, YES, and the list of Truly great artiste goe's on and on and Bobby Debarge sits very comfortably in that company. The World never really got to know the extent of his Genius, for he was not only a Great Vocalist but probably an equally great composer and arranger. I grew up on the corner of Benjamin and Dunham in Grand Rapids,MI. The Debarge family a 60 second sprint from my front door, as a child I always thought great singers and musicians came a dime a dozen becuz my hood seemed to be flooded with them, Bobby and crew just the brightest of the bunch was'nt till I was a teenager when I finally got off the block, far away from home in Boston, Mass. that I realized the effect that Bobby and his siblings had on the World, silly me, I was actually shocked to find people outside of Grand Rapids knew who they were, the little girl I was goin to see had the evidence on her bedroom wall. I say that to say this, it was Bobby and his siblings that gave me the pride and confidence to go after my dreams in life, If they could make out the hood then so could I. Although We are far from being perfect. I love you Bobby for perfecting your gift. May God have mercy on your soul.
One of a kind voice. You will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Mr. DeBarge!
I just bought Switch's Utlimate collection on the internet. Although I am way too young to have been around when they were popular, whenever I hear them or Debarge, it brings up fond memories of my parents in their heyday singing "There'll Never Be..." at get togethers with friends. Switch and Debarge reminds us of a time when family and friends were important. Although things aren't the same today, the musical legacy that was created will live forever. Long live Switch. RIP Bobby!
I’ve just started listening to Debarge music in search of some easy listening music and I can’t believe how talented they are. I grew up in the rap and hiphop era witch seems to be getting old fast. I appreciate their music because it puts me in another place in time. RIP Bobby!
Oh, My Goodness! I just loved Switch. Bobby especially with his angelic voice. My cousin and I listened to Switch all the time. My uncle owned a record store where we would listen to music for hours at a time. Switch was our favorite group. That was many years ago but my cousin and I reflect back on those days even now because we will always, always hold a very dear and special place in our hearts for Switch and DeBarge. RIP Bobby! We will love you always!
Switch, Bobby Debarge...wow! What can I say. When "They'll Never Be" came out, I was a 17 year old drummer living in the Richmond, VA area. I was so influenced by the versatility of those guys. They were giants to me. The falsetto voices of Bobby and Tommy, and seeing Switch live on stage when the group came to town with Cameo. Wow! Here's to Bobby D. When music was made with real instruments, and not just some dude in the studio rapping dumb, thug lyrics over a sampled track. When music was always about having a good time. Rest in peace brotha. Gone, but never forgotten!
I first herd Switch when I was about 14 years old. I lived in Albuquerque New Mexico. My first slow dance and kiss was at a club I snuck into and I bet you know the song that was playing! You guessed it. “There'll Never Be “! When I first heard Bobbie’s Falsetto Voice I new I had to get every song he and his group ever sang. His son Bobby Jr. is still singing and I bet he’s going to make his own mark on the music scene. I’m a writer myself and I ‘m thinking about getting more involved with him. He has a great personality and he is very talented. Keep your eyes open and your ears listening for him. I have a feeling that Bobby Sr. left behind more than just great songs! RIP Bobby Sr. and thanks for teaching me how to sing Falsetto through your wonderful songs.
Peace…..
Many an after school day was spent with my friends singing songs by Switch. Bobby DeBarge's voice to me was unreal with some of those notes he hit ( you try singing the ''A better love'' part from ''There'll Never Be'' and see what I mean.
I didn't know the DeBarge's. I don't live in that area. My story will probably be boring to most of you, but to me, it's a big part of my life. I grew up in Washington state, where the white people outnumbered people of any other race by 10 to 2 (back then, this was true). So the term "sheltered" was definitely applicable to my upbringing. I bring this up because it bears on the information to follow.
