Tommy DeBarge was born on June 9, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan, the third child of Etterlene and Robert DeBarge. Growing up in a musically inclined family, Tommy and his siblings were surrounded by music from a young age. They often sang together in church, honing their vocal talents and developing a love for performing.
As Tommy and his siblings grew older, they started playing music together, eventually forming the R&B funk band Switch. The band quickly gained popularity with their infectious beats and smooth vocals, becoming known for hit songs such as "I Call Your Name" and "Love Over & Over Again". Switch's unique sound would go on to heavily influence the R&B and hip-hop genres for years to come.
Despite their success, Tommy eventually decided to leave Switch and start a new musical venture with his siblings. Together, they formed the group DeBarge, which would go on to achieve even greater success. In 1985, DeBarge reached the peak of their popularity with the release of the hit song "Rhythm of the Night", which climbed to number 3 on the Billboard charts.
Tommy's musical talents and infectious energy on stage captivated audiences around the world, cementing his status as a musical icon. His dedication to his craft and passion for music shone through in every performance, earning him the admiration of fans and fellow musicians alike.
Despite his success in the music industry, Tommy faced his fair share of personal struggles throughout his life. Tragically, his brother Bobby, a fellow founding member of Switch, passed away in 1995 at the age of 39 due to complications of the AIDS virus. The loss of his brother weighed heavily on Tommy, but he continued to persevere in his musical career.
In 2017, Tommy was scheduled to appear in an episode of the television show Unsung, but was too ill to participate on camera. His health continued to deteriorate, eventually leading to liver and kidney failure. It was his daughter Marina who announced his passing, sending shockwaves through the music world and leaving fans mourning the loss of a beloved artist.
Throughout his career, Tommy DeBarge's musical talents and contributions to the R&B and hip-hop genres were undeniable. His work with Switch and DeBarge helped shape the sound of modern music, earning him a place in music history as a true trailblazer.
Tommy's legacy lives on through his timeless music and the memories he created with fans around the world. His impact on the music industry will never be forgotten, as his influence continues to inspire new generations of musicians to this day.
His journey may have come to an end, but his spirit and passion for music will live on forever in the hearts of those who were touched by his music.