El DeBarge

El DeBarge, born Eldra Patrick DeBarge on June 4, 1961, is an American Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer. Known for his distinctive falsetto, El DeBarge first rose to fame as the lead singer of the family music group, DeBarge, in the early 1980s. The group, signed under the Motown label, produced several R&B and pop hits, including "Rhythm of the Night" and "Who's Holding Donna Now."

​

Born into a musical family in Detroit, Michigan, El DeBarge, along with his siblings, was introduced to the music industry by their older brothers who were part of the Motown group, Switch. El DeBarge's solo career took off after the family group disbanded in 1986. His self-titled debut album, featuring the hit single "Who's Johnny," which was included in the "Short Circuit" movie soundtrack, cemented his status as a solo artist.

​

El DeBarge's music career, however, has been marked by personal struggles. He has openly battled drug addiction, leading to several arrests and periods of incarceration. Despite these challenges, DeBarge has remained a respected figure in the music industry. His 2010 album, "Second Chance," detailing his journey through recovery, received critical acclaim and marked a powerful comeback. His remarkable vocal range and contributions to the R&B genre continue to influence many artists today.