It wasn't until I was 18 years old, and started going to an under age dance club called Arnold's, tucked away in a dark warehouse building, that I discovered music in a personal way. I had heard music before, of course, but the majority of it was very white, very boring, and nap inducing, except for the heavy metal rock bands like Kiss... white men in make up. Go figure. hehe Get what I'm saying? So there I was, at Arnold's, first dance club, first time dancing, period. I stood at the edge of the dance floor, and this song came on... it was like magic. The singer's voice was so beautiful that I felt like I was caught up in a dream, from the moment I heard it. The dj stepped out of his box, and walked up to me, asking for a dance. Now remember... I'd never danced before, never been to a club before, and never heard music like this before. I'd only been at the dance club for 15 minutes. He took me out on the floor, held me close, and danced with me, on what felt like a cotton candy floor. The song was "I call your name." and the group was Switch. The singer, of course Bobby DeBarge.
I have never forgotten that moment. Ever. It was one of the sweetest moments in my life up to that point, and remains a beautiful memory for me. I was just a nobody (in my own eyes), and on that night, I became a somebody. I learned to love music. I still love music. I love all kinds of music now (blues, jazz, classical, alternative, and all of that classic pop/disco/rock from that era). It's all because of that one night at Arnolds, that dj that asked me to dance, and Bobby DeBarge's voice. I still have that Switch album on vinyl, tucked away in a box, up in my closet. My son saw it when we moved into this house about 3 years ago, and asked me "Who's that?" I didn't explain in detail, as I have here, but I smiled and he said "ok, I don't want to know." Some things are best kept in a mother's head. hehe
I had to post this after I read somebody else's post in this thread, who actually knew Bobby DeBarge and was surprised to find that somebody in Boston, Mass knew who he was. I live on the pacific coast, in a small city in Washington state. If I knew who Bobby DeBarge was (before the birth of grunge, when Washington became known for our own style of music), the chances that most of the rest of the world knew him are pretty good.
I guarantee you we all knew the voice of Bobby Debarge. Roller skating in Cincinnati at Roller World and USA to "the Best Beat in Town" and "I call Your Name" and There'll never Be" are some of the fondest memories of my life. I loved Switch, still do after 20 something years, as well as Debarge and all it's members. We have not forgotten them. We are still groovin' to their awesome music. There is nothing like it today. I was in my 30's when I first fell in love with their voices and now my daughter is in her 30's and loves them. They hold a special place in my heart and always will. God bless them all.
I too grew up in Washington State. (Kent to be specific) When I was about 10 I realized that all of my favorite songs over the years had been sung by the same family: The DeBarges. I adored the song "There'll Never Be" and as a preteen wall papered my room with pictures of Bobby and El and later, Chico. I thought I was over it when someone recently told me she saw El in DC and I started crying! Now thinking about Bobby's tragic death, Im in tears again. He was a blessing in this young girl's life. Also sheltered in an all white area when the racial lines were thick in the music industry, it was so inspiring to listen to and learn about this beautiful musical family. I love them to this day.
RIP Bobby. There will never be another like you...Love Always, Maria.
Ok I may be a lil younger than the usual fan base of both groups. But i can certainly remember listening to there music as a very small child. Both my parents were very young when they had me Im talking 15/16. And i can still remeber looking in the album chess and seeing a SWITCH album. Funny i alwasy thought El Debarge sang THERE NEVER BE! You go BOBBY "RIP". Im a singer as well and for the longest time i was so scared to use my falsetto voice i didnt think men were suppose to sing like that. But now i know that's ok and actually a very talented effort to do so.Actually it really is a god giving talent becasue most men cant do it. But I was very influenced by the Debarges music Most recently I was maybe 18 around the time that Chico came back out love his voice kinda different from the rest of the brothers. he sings more like me i guess. Or i sing more like him in a sense.But Im very saddened to learn of Bobby SR death. But im grateful most family loose more members but the are very blessed to only loose 1. But never the less i don think it 's important to be remembered as big time slling artists but to be remembered as pioneers and ground setters thats what i think of the Debarge family Groundbreakers and thats enough for me. Props to them !
