in 1997 recording the hit album, 1997's Long Time No See reemerging in the neo soul scene of the late 1990s., Chico is the only solo DeBarge in the family to date to have achieved certified Gold album status. In 1987, Bobby joined the group, and failing to find deals with major labels, the group (still known as DeBarge) signed with the independent label Striped Horse Records, later releasing what turned out to be their final studio album, Bad Boys. Sensing that El DeBarge was emerging as the "star" of the group, Motown had El working on the group's next album primarily by himself, with the label failing to call on the other siblings' help. In 2011, James, Randy and Bunny appeared on Dr. Drew's Lifechangers to discuss their troubles with drug addiction, later agreeing to attend a rehabilitation facility. Though he remained a collaborator with his brothers and sister, Bobby struggled with personal problems that ended his career. The siblings who became DeBarge started performing in various groups together in the Detroit, Michigan area in the mid 1970s. El, born Eldra Patrick DeBarge, was the lead singer and one of the most notable faces of the band.After releasing six studio albums together, the sweet-voiced falsetto went solo in 1986. In 1981 Bobby and his brother Tommy left Switch, and started to mentor their younger siblings in the group DeBarge. [5] Since Striped Horse had financial problems promoting the album and without the help of Motown, and although two singles were released – "Dance All Night", which peaked at number 33, and the ballad "I Got You Babe", which only reached number 73 – the album itself failed to chart. DeBarge continued their career into 1988, even bringing along younger brother Chico (who had a successful hit "Talk to Me") with them as their opening act. The children claimed that their father sexually abused several of them, which the father denied. DeBarge was released from incarceration in October 2009, declaring himself both clean and a born-again Christian. Watch breaking news live and Good Day New York. [5] Also in 1984, James DeBarge made headlines when he secretly eloped with Janet Jackson of the famed Jackson family, but their marriage was quickly annulled the following year. Since the release of "Addiction" Chico DeBarge has been sober and touring while recording a new CD. The Rhythm of the Night album became the band's best-selling work, going platinum and featuring further hits such as "Who's Holding Donna Now" and "You Wear It Well". From 1982 to 1985, DeBarge released three gold-certified albums and released more than ten hit singles. [1] Bunny Debarge, the eldest, recalls being sexually abused by him between the ages of seven to 13. Bernd Lichters, who rented a home in Cerritos, CA, bought them instruments, and they were mentored by members of the Motown group Switch, including their elder brothers Tommy and Bobby and co-founding member and family friend Gregory Williams. Family members. The Works, Inc. also offered cooking classes to help educate and improve family nutrition. DeBarge was an American musical recording group composed of several members of the DeBarge family.In addition to various solo projects completed by members of the family, DeBarge was active between 1979 and 1989. Later in 1983, the group issued their third album, In a Special Way, which spawned two further hit singles, "Time Will Reveal" and "Love Me in a Special Way". She, Randy, James and Bunny's daughter appeared on an episode of Lifechangers to talk about their drug problems. Despite the group's highly publicized drug addictions and several members serving jail time for drug offenses, the siblings have continued to perform together occasionally. New York news, weather, traffic and sports from FOX 5 NY serving New York City, Long Island, New York, New Jersey and Westchester County. After a six-year prison term, Chico DeBarge was released and returned to music pioneering a new sound in R&B music titled Neo Classic Soul under the UMG label Kedar Ent. In 2011, Motown Records/Hip-O Select released the three-disc set Time Will Reveal: The Complete Motown Albums.