God is Good all. John Debarge married Frances who was born circa 1904 in Illinois. El was born in Detroit, Michigan, the sixth child of Robert Louis DeBarge Sr. Mama Etterlene DeBarge talking about MJ's Death: 'Mama D,' the DeBarge music family's matriarch, knows of Jackson family's pain | MLive. Etterlene “Bunny” DeBarge, an American soul singer-songwriter, nowadays lives in Detroit, Michigan, U. She lives in Michigan after moving from California. Private. They include: Bobby DeBarge III. They married when. Now, his younger brother El DeBarge released an emotional statement: And so it is that on October 21, 2021, I had to say farewell to one of the. Discover Etterlene DeBarge's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Etterlene DeBarge Need my kids. They married in 1953, with Robert being 21 and Etterlene going on 18. They became famous for their music. Jackson said that. James DeBarge's parents are Etterlene DeBarge and Robert DeBarge Sr. Randy DeBarge is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. The premiere of TV One’s “The Bobby DeBarge Story” is finally airing June 29, 2019 at 8 pm, so to celebrate, actors Roshon Fegan, Tyra Ferrell, Adrian Marcel, Blue Kimble and Big Boi chatted with us. James DeBarge was born to parents Etterlene Abney DeBarge and Robert Louis Debarge Sr on August 22, 1968. RT @MUTHAKNOWS: Now, Etterlene DeBarge, the mother of Janet's first husband James DeBarge, has turned that rumor on its head. In the post, Etterline writes, “Rest peacefully in Heaven, Dearest Thomas DeBarge. The group had a number of hits, including “Rhythm of the Night” and “Who’s Johnny”. Last Updated: March 2023. Her book is a lot about how dysfunctional her home life was. She is well-recognized by her song 'A Dream'. Talking about her crazy husband. See more of Etterlene Debarge's Talented Grandchildren on Facebook. My take on the TV one movie: The Bobby Debarge Story. A post shared by Bunny DeBarge. The DeBarges. The family’s mind-blowing hattrick in drug abuse and physically abusive behavior has really made a gold record after all along with lots of DeBarge family’s police mugshot. 8 Chico DeBarge. Bunny is the mother of four children and a grandmother of fifteen and still lives in Michigan, having moved back to Grand Rapids after years living in California. As a big fan of the DeBarge family: Switch (Bobby and Tommy), DeBarges (Bunny, James, El, Mark, and Randy), and later Chico DeBarge, I have to admit that I often wondered what had happened to the family. Find out about Robert DeBarge & Etterlene DeBarge Rodriguez Relationship, children, joint family tree & history, ancestors and ancestry. Image Source: Pinterest. She parents four children and is a grandmother of fifteen. As being the oldest of the Debarge kid and being the only girl for most of her life she went through a lot. Roshon Fegan, stars as Bobby DeBarge, eldest sibling to the acclaimed pop group DeBarge, and lead singer of 70s R&B/Funk band, Switch, in the forthcoming TV One original biopic, "The Bobby DeBarge. Etterlene DeBarge Children. . In March 2017, James' sister Bunny DeBarge wanted to clear the air, so she reached out to Inside Edition, where all the classy air cleaning happens. Switch member Tommy DeBarge has passed at the age of 64. Еldrа Раtrісk DеВаrgе, рrоfеѕѕіоnаllу knоwn аѕ Еl DеВаrgе, іѕ а fаmоuѕ ѕіngеr, ѕоngwrіtеr, рrоduсеr аnd muѕісіаn. She also has the same name of my evil ass grandma. (1932–2009) was a soldier who served for the United States Armed forces and was of French descent. Randy DeBarge is an American singer and bass guitarist who shot into widespread fame as a member of the popular Motown singing family group DeBarge. Etterlene "Bunny'' DeBarge is best known as the lone female sibling of Motown's legendary R&B family music sensation, DeBarge. 39 Years Old. According to DeBarge, a young woman claiming to be the daughter of Jackson, 49, and Debarge recently reached out to. Switch (band) This page was last edited on 13 October 2023, at 01:23 (UTC). " Who's Holding Donna Now " (1985) " You Wear It Well " (1985) " The Heart Is Not So Smart " (1986) " You Wear It Well " is a 1985 song by DeBarge and is the third single from their fourth studio album Rhythm of the Night. 2011 The DeBarge Family - Part 1? Dr. His race is both African-American and French, and he belongs to the United States. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Eldra Patrick DeBarge was born the fifth of eight brothers and sixth of ten DeBarge family members. DeBarge sang in his local church choir and played piano as a child. She was one of the twelve DeBarge children. . He is Robert and Etterlene Abney DeBarge’s seventh child. James DeBarge's parents are Etterlene DeBarge and Robert DeBarge Sr. He was the lead singer of the Motown R&B/soul vocal group Switch. Etterlene Louise DeBarge–Rodriguez (born Etterlene Louise Abney; October 13, 1935) is an American Gospel singer, songwriter, and matriarch of the American R&B/ soul vocal group DeBarge. Etterlene DeBarge Switch and DeBarge On July 1, Bunny DeBarge, (born Etterlene DeBarge), released the newest volume in her book series, The Kept Ones, in which, according to her the book’s description, unselfishly leads the reader down memory lane with the ups and downs as well as the highs and lows of the entertainment industry. Also, according to one of the DeBarge. DeBarge singles chronology. Private. John Debarge married Frances who was born circa 1904 in Illinois. His parents were Robert DeBarge Sr. Etterlene DeBarge: Education: Ottawa Hills High School: Hair Color: dark brown: Eye Color: dark brown: Links: Wikipedia: An American vocalist by the name of James DeBarge. She is the eldest among 10 siblings in the family. “[Janet] has been denying me for many years,” Whyte told Radar. (1985) "You Wear It Well". The R&B band DeBarge had plenty of hits during the 1980s, but as with so many bands made up of family members, band infighting and family drama caused them t. He has four siblings, El, Bunny, Mark, and. 3 Who are Bobby DeBarge’s parents? Ans. Bobby’s family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he attended Grand Rapids Creston. Bobby was in his early thirties at the time. 2 How old was Bobby DeBarge when he died? Ans. 8. The 58-year-old was married. He was born on July 23, 1966, in the United States. Lalah; Nov 30, 2019; 16 Replies; 3K Views; Dec 6, 2019. (1985) " Who's Holding Donna Now ". Dec 22, 2022 - Mama DeBarge, matriarch of the famous DeBarge Family. " "Lack of home training crosses all boundaries. Magazine. (Source: Goodreads) William Atticus Parker mother Mary-Louise Parker: Parker, Mary-Louise The date of his birth is August 2, 1964, and he was born in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. Create new account. Bobby DeBarge was the oldest of the DeBarge family’s male children, born over the period of Robert DeBarge Sr. "A white man with a black woman…we were a freak show. [2]Se. " His parents divorced when DeBarge was 13. The "Kept Ones" by Etterlene "Bunny" DeBarge is a must read. The Debarge family was one of the most successful R&B groups of the late 1970's and 80s. with nothing but a lot of promises no action. ; Etterlene "Bunny" DeBarge and 15 others; ;. 3 Success. The DeBarge family formed a band and became. A book written by Bunny DeBarge seems to have caused some family drama. He passed away last year. Robert DeBarge, Sr. His family later. Played by Roshon Fegan, Bobby DeBarge’s undisputed talent and style made him an icon, but the ghosts from his past were just too plenty to overcome. Later, after his family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, he and the rest of his family began performing at their uncle's Pentecostal church. She was the lead vocalist on the R&B ballad "A Dream", from the group's In a Special Way album, and is also the co-writer of the group's 1982 breakthrough hit, "I Like It" and the. Bunny, El, Tommy, Chico, and James DeBarge all battled addiction for years. Bobby, El, James, and Tommy, the gangs all here! The Bobby DeBarge Story shares the story of this family’s rise to fame. Etterlene, a religious woman, released a gospel CD titled Back on Track under the DeBarge Family alias with the support of her children. Nicole Walters. S. . "At first I didn't think he would like me, because I was so dark," Etterlene recalls. One of her famous brothers, El Debarge has spoken out saying that it is “filled with lies. Bobby DeBarge. Debarge, Sr. Drew's Lifechangers - 2011 The DeBarge Family - Part 1 was released on: USA: 30 December 2011. In addition to various solo projects completed by members of the family, DeBarge was active between 1979 and 1989. He was born in 1932 and died in 2009. A native of Detroit, Michigan, El was the sixth of ten children born to Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr. Janae tells Drew a horrifying story of what her mother's addiction drove her to do. "Lack of home training crosses all boundaries. DeBarge says her son told her that Janet was pregnant with his child during their brief marriage. Her sons El and Chico. That's why El tried to clean up what Bunny outed in the Vibe article when he interviewed w/ Ebony during Second Chance. ” He died in 2009, no doubt with a guilty conscience. The DeBarge Brothers. 