My first concert was the group SWITCH. Growing up, I had all their albums and no other group could compare to them. Their songs will live on. The song "There Never Be", was a great hit, like many of their songs. Bobbby didn't just get involved with Switch, he brung us The Debarges, then El went solo, Chico went solo. All this sprung from Bobby/Switch. I'm 39 and I still love Switch, Debarges, and El's music. I have my own home, but my room at my parents, still show signs of the love that had for found out about Bobby's death. Rest in peace Bobby. You're not forgotton.
i am originally from the detroit area and love to Listen to old school when people actually sang even though i grew up in the hip hop era I was devastated to find out of Bobby DeBarge's death. Its like losing a favorite uncle. Im glad I've found this so I'm able to express my feelings with people/fans who feel the same way. R.I.P. Bobby you will be missed. But your music lives on as long as there are people listening....
I am so sad to hear that Bobby passed away. Back at age 16...my friend Juli and I were in a record store...and saw the switch album. Bobby was so fine, we had to buy it. Then Switch became a part of us...we were away at boarding school in Albuquerque and would listen to their music by the hour. When we were living back in Colorado...Switch came to Denver on Friday night...then to Colorado Springs on Sunday night. Friday night we had 4th row seats...we were trying to run up to the stage to take pictures and see him closely...but the guards kept pushing us back... On Sunday night at the Air Force Academy we were right up at the stage singing along with Bobby. Those are two of the best memories I have. We always loved Bobby!!! Sad to hear he's gone. But his music and the memories will live on thru his music. I'm listening to I Call Your Name, now...and it takes me back to the time. What a good feeling!!! Love ya...and thanks Bobby
I first kiss was by switch. I was 12 years old and my oldest brother Michael (RIP-cancer) played,There never be. I play switch music everday and at my job. Everytime I play switch songs, I think about my brother. Think you Bobby and swith, for giving music that will last through time. RIP Bobby we will always remember you.
I was sad to hear about Bobby death years ago i was suprised that someone with a great talent and voice like bobby would be gone so soon so young today is Dec 1st AIDS AWARNESS DAY i hope someday there would be a cure for this disease which is now a epidemic especially among the minority race i will always think of Bobby powerful voice and great talent may Bobby rest in peace love always Ernestine
Thompson always will be in heart.
I was a fan of both Switch and DeBarge. They are one of the great singing families of the century.
When I heard of Bobby DeBarges death I was devastated. I tried surfing the 'net early to get information on Bobby DeBarge but I couldn't find much until now. I haven't heard anyone talk much about Bobby's death. But he is in the heart's of a lot of people. I am praying for the DeBarge family.
When Bobby and Chico were released, I had the pleasure of meeting them at a recording studio I owned and Managed called Executive Sound Services & Productions, across from the Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. I was amazed at the unique styles of thier individual production work. Bobby's was more "old school" ala Leon Sylvers and Chico was more "Current stylings" Both were awesome producers. Other members of the family dropped by and helped out. I didn't know it at the time but Bobby was dying of Aids and was very sick and edgy. He passed about a month after finishing his last album. ~ Mike Kelly
hey! i am a big fan of switch i use to date jody sims when i was 20 he was 29. i remember went i first met him in the hawthorne mall @ sam goody record store wow! he was so cute! he was like my summer love. later i got to really know him i met his mom and his mom meet mine. back in the summer of 1979 i invited jody and his mom to my mom job she worked at lapl in downtown los angeles she really enjoyed it. later jody took me to magic mountain i have a cartoon picture of us wow i hope you get to read this jody i really would like to hear from you. i even remember when you took me to motown studio to watch you record one or your song that was a really great summer for me and i will never forget it. also i am really sadden about bobby debarge dying of aids. i also had a uncle died of aids may both of them rip God Bless there Souls. Jody if you happen to read this please write bach i really want to here from you!
