John Allen DeBarge Sr. was an influential figure in the music industry and a beloved father, grandfather and friend to many. Born in 1932 to a French-English father and a Black American mother, he was raised in the small city of Royal Oak, Michigan.
DeBarge Sr. was a talented musician, playing piano and guitar at the local church with his mother and siblings. He eventually joined the United States Army where he served for four years before returning to civilian life. After leaving the service, DeBarge Sr. returned to Michigan where he met his future wife Etterlene Abney DeBarge. Together they raised their children as part of Detroit’s famed “Motown sound” scene, although they also faced hardships due to Robert’s domineering behavior and physical abuse towards Etterlene.
Despite these difficulties, DeBarge Sr. found success in the music industry as a songwriter for Motown Records, penning classics such as “My Girl” for The Temptations and “Just Seven Numbers (Can Straighten Out My Life)” for Four Tops aong other hits. He also mentored his five children who went on to form their own successful group called DeBarge that released several popular albums throughout the 1980s such as In A Special Way and Rhythm of The Night which included classic hits like “Who’s Holding Donna Now?”
Sadly, DeBarge Sr.’s success was short lived due to his struggle with drug addiction which led him back into military service briefly before his death in June 2022 at age 89 surrounded by family. His memory will live on through his five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who continue to honor him through their music today.
The Fate of the Father of the DeBarge Family
On June 25, 2022, the DeBarge family sadly announced the passing of their beloved father, John Allen DeBarge Sr., at the age of 89. He was a loving father and grandfather to his family, and a friend to all whose lives he touched. His memory will be cherished by those who knew and loved him.
The Ethnicity of the DeBarge Father
Yes, Robert DeBarge Sr., the father of the individual in question, was indeed white. He is reported to have had a domineering and physically abusive nature, which may have been a contributing factor in his son’s decision to turn to drugs.
The Race of the DeBarge Father
The DeBarge father, Robert Louis DeBarge Sr., was of mixed race heritage. His father was of French and English descent while his mother was a Black American. Thus, Robert Louis DeBarge Sr. had both African American and European ancestral roots, making him of mixed race.
Janet DeBarge’s Baby Father
Janet Jackson did not have a baby with James DeBarge. The rumors circulating in the ’80s were false; there was no child born from the couple’s marriage. The rumor had likely come about due to Janet’s abrupt departure from her husband shortly after their wedding, and her refusal to speak on the subject for years.
The DeBarge Brothers’ Imprisonment
The DeBarge brothers went to jail for their involvement in a drug conspiracy. Jonathon ″Chico″ DeBarge, the youngest of the siblings, drew five years and eight months in prison for conspiring to bring 2.2 pounds of cocaine into Michigan from California. The other DeBarge brothers, James and El, were sentenced to five years in prison as well for their part in the drug trafficking scheme.
The Abuse Experienced by the DeBarge Family
The DeBarge family suffered from severe physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their father, Robert Louis DeBarge Sr. He physically abused his wife and children, and he sexually abused his daughter Bunny as well as several of his other children. This abusive behavior continued until 1971, when his wife finally left him.
Exploring the Racial Background of the Debarges
Yes, the Debarges are a biracial family. They are made up of 8 boys and 2 girls, including Bunny, El, Randy, Mark and James. Their father is white, while their mother is black. This makes them a mixed race family, as both African-American and Caucasian heritage are represented within the group. The Debarges have been successful in the music industry and have been inspiring biracial families since they left home from Detroit by way of Grand Rapids, Michigan to Los Angeles in search of success.
The DeBarge Daughter Who Appeared on Growing Up
The DeBarge daughter who was featured on Growing Up DeBarge was Kyndall Ferguson. Kyndall is the daughter of El DeBarge and Tracey Ferguson, and was born in 1991. She firt appeared on the show in its first season and has been a regular cast member ever since. On the show, Kyndall has reconnected with her biological father, as well as her half-sister Kristinia, who is also El’s daughter from a different relationship. Kyndall has talked openly about her struggles with her identity growing up without her father, and how she is working to come to terms with that part of her life. Her journey over the past few seasons has been one of self-discovery and healing, which viewers have watched unfold on Growing Up DeBarge.
Is the DeBarge Family of Hispanic Descent?
No, the DeBarge family is not of Hispanic or Latino descent. Although Etterlene DeBarge, the matriarch of the family, married a Puerto Rican man named George Rodriguez in 1974 following her divorce from Robert DeBarge, this does not mean that the DeBarge family is of Latin American heritage. The marriage between Etterlene and George Rodriguez was Etterlene’s second marriage and had no effect on the ethnicity of the DeBarge family.
The Tragic Death of a DeBarge Brother Due to Drug Use
Robert Louis “Bobby” DeBarge, Jr. was the DeBarge brother who died from drugs. Bobby was born in 1955 and was the oldest of the nine DeBarge siblings. He had a successful career as a musician, beginning with his group Switch in 1976 and later becoming a solo artist. Unfortunately, Bobby’s personal life was plagued by substance abuse issues which eventually led to drug trafficking charges in 1988. This downward spiral continued until his death on August 16, 1995 at the age of 39, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The cause of death was reported to be complications due to drug use.
Conclusion
John Allen DeBarge Sr. was a loving father, grandfather, and friend who will be greatly missed. Despite coming from a troubled background of physical abuse and substance abuse, he put his family first and strived to create a loving home for them. He was a loyal man who dedicated himself to providing for his family and protecting those he loved. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him best.
