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

James DeBarge is an American R&B singer best known as a member of the Motown-era family group DeBarge and for his brief marriage to pop icon Janet Jackson.

Introduction

James DeBarge (born August 22, 1963) emerged as part of the acclaimed family vocal group DeBarge during the 1980s, contributing to a sound that helped define an era of R&B-inflected pop. His estimated net worth is approximately $250,000 according to public sources. His personal life has also drawn attention—particularly his relationship with Janet Jackson and longstanding questions around family matters, making his story one of artistic promise, familial legacy and public intrigue.

Quick Facts

From Detroit Roots to Motown-Moment

Born on August 22, 1963, James DeBarge grew up in Detroit, Michigan, the seventh child of parents Robert DeBarge Sr. and Etterlene Abney DeBarge.  Early exposure to music, church choirs and sibling-driven harmony shaped his foundation. The family later moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the eldest DeBarge children began to gain traction in the music industry. 

James joined the family vocal group DeBarge in the early 1980s and contributed to its landmark albums and crossover hits. The group’s second album, All This Love, included tracks like “I Like It” and the title track, setting the stage for pop-R&B success. 
Defining moments in James DeBarge’s journey include:

• Joining the DeBarge ensemble and contributing to its breakthrough sound.

• The release of the group’s defining hit “Rhythm of the Night” in 1985, which raised their profile significantly. 

• His 1984 elopement and subsequent annulment with Janet Jackson, which shifted the public spotlight onto his personal life.

• Struggles with legal and substance-abuse issues, which impacted his career trajectory. 

The Core Pillars of James DeBarge’s Wealth

The financial standing of an artist like James DeBarge is shaped by several streams — though in his case, they are modest by industry-standards.

• Record royalties and music income: Earnings from DeBarge’s commercial success in the 1980s, including albums released on Motown’s Gordy label.

• Legacy catalog sales, stream royalties and sampling: The family’s music has been sampled and reused — contributing incremental revenue. 

• Appearances and touring: While not in the mainstream spotlight today, James and members of the family have occasionally performed or made guest appearances.

Estimated Breakdown

Note: These figures are approximations, drawn from publicly available data and should be viewed as indicative only.

Relationships & Family Life

James DeBarge’s personal life has been as scrutinised as his career. A snapshot of his relational and familial background:
In 1984, James married Janet Jackson in a secret elopement. Their marriage was annulled approximately one year later in 1985. Jackson later described his behaviour—particularly his absences and drug-use—as contributing factors in their split. The story remains a pivotal chapter in his personal narrative and public image.
He is known to have three children — daughter Kristinia (born March 8, 1990), son James Jr. (born 1998) and daughter Tori (born 2001). 
Key insights into James DeBarge’s relationships and personal life:

• His brief high-profile marriage to Janet Jackson brought significant media attention.

• Rumours of a “secret daughter” from the Jackson marriage persist; though Janet Jackson has denied having a child during that marriage. 

• His children have pursued their own paths, with daughter Kristinia forging a music career. 

• The DeBarge family dynamic includes both artistic collaboration and public struggles, affecting his broader personal narrative.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, James DeBarge leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• His enduring ties to the DeBarge family legacy and involvement in occasional family-music events.

• A faith foundation: he is noted as a practicing Christian, which has become part of his later personal narrative. 

• Despite limited public display of luxury assets or major investments, his life narrative underscores legacy over grand material showings.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

James DeBarge occupies a somewhat bittersweet place in R&B history — part of a momentous family music act, yet personally challenged by setbacks. The group’s hits and sound helped define a portion of 1980s pop-R&B, and their songs have been sampled and referenced by later artists. James’s personal narrative—youthful ambition, brief blockbuster marriage, struggle with addiction and legal issues—adds depth and complexity to his public image.

In the industry, he is viewed as part of a legacy act: the DeBarge name carries weight for its influence on vocal groups and crossover R&B/pop success. Among fans, his story evokes resilience, cautionary lessons and the enduring pull of family-music heritage. While his net worth remains modest compared to peers, his influence persists through the broader memory of the DeBarge era and the cultural imprint of songs like “Rhythm of the Night.” 

Conclusion

James DeBarge’s journey—from Detroit roots to Motown stages, from high-profile romance to private family life—is one defined by talent, legacy and hard lessons. His estimated net worth of approximately $250,000 may appear modest, but behind it lies a story of sibling collaboration, chart success and public scrutiny. Born on August 22, 1963, his birthday continues to be recognised among fans of ’80s R&B, and his personal life—especially his past marriage and relationships—remains part of the cultural conversation. More than numbers, his story is one of music, identity and the lasting echoes of a family sound.