May Bobby always be remembered as the total icon that he was. the fact that he was involved in a few troubling situations should never take away or overshadow his true talent. May he and his family always be blessed. Chico will one day come to the realization that to talk about his brother is to bring much uneeded media attention to his brother's name.
Rest In Peace forever. And Happy belated Birthday!!
I am 32yrs young and boy do I remember Switch! My sisters were in love with all of them and probably broke a few of moms glasses trying to impersonate Bobby and later on El. Switch's Ultimate collection is in constant rotation in my car and it on't ever go anywhere. I have long appreciated what all of the debarge's have done for the face of music as a whole. I am from the east coast and they still had the "best beat in town" when it was time to roller skate. Bobby while I will never meet you in person or anyone else in the fam. please know you are and will always have a gift and a place in my heart that have so many memories attatched to the musical explosion you gave birth to. Chico carries the torch but with his his own style that I'm sure you influenced.RIP Friend in the Sky
As a young man @ 20 in the early 80's Bobby DeBarge was an inspiration to me. I come from a family that had a background of musicians and lead vocalists and to me Bobby and the band "Switch" including El played a part of a time in my life. I often copied the way he dressed and styled his hair to catch the ladies back in the day. Well ya it worked! i was always complimented of my falseto and how much i looked and sounded like Bobby, he was the man of love songs and someone you would want to dublicate.
I'm almost 47 now and i knew he had passed in life but never knew of what, when and why till i finally found this site 10 1/2 years after his death. I'm so sad that someone as gifted as he was got lost in whatever he was mixed up in.
He has been such an inspiration to me in my life that i use him as a singing example to my 4 children who are in their 20's now .
May you RIP Bobby and Thank You for all that you have given me.
I have been trying to locate a song sung by switch. I have purchased the best of switch and it was not there. The title is "Something To Remember," I have been trying to find this song for years now with no luck. This song was my all time favorite. I am 37 now and still I have not found this song. Can someone please let me know where I can purchase it.
As a product of the 70s, the group SWITCH was a very important part of my late teen years. There wasn't a house party, high school dance, club, skating rink, or young girl's bedroom, that you didn't hear the angelic falsetto of Bobby DeBarge. I remember at house parties, and the skating rink, the DJ would just allow the ENTIRE Side One to play, and I still get chills today whenever I hear, I WANNA BE CLOSER. The intro alone is smoldering with such sensuality. Ahhh...the good old, fashioned Slow Drag...now THOSE were the days...when music was performed by 800 people on stage(exaggerating, but you get my drift...lol) all playing an instrument and/or singing and turning it
OUT! :-)
Bobby left us much too young, and with a lot more to give, but while he was here, he brought a lot of joy to so many lives, and so many fond memories of when music was MUSIC! RIP Bobby. You will always be missed.
I remember when my grandfather brought me the news article about Bobby and Chico getting arrested. I was so hurt and dissappointed. I loved those guys. My grandfather hated my obsession with the family's music - of course nothing was as good as Nat King Cole or Sinatra in his book - anyway, I was even more saddened to hear of Bobby's death. It would have been great to hear him sing again. "There'll never be be be....na na na na na na..." Love you Bobby!
Hello all
I am the youngest member of the DeBarge family and would like to first of all thank you for your love and support of my family, especially Bobby.
He played a significant role in where we all are today, he was an example of the true art of singing, and will always be the greatest voice ever heard.
He is missed deeply, but he lives on in each and everyone of us.
We find ourselves blurting out the same melodic tones that he did...
I can still hear his soft caring voice...
I would like to address a comment that was left by Felicia about that Chico will soon find out that talking about his brother will bring uneeded attention...
Well it is a good thing to keep the memory of one whome we loved so dear, there is healing in talking about such things, yes one should be careful in who you share your thoughts with, but it simply is what keeps his brothers voice alive.
The negative you will have with you always , wherever you go , do or say, it is something no one can stop.
We have learned that in the business.
So we cope with it and try to change it by living a positive life before the people who lve and respect us.
We won't reach everyone, but the ones we do touch ...What an awesome gift to affect another soul.
