Eldra Patrick DeBarge (born June 4, 1961) is a singer, songwriter, and musician from the United States. He was the focal point and key lead singer of the DeBarge family ensemble. “Time Will Reveal,” “Who’s Holding Donna Now,” “Stay with Me,” “All This Love,” and “Rhythm of the Night” are among the popular songs led by El DeBarge.
As a solo performer, he is well recognized for his unusual high tenor register, strong falsetto, and classics like “Who’s Johnny” and “Love Always”. He has also worked with Dionne Warwick, Al Green, Lalah Hathaway, Tone Loc, Babyface, Faith Evans, Quincy Jones, Fourplay, and DJ Quik, among others. DeBarge has five Grammy nominations.
El DeBarge parents: Meet Etterlene DeBarge, Robert Louis DeBarge, Sr.
El was born in Detroit, Michigan, the sixth child of Robert Louis DeBarge Sr. (1932-2009) and Etterlene (Abney) DeBarge.
As a kid, DeBarge was raised in Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan. His parents had a turbulent marriage that included domestic abuse and child abuse on DeBarge’s father’s part. El’s parents split when he was 13 after a rough and stormy marriage.
DeBarge has remained mute about his father’s connection and many other aspects of his family life, which were later detailed in books written by his mother Etterlene, sister Bunny, and brother Tommy.