1,2011 - Richmond,CA Surrender ROW message for the young and old on obedience,. He was the son of John DeBarge (born c. According to Live About, the two brothers were not the only members of the family having trouble with drugs. and Etterlene Abney DeBarge. A Philadelphia woman claims she’s the secret daughter of Janet Jackson and James DeBarge. She is also the author of Other Side of the Pain, which talked about her struggles in. The Tragic DeBarge Family [emoji174][emoji22]. She dropped out of school at 17 to marry her first husband. What is El DeBarge's Net Worth? El Debarge is an American R&B singer who has a net worth of $400 thousand. About Robert Louis DeBarge. American singer-songwriter El Debarge was born on June 4, 1961. Her brothers abused drugs, as did Bunny, who got pregnant by a boyfriend and also dropped out of school in 1972 to marry her first husband. James joined the group a year later for their second album. When she was a child, her family moved to the Brewster-Douglass housing projects, located in the east side of Detroit. The wee hours of this morning were intense for the Debarge family. Debarge Family: The Next Generation tea/discussion Thread. James DeBarge has been a controversial figure in Jackson family history. Drew wonders if Bunny can still make amends. and Etterlene Debarge, El had a natural talent for music and his first of professional recordings and songwriting credits began with honing his craft at an early age by contributing as a songwriter and background vocalist for the R&B music group, SWITCH, that his. With the help of her children, Etterlene, a religious woman, launched a gospel album named Back on Track under the DeBarge Family moniker. We can all do better if we walk in truth, and he's an example of. Etterlene DeBarge aka “Bunny”, she is famous as a member of the “DeBarge” family. Mark "Marty" DeBarge (born June 19, 1959) is an American R&B/soul singer–songwriter, drummer, percussionist ,and plays all wind instruments, including the saxophone,flugalhorn,trumpet and flute. etterlene debarge these people have my whole family stuck in hotels telling us to give up everything including our homes and life style they promise to pay all expenses and they did not but lelf us in a lot of debt . 4 DeBarge (Bunny, Randy, Mark, El and James) 2. The R&B and soul music ensemble Debarge, named for their shared surname, comprises the children of Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr. Their later father was white and their mother is black. Cynthia Horner Jun 29, 2019 5:18 pm. Clearly, there were more problems in. as Etterlene’ Bunny’ DeBarge. Mark "Marty" DeBarge (born June 19, 1959) is an American R&B/soul singer-songwriter, drummer, percussionist, and plays a variety of wind instruments, such as the saxophone, trumpet, flugelhorn and flute. I will. He was one of the charter members of the family group DeBarge, who became stars with their 1980s classic songs "All This Love", "In a Special Way",. DeBarge sang in his local church choir and played piano as a child. Chico also sang and danced and was destined for great things, but the behind-the-scenes, family drama brought the entire family down. The weekly source of African American political and entertainment news. JALC. Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr. His father, Robert DeBarge Sr. Also, according to. Music legend Janet Jackson may be ready to have a baby with current husband Wissam Al Mana, but. El’s parents split when he was 13 after a. was notorious for being domineering and physically abusive to his wife, Etterlene DeBarge, who is black. Despite the major success of the three acts in the family — the band Switch, the group DeBarge and solo artist Chico DeBarge, the dark cloud looms large. He was the seventh child born to Robert DeBarge Sr. Genealogy for George Rodriguez (deceased) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. She is best known as the only female sibling of the DeBarge family as well as the only female singer in their group, and the lead vocalist of “A Dream”, featured on the album “In a Special. Etterlene Louise DeBarge with her children and Family. com Love to El and the rest of the DeBarge Family. 