Love Carol DeBarge a.k.a. Peaches
I AM WITHOUT WORDS TO LEARN THAT BOBBY DEBARGE DIED. I NEVER HEARD THIS UNTIL NOW (10 YRS LATER). I WAS TRYING TO FIND SOME INFORMATION ON THE DEBARGES AND I SAW SOMETHING ABOUT BOBBY BEING DEAD!! ANYHOW, HE WAS AN AWESOME SINGER. SWITCH AND DEBARGE ARE MY FAVORITE GROUPS TO THIS DAY!! MAY HE REST IN PEACE AND I WILL KEEP HIS FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS.
wow where have I been...I never knew my boy Bobby died...I echo the sentiments of all on here that have shared the good memories they had as young people experiencing the joys and pain of the teen years to the sounds of Switch and Bobby's melodic voice. Right On magazine-posters were the bomb and Soul Train...haha...wow it gets no better...I should start hosting
Right on Magazine parties just so I can reminisce with my fellow peer group from back in the day...sigh...time flies...bless you B.Debarge, the fellow members of Switch and the entire Debarge family!!! Anybody know of Danita parker, cindy cleveland or Aletha Chandler from the Maryland area let me know (Kathy Preston is trying to hook up with you ladies again) I went to Benjamin Stoddard Junior high in Suitland maryland before I moved to Seattle- My dad was in the Army. Sister is Charmaine
First of all peace to the Debarge family(Bobby rip)Can anyone tell me how to purchase Tommy of Bunny's new book.
Bobby DeBarge, Well let me start off by saying that he had one of the best falsetto's I've ever heard in my life. Listening to his voice still to this day reminds me of those good old times in the late 70's and early 80's when you go to a basement party and you know somebodies got to play a slow drag song by Switch. Me personally I would always look forward to 2 slow songs by Switch and they would be "I Call Your Name" and "Calling on All Girls". Both songs are from Switch II. My prayers go out to the entire DeBarge family, due to the fact the the lose of a family member as well as a great singer is a very hard pill to swallow. I know that he is up in heaven making sure that all of the notes are sung in the proper format. I was and still to this day a great fan of Bobby DeBarge. I have almost all of the songs he recorded with the group Switch and with his brothers on the "Bad Boys" CD, but I am still to this day searching for his solo CD, "It's Not Over". I have been searching but have been unsucessful with my search and if anyone knows where I can find this CD I would greatly appreciate it, after all it's Bobby DeBarge....nothing else needs to be said. The great voice, and if you don't believe me.... all you have to do is just listen to "Calling on All Girls".... and then you will know what I mean.
BOBBY DEBARGE WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST SINGER I HAVE EVER HEARD. SWITCH WAS ALWAYS UNDER RATED. SWITCH WAS ALSO ONE OF THE BEST R&B GROUPS EVER. I KEEP THE SOUND OF SWITCH AND BOBBY DEBARGE ALIVE BECAUSE I LISTEN TO THE SONGS EVERYDAY.
THANKS, TONY MARTIN
rip.bobby miss you.
Switch was my all time favorite group, and Bobby was my all time favorite singer. I was blessed to have visited the church the DeBarge family belonged to in Grand Rapids and heard several family members singing gospel as well as pop. Recently,I was playing my "Switch" album relaxing at home one evening, and my children who are all teenagers and their friends who were over came into the family room and loved the music. They asked me to play it over and over and it made my heart glad. Switch sang of love and joy, without the degrading lyrics we find today in rap and R&B. Bobby's beutiful voice touched a group of 17 and 18 year olds in 2007 just like it did for me in 1978. Thank you Bobby for sharing your talent with the world, it still lives on today.
