El DeBarge

El DeBarge is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist of the family group DeBarge and for his distinctive falsetto voice.

Born Eldra Patrick DeBarge on June 4, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan, El grew up in a musically gifted family and began singing in church choirs in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was the sixth of ten children in the DeBarge family, many of whom would go on to form the group DeBarge, signed to Motown Records in the early 1980s.

As the group’s frontman, El DeBarge led hits such as:
- “Time Will Reveal”
- “All This Love”
- “Rhythm of the Night”
- “Stay with Me”
- “Who’s Holding Donna Now”

His smooth tenor and falsetto became the signature sound of DeBarge, blending romantic balladry with pop and soul influences. After the group disbanded in the mid-1980s, El launched a solo career, scoring hits like:
- “Who’s Johnny” (featured in the film Short Circuit)
- “Love Always”

Throughout his career, El collaborated with artists such as Quincy Jones, Babyface, Tone Loc, Faith Evans, and DJ Quik. Despite personal struggles and periods of absence from the music scene, he made a notable comeback with his 2010 album Second Chance, which earned critical acclaim and Grammy nominations.

El DeBarge remains a respected figure in R&B, known for his vocal agility, heartfelt songwriting, and enduring influence on contemporary soul music.