1995 August 1995. Etterlene "Bunny" DeBarge. DeBarge split up in 1989 after the convictions of brothers Bobby and Chico on drug trafficking charges. She appeared as a contestant on American Juniors. As a kid, DeBarge was raised in Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born on August 22, 1963, as the seventh child to Robert DeBarge Sr. Etterlene Rodriguez is 87 years old today because Etterlene's birthday is on 10/13/1935. . He met Etterlene Abney, who is African American, in Detroit, Michigan in the early 1950s. Her uncle is singer El DeBarge. The Bobby Debarge Story. Chico Debarge is an American R&B singer and songwriter of the influential Motown family of the Debarge group. Radar Online reports that Whyte is coming forward with the support of the DeBarge family. It’s a scene from TV One’s upcoming “The Bobby DeBarge Story. Bunny DeBarge's brother, James, and Janet eloped back in 1984. DeBarge was born as Etterlene’ Bunny’ DeBarge to parents Etterlene Abney and Robert DeBarge Sr. About Chico Debarge. She lives in Michigan after moving from California. You could hear that anguish in Bobby's music. A biopic about the DeBarge family is in the works. Bobby DeBarge was a well-known American musician who was a part of the successful R&B combo DeBarge in the 1980s. "Rhythm of the Night". Tags: debarge. Tommy DeBarge, one of the founding members of the R&B group Switch and a sibling in the DeBarge family, is dead at 64 years old. , who was white, was notorious for being domineering and physically abusive to his wife, Etterlene DeBarge, who is black. Bunny DeBarge’s grandchildren|Source: Pinterest. Etterlene is related to Darrell E Debarge and Thomas Keith Debarge as well as 3 additional people. “Drugs happened,” mother Etterlene DeBarge told Atlanta Daily World of the musical family’s addiction. Also, according to one of the DeBarge siblings, Robert DeBarge Sr. The DeBarge family formed a band and. Etterlene "Bunny" DeBarge (born March 10, 1955) is an American soul singer – songwriter and the lone female sibling of the Motown family group DeBarge. His father, Robert DeBarge Sr. His debut album, Your Place, was released in 2008. Bunny, El, Tommy, Chico, and James DeBarge all battled addiction for years. DeBarge was born to Etterlene (née Abney) and Army soldier Robert DeBarge, Sr. Thanks x 8; Aug 11, 2017 #1382. Honestly I’ll choose Katherine. 10,373 likes · 19,633 talking about this. As of 2000, DeBarge has worked with DJ Quik on such tracks as "Tha Divorce Song", as well as "Get Nekkid" by. " Firstly, in 86, Tommmy did time for coke charges and then I think he did time in 90 for trying to sell fake coke. , and they had ten children together, all of whom inherited their parents’ musical talent. DeBarge. DeBarge suffered from liver and kidney failure. While the DeBarges might have taken after their grandfather talent-wise, their father Robert DeBarge Sr. Robert and Etterlene have dozens of grandchildren, several of whom are involved in the entertainment industry. He is the brother of El, Bunny, and Mark DeBarge. Bunny, who was the lone female sibling of the Motown family group DeBarge, tells us exclusively that she s sorry for the drama that it has caused Janet and. Relatives & Associates. ”. After moving to Grand Rapids, DeBarge’s family began performing at their uncle’s church. Burial of Robert Louis "Bobby" DeBarge II. Bob got exiled from the family way before these cousins were ever thought of. (d. but I found this ridiculously old photo of the DeBarge family View attachment 1503424 Sr is circled (or at least I think he is) this is 1940 so Sr would've been 8 or 7. They married when Etterlene was 17, a year after the death of her father James Abney, a church choir leader and peanut retailer. His health took a turn for the worse recently, a family member told TMZ. James Curtis DeBarge is an American R&B and soul singer. , who was white, was notorious for being domineering and physically abusive to his wife, Etterlene DeBarge, who is black. Drew's Lifechangers - 2011 The DeBarge Family - Part 1 was released on: USA: 30 December 2011. Private. This upbringing had a significant impact on James. Etterlene is a religious woman. A biopic about the DeBarge family is in the works. In 2017, a Philadelphia woman named Tiffany Whyte claimed to be Jackson and James’ daughter — an occurrence Bunny DeBarge says has happened at least 10 times. She rose to fame as the widowed wife of Bobby DeBarge, the late Motown R&B singer. Etterlene (Bunny) William (Randy) Mark. He was born on March 5, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan. It peaked at number 46 in the United States. Jet. In the past, Etterlene has also been known as Etterline Debarge, Etterlene Debarge. Be sure to watch their Unsung and Ashley Says So video on the family for some better background info! F. Celebrity Facts. The successful American musician's song, 'Talk To Me', created a 1986 US Top 40 hit. ’Bobby’ (died in 1995), Thomas Kath’ Tommy’, William Randall’ Randy,’ Mark’ Marty,’ El DeBarge. 113, No. