James DeBarge

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James DeBarge
Birth name James Curits DeBarge
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Origin Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Genres R&B, soul
Associated acts DeBarge, DJ Quik

James Curtis DeBarge (born August 22, 1963) is an American R&B and soul singer. He was one of the members of the singing family group DeBarge, who became stars with their 1980s songs "All This Love",[1] "In a Special Way", "Rhythm of the Night", and "Who's Holding Donna Now?".

Early life[edit]

Like all of his siblings, he was born and raised on the East Side of Detroit, Michigan. The family later relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Singing career[edit]

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. Also, in 2004, DeBarge made a song with the "Haitian Sensation" Wong-G for a remix called "Nothing's Wrong", using the instrumental for the Quik/DeBarge track "Tha Divorce Song."

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 act.

Personal life[edit]

DeBarge is also known for his 1984 marriage to pop icon Janet Jackson. The marriage was annulled in 1985.

DeBarge has three children: daughter Kristinia (born March 8, 1990), son James, Jr. (born 1998), and his youngest, daughter Tori, born 2001. Kristinia appeared on 2003's American Idol spin-off American Juniors, and later received a recording contract through Island Def Jam Records. DeBarge performed with brothers El and Mark during a gospel service in late 2007.

James DeBarge is currently being housed in the administrative segregation unit of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department County Jail for men after being arrested on drug and assault with a deadly weapon charges. [1]


  1. ^ Prato, Greg. "Biography: DeBarge". AMG. Retrieved 16 May 2010.