DeBarge

DeBarge was an American R&B family group active from 1979 to 1989, made up of members of the DeBarge family from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The lineup grew from an original trio of Mark, Randy, and El DeBarge into a larger group with the addition of siblings Bunny, James, and Bobby. Signed to Motown, the group became one of the label’s most successful acts of the early-to-mid 1980s.

Their sound blended smooth R&B vocal harmonies with the polished pop-funk production typical of the era, anchored by El DeBarge’s distinctive falsetto lead. The group is best remembered for the ballad «A Dream» and, especially, the dance-pop hit «Rhythm of the Night», one of their signature songs and a lasting radio staple. Their catalog moved between tender slow jams and upbeat, danceable pop-soul numbers.

DeBarge’s run at Motown placed them alongside the label’s biggest family acts of the period, and several members went on to pursue solo careers after the group disbanded in 1989, with El DeBarge in particular continuing as a recognized R&B vocalist in his own right.