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. James. Chico, who also sang and danced, was poised for greatness, but the family strife behind the scenes brought the whole family down. It saw limited success and stalled on the charts; the group felt it was not properly promoted. He is best known as the lead singer of the Motown family group DeBarge. 2. [4] As a result, they revisited The DeBarges by including two songs on their subsequent recordings: "Queen of My Heart" was included on their third. She was the reason why we went forward with the test. His father, Robert DeBarge Sr. The DeBarge family had one more album, although El and Bobby weren’t on the album. Musician/band. There really is no excuse for Etterlene DeBarge. 9 Kristinia DeBarge. The DeBarges is the debut album of DeBarge, released by Gordy Records on April 6, 1981. 6 Musical legacy. She revealed during an Inside Edition interview that a DNA test found that there was a 96. Whyte wanted to keep the scandal a secret at first, even from her possible biological mother. Celebrity Alley - Celebrity News and Gossip. Andrew DeBarge, son of Tommy DeBarge, was born on September 28, 1989 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jul 11, 2019. Debarge parents are Etterlene Debarge and Robert Louis Debarge,sr. 8 Accolades and achievements. , who was white, was notorious for being domineering and physically abusive to his wife, Etterlene DeBarge, who is black. Questions still loom if Tiffany could be Janet Jackson’s daughter or if the singer had a child in the late 80s, and her former mother-in-law, Etterlene DeBarge, is on a quest for the truth. Etterlene and Tiffany knows good and damn well she ain't Janet and James's daughter yet they out here trying to continue on with this lie. Robert Louis Bobby Jr. Dennis Yost, better known by the Family name Dennis Yost, was a popular Singer. It was featured in an episode of The Facts of Life. 2 habibti. Bunny DeBarge is a legendary American singer, songwriter, record producer and composer active in the showbiz industry since 1979. He is also known for writing the group's popular album. Debarge was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert Louis Debarge, Sr. 1 85 votes. 5 Setbacks, solo projects, and some success. Etterlene Abney was 17 when she met the 21-year-old Army soldier Robert Debarge at a Detroit skating rink. The matriarch has a twin sister. However, Bunny disputed that and apologized to her former sister-in-law. From what he said, Etterlene and Carol moved alot and they. Team Owner. Damn. Parents, Siblings, and Family. Etterlene Abney was 17 when she met the 21-year-old Army soldier Robert DeBarge at a Detroit skating rink. in Detroit. “Janet and I spent some time together back then, and it was obvious to. Both Mama and Carol confronted Bunny about what happened to Carol. With his soulful voice, charismatic stage presence, and innovative musical style, DeBarge became a significant figure in the R&B and pop music scene. (1932-2009) and Etterlene (née Abney) DeBarge. Also, according to one of the DeBarge. On Detroit, Michigan’s East Side, he and his brothers were raised. In several of DeBarge’s albums, she is listed as Etterlene Jordan and is sometimes referred to as either Etterlene Jordan-Knight or Etterlene DeBarge Knight. 2019. So bad. Following its release, DeBarge was dropped from Motown and quietly retired from the music industry. 99. El DeBarge is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and musician. , and they had ten children together, all of whom inherited their parents’ musical talent. He is best known for his work as member of 1980s Motown singing family group DeBarge. stepdaughter. Salary in 2023. He had an unhappy childhood because of his father's abuse. Ugh I just can stand Evil Debarge, so Kat for the win. 1. Etterlene DeBarge is the mother of the famous singer and musician Bobby DeBarge, who died at 39. also “sexually molested a lot of my brothers and sisters. Set to air Fall 2018, the film will focus on the story the DeBarge family, one of the most popular family groups in American music history, as told by the family matriarch, Etterline Abney. TV One is prepping the project, titled All This Love: The DeBarge Family Story. When she was a child, her family moved to the Brewster-Douglass housing projects, located in the east side of Detroit. As of 2000, DeBarge has worked with DJ Quik on such tracks as "Tha Divorce Song", as well as "Get Nekkid" by. 1958), Mark “Marty” DeBarge (b. Siblings, Parents, and Family of Bunny DeBarge. The film stars Roshon Fegan in the lead role as Bobby DeBarge, Tyra. Bobby was the oldest of the Debarge children and Tommy. The news was revealed