I was in high school when i first heard " I wanna be closer" and immediately I fell in love with the song and applied it to the girl I had a crush on at the time. Everytime I thought of her, that song came on in my head like a music video. I want to thank Switch and all the other old school artists for making REAL music. Not putting down today's music, but honestly, what do today's artist know about making music about love, something you can slow dance to. It's all about money, cars, bling,bling, bumping and grinding and in the closet and other crap. It has made me listen exclusively to my old school music and love it. I pity this generation that doesnt have EW&F, Switch, Cameo, Shalamar, Lakeside, Alex O'Neal, etc. to have music where you can listen to [ and understand ] the words, without the N-word, B-word, F-word and still enjoy it. Bobby DeBarge was/is one of the best singers in the world. I used to try to sing along and I could never figure how he could hit those high notes. Its amazing! That family is just blessed with beautiful voices. I bought every one of there albums [ even the ones that werent that great ] I was so hurt to find out Bobby died period and to find out it was from A.I.D.S. was equally saddening. I was hoping to hear his voice again. Someone should make a movie about his life. Switch was a great and under-rated group. The fact that they would switch instruments and play everything was fantastic! How many bands today can do that- how many bands can even really play? Most either use samples, machines, or lip-sync. Bobby's voice was iconic and he will always be remembered. And whenever I hear the songs he sang, they take me back to a better time. I will always be grateful for that. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire DeBarge family. RIP Bobby,
I am a native New Yorker. I listen to the group Switch all the time. I just wondered if Bobby Debardge was alive today would he stil be singing or be a big producer. He is greatly missed. He had a lot of talent people today wished they had. Even though it is a long time ago that he died his music will be always in my heart forever. He will never be forgotton.
What do say about SWITCH!?!?!?!
Man, they were the end all to be all for me and my girls back in The Day! I'm grew up in Oakland and music and bands were HUGE.
One of my really good friends, Renard Gallo replaced Booby when he left because he sound just like him. Of course, the group was never the same because it wasn't how much the new guys "sounded" or "looked" like Bobby and Thomas, the family/group feeling that you get from people who grew together was gone.
You just can't replace or reproduce that type of sound.
When Bobby passed, it spread like wild fire around California. For us girls, it was like our first boyfriends died. Bobby was the first love for many of us girls in the late 70's and early 80's. He taught us about love, relationships, and how a man should treat a women.
When you wonder what's wrong (really what's right about) some women, blame it on Bobby DeBarge!
We all love and miss you Bobby.
Bobby was an extrodinary talent. There is no one like him and there will never be another. His brother El is the only one who comes close.
There has been much talk about how Bobby contracted the AIDS virus. All I know is that he did not contract it in prison, regardless of what is said. He found out he had the illness while he was undergoing routine medical tests prior to serving his prison sentence. Therefore he was already ill before he started serving his time.
Sadly upon his release, his health wasn't the best but he was able to complete his last solo album.
Bobby passed away in hospice before the CD was offically released to the public.
Rest in Peace our beloved Bobby. You will never be forgotten.
I will Love you Always...
I loved Swtich, God blessed these guys with some great talent. Too bad there is not enough true R and B "bands" today that play their own music. Wish we could bring them back. God Be with the Debarge family. I will always be a fan! Thanks.
I met Bobby, Bunny, Tommy, Randy, Chico and the rest of the DeBarge family - including their mother, their cousins Stanley Hood and Andre Abney - in Grand Rapids in 1974. For a short time, I played in a band with Bobbie (keyboard & vocals), Tommy (bass and vocals), Bunny (vocals), Andre Abney (drums), Michael Johnson (sax). I was the gutar player. We called the band Two and the Family (Michael and I were the only members of the band that weren't family members. Bobby soon left to play with Switch, but the band continued and included another cousin, Stanley Hood on sax. Later Tommy DeBarge and I played in a band that included a host of amazing musicians from East Lansing and Ann Arbor - including Jeanette McGruder who later joined George Clinton's Brides of Funkenststein. We opened a show in Flint for Barry White and the Love Unlimited Orchestra. I'll never forget the day I walked into the DeBarge home and found Bobby playing a Stevie Wonder tune on the piano while his mom and his cousin Andre took turns singing the choruses to each other. The whole family was insanely talented! And Bobby's writing and arranging was absolutely extraordinary.
