Background
Like all of his siblings, he was born and raised on the East Side of Detroit, Michigan.
Like all of his siblings, he was born and raised on the East Side of Detroit, Michigan.
He is the seventh child born to Robert DeBarge Senior and Etterlene Abney DeBarge. The family later relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan. As of 2000, DeBarge has worked with DJ Quik on such tracks as "Tha Divorce Song", as well as "Get Nekkid" by slain rapper Mausberg.
Debarge also made a small guest appearance in 2006 on the album 818 Antics, by rapper J-Ro, who is associated with the rap group Tha Liks.
James along with brothers Mark, Randy, nephew Andrew (bass player), and an unknown niece are performing on tour as DeBarge. They were featured in a "Flashback to the "80s" concert at San Manuel Casino in Highland, California along with Atlantic Starr, The SOS Band, and the Mary Jane Girls.
In El"s absence, James handled lead vocals. DeBarge performed three encores despite not being the top billed acting
He was one of the members of the singing family group DeBarge, who became stars with their 1980s songs "All This Love", "Love Maine in a Special Way", "Rhythm of the Night", and "Who"s Holding Donna Now".