Bobby DeBarge Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Bobby DeBarge Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Bobby DeBarge is an iconic American R&B singer-songwriter best known for his falsetto leadership of the group Switch and his mentorship of the family-band DeBarge.

Introduction

Born on March 5, 1956, Bobby DeBarge emerged as one of the distinctive voices of late-1970s R&B, leading Switch and later guiding his siblings’ group DeBarge. At the time of his passing, many public estimates placed his net worth at around USD 1,000, reflecting the tragic downturn in his fortunes.  His personal life included a high-profile romantic interest and subsequent marriage; he pursued fellow artist La Toya Jackson before marrying Teri DeBarge and becoming father to children Christian and Bobby III. 

Quick Facts

The Path from Local Musician to Motown Recognition

Growing up in Detroit and later Grand Rapids, Bobby DeBarge’s early life was steeped in music and turmoil alike. His father’s harsh treatment and early introduction to heroin at age 15 marked the beginning of personal struggles. 

In the mid-1970s he allied with Gregory Williams and others to form the band that would become Switch. Their ability to “switch” instruments became a unique hook, and under his falsetto leadership they signed with Motown’s Gordy label and found gold-valued success with hits such as "There’ll Never Be" and "I Call Your Name". 

Defining moments in Bobby DeBarge’s journey include:

• Launching into pro-music circa 1975 with White Heat/Hot Ice precursor groups. 

• Breakthrough with Switch’s 1978 self-titled album and subsequent gold-certified releases. 

• Co-writing and producing key tracks for Switch and later for the DeBarge family band. 

• His 1988 drug-trafficking conviction and five-year sentence that severely disrupted his career. 

Main Sources of Wealth

The core pillars of Bobby DeBarge’s wealth include:

• Recording Royalties & Performance Income: earnings from albums and tours with Switch and later DeBarge.

• Production & Songwriting Credits: behind-the-scenes revenue from writing hits such as “Love Over and Over Again” for Switch. 

• Independent Releases & Legacy Rights: for example, his solo album It’s Not Over released shortly before his death. 

Relationships & Family Life

Bobby DeBarge’s personal life mirrored the highs and lows of his professional journey. By the early 1980s he was romantically involved with La Toya Jackson, which not only resonated through his songwriting (e.g., “You & I”) but also tied into family-band complexities involving the Jacksons.  Later, in 1990 he married Teri DeBarge; they had two children: Christian and Bobby III. 

Key insights into Bobby DeBarge’s relationships and personal life:

• His relationship with La Toya Jackson reportedly inspired the Switch ballad “You & I”. 

• He married Teri DeBarge, and they became parents to two children. 

• The DeBarge family’s background included abuse, addiction, and legal issues, all of which influenced Bobby’s personal narrative. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Bobby DeBarge’s lifestyle reflected a mixture of creative passion and personal turbulence:

• He was known for a distinctive falsetto voice and played keyboards and piano on his recordings. 

• His personal interests included mentorship of his siblings and promotion of family-band collaborations.

• Later years were marred by addiction, legal issues and declining health—assets and luxury were minimal and his financial state was precarious.

• Although his material assets were limited, his influence on R&B, particularly through Switch and DeBarge, left enduring cultural value.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Assessing Bobby DeBarge’s net worth requires understanding how the numbers were derived and the forces at play. The primary public estimate places his net worth at only USD 1,000 at the time of his death, a stark reflection of financial decline rather than artistic value. 

Factors influencing this low estimate include: loss of earnings from prison time, health costs related to AIDS, and lack of major licensing deals in later years. Nonetheless, from a legacy perspective his musical catalog continues to draw interest and samples.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Publicly, Bobby DeBarge is remembered as a tragic yet talented figure in R&B. His voice and songwriting work with Switch established a template for future soul and funk acts. Though his personal struggles—addiction, legal trouble, early death—overshadowed his later career, his influence endures: samples of songs he penned or produced are still used, and retrospectives on his work highlight his falsetto’s impact. 

Among fans and industry insiders, his legacy is one of “what might have been” – a reminder that talent and opportunity must be paired with stability and support. In recent years his story has been revisited in documentaries and biographies, preserving his contributions for new generations. 

Conclusion

Bobby DeBarge’s story is one of brilliance and tragedy. Born March 5, 1956, he rose from local Detroit and Grand Rapids bands to lead Switch, mentor his siblings in DeBarge, and leave a mark on R&B music. Yet his estimated net worth of around USD 1,000 reflects the steep toll of legal issues, addiction and health struggles. His relationships—from his connection with La Toya Jackson to his marriage with Teri DeBarge—reveal a deeply human life behind the spotlight. Though his assets and finances were limited, his musical legacy and influence are far greater than any dollar amount. Bobby’s birthday—March 5—serves as a reminder each year of the voice, talent and turbulent journey of a unique artist.