Bobby's decision to sell drugs, and tragic outcome are testimonies to how the music business always has and still does rips off black musicians. Leaving many of them with few alternatives but to resort to a life a crime.
First, my heart continues to pray for the entire De Barge family. God has truly shinned on this family from up above. Bobby De Barge was and is in his Heavenly home a wonderful,blessed, Unique talented GIFT to his Loving family who were kind enough to share their gifted Angel with the world.
I was actually introduced to Switch by my ex-husband (RIP) who one day fought throuh the freezing Cold blizzard snow of Chicago to a record store in our neighborhood to purchas Switch alblum that featured "They'll never be" back in the early eighties.
We sat up late that night listening to Switch and I fell in love with their music on that cold snowy Chicago evening and I am still a fan to this date of 11/19/07!! I wonder how many people know that the ENTIRE and I do mean ENTIRE De Barge family are amazingly Blessed with unbelieveable TALENTS from up above Ordained into their Souls by Jesus himslf and planted into their lives by their mom Etherline De Barge who has a voice like an ANGEL! I am a dedicated fan of the entire De Barge family! I noticed a post on this site from the youngest sister of the De Barge family whose name is Carol. Carol has a twin brother who name is Daryll,AKA Younge De Barge. Carol and Daryll are also profoundly blessed by God.
Ms. Etherline De Barge was blessed by God with Ten Beautiful children. She has such a sweet spirit which is why the Lord blessed her womb with ten of the most talented people whose music still chart high on the music circut and airwaves.
Due to the recent arrest of El; I have read some rather distrubing comments posted on sites by people whom I am sure shared a part of making this family the world acclaimed ARTIST THEY ARE!! The Bible say's He WITHOUT SIN CAST the FIRST STONE! who can pick up a pebble? PRAY for EL; he is a human as we all are and we all have and still make mistakes. Thank God through his Son Jesus he thought enough of his world to share his gift " The De Barge family with his world! God Bless You De Barge Family and allwho read this post.
Well sure ya might be thinking what would I know about bobby dabarge well grown up as a kid 2 a very young lady you learn from .People who is leaders and 2 me dabagre's family is my leaders if it wasn't for tommy and bobby I wouldn't learn how music is not just a something for fun.But something out of the heart and thats what I learn and also how u can come 2 a women or man without a come here hoe or b****.. But in a good way and because of them I can share my my music with the whole world!!!!Just like dabagre family did and I hope that one day I could do a song with the dabarge family .And also would like 2 say I don't give a damn what people say I will always love ,ya and I know deep that ya are the best and if ya don't know that.That just hurts my heart .......(Crying)!!!!But all I know it would be nice if ya would make a comeback that would make me feel so happy ....!!I pary that ya will but just they say never give up hope cause there's hope....!!!!!Bye take care live life ....!!!
Love,
Natasha j.1993
Aw..... yea we will never for get you MR.BOBBY DABARGE!!!!
R.I.P
WE LOVE YOU 4EVER!!!!!!!!!!
BOBBY DEBARGE A ONE OF A KIND WITH AN UNBELIEVABLE FALSETTO...CLASSIC!
WOW!! I am very surprised at all the reaction to Bobby. Not that he doesn't deserve all this acclaim, he does. It shows me that he had a lot of friends. I met Bobby and Chico when DEBARGE was in Miami performing. They stayed at the Airport Hilton, and visited Club MYSTIQUE every night while here. Bobby seemed so down to earth, Chico seemed pre-occupied by all the women They both surprised me with their knowledge of DISCO music. I am truly sorry he passed away. GOD BLESS.
I loved me some Switch!!! 1979 oh my, such memories! That's the year my daughter was born.
The entire DeBarge family was blessed with much talent - they sang their asses off. Bobby Debarge will be missed - 'cuz There'll Never Be a Better...
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