in a shocking prison letter to Michael Jackson’s death doctor, Conrad Murray, published by Radar. He was 39 years old. Singer El DeBarge took to Instagram asking for prayers for his mother regarding. Even if Etterlene had never married Robert Debarge those kids still would have been in danger. a former gospel singer and matriarch of the famed DeBarge singing family, told The Enquirer. Born Etterlene Abney on October 13, 1935 in Royal Oak, Michigan, she was one of twelve children and has a twin sister. Debarge’s family said he had. Speaking with Inside Edition. The Kept Ones by Bunny Debarge is a good biography about her life as a Debarge. Etterlene met Robert shortly after her father died. org. Among the members were two young men from the family, Bobby and Tommy DeBarge. He was one of six children born in Detroit, Michigan, to Etterlene and Robert DeBarge. All ten siblings were born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, on the East Side. . Bobby DeBarge was an American singer and musician. She is also the author of Other Side of the Pain, which talked about her struggles in her marriage to her children's father and also documented her children's. Celebrity Facts. Later in 2005, she released a second gospel album, A City Called Heaven. Celebrity Alley - Celebrity News and Gossip. Etterlene DeBarge’s famous book ‘Other side of the Pain’. He is also known for writing the group's popular. ”. Robert DeBarge Sr. he was born on July 20, 1943, in Hamilton, Ohio. also “sexually molested a lot of my brothers and sisters. They married in. Bunny DeBarge is a legendary American singer, songwriter, record producer and composer active in the showbiz industry since 1979. They were a beautiful family. February 27, 2019. Bunny aka Etterlene has been active in Music Industry since 1979 with bands DeBarge and Switch. " His parents divorced when DeBarge was 13. He was the lead singer of the Motown R&B/soul vocal group Switch. Source: Paul Natkin / Getty. Not now. Etterlene Bunny DeBarge. View attachment 1499697 Is this James and Janet? View attachment 1499698. 09 5 New from $11. (d. (deceased in 2009), a white man of French descent, and Etterlene DeBarge (née Abney), a black woman born in Michigan in 1935. 1963 as the seventh child to Robert DeBarge Sr. The DeBarge family had one more album, although El and Bobby weren't on the album. Robert and Etterlene have dozens of grandchildren, several of whom are involved in the entertainment industry. The results of the test concluded this woman had a 96. How Old Are The Debarge Family Members. He grew up in a musical family and was the third eldest of ten siblings. Growing up, James and his siblings were exposed to a wide variety of music and were encouraged to pursue their artistic passions. Born on August 22, 1963, as the seventh child to Robert DeBarge Sr. They stayed together for 21 years before. He met Etterlene Abney, who is. He is the son of Etterlene DeBarge and Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr. Debarge. He was the son of John DeBarge (born c. DeBarge was an American musical recording group composed of several members of the DeBarge family. According to his family members. After spending many years in California, Bunny has made her way back to Grand Rapids, her hometown in Michigan, where she currently resides with her husband, their four children, and their fifteen grandchildren. They have also lived in Grand Rapids, MI and Riverside, CA. A biopic about the DeBarge family is in the works. DeBarge was born on October 13, 1935, in Royal Oak, Michigan, and has a zodiac sign of Libra. He is the oldest of Robert. 3 References. Janet Jackson's former mother-in-law claims the star has a secret. was born in Detroit to Etterlene (née Abney) and Robert DeBarge, Sr. She is also the author of Other Side of the Pain, which talked about her struggles in her marriage to her children's father and also documented her children's rise to fame. Both Bunny and DeBarge matriarch Etterlene have penned memoirs, and U. Debarge consisted of brothers El, Randy, James, Mark, and sister Bunny. He is best known for his work as member of 1980s Motown singing family group DeBarge. His parents had a turbulent marriage that included domestic abuse and child abuse on DeBarge’s father’s part. and Etterlene DeBarge are his father and mother, respectively. The Debarge family was one of the most successful R&B groups of the late 1970's and 80s. His mother Etterlene Debarge is a popular American singer and songwriter. Genealogy for Etterlene Knight (DeBarge) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. His full name was Robert Louis DeBarge Jr.