Tommy DeBarge, of the musically-gifted DeBarge family, has passed away at age 64.
TMZ reported that the talented member of the Michagn-based R&B band Switch died on Thursday. His daughter, Marina DeBarge, told the publication that her father had suffered from liver and kidney disease for a number of years. The “I Call Your Name” singer also grappled with COVID-19 earlier this year.
Marina revealed that she spoke with him the day before he passed away. He succumbed to his ailments after being hospitalized for roughly two weeks.
Tommy and Switch were known for hits “There’ll Never Be,” and “Love Over & Over Again.” The popular band rose to fame during the 70s and later disbanded. His brother Bobby, who died from complications of AIDS in 1995, and he were the founding members of Switch.
The two family members left Switch and went on to launch their younger siblings mega-successful group DeBarge. The group was made up of El, Bunny, James, Randy and Mark. DeBarge had a three-year run of successful, chart-topping hits like “Time Will Reveal,” “Rhythm of the Night,” “I Like It,” “All This Love,” “You Wear it Well,” “Love Me in a Special Way” and “Who’s Holding Donna Now?”
El DeBarge, Tommy’s younger brother, took to Instagram and shared the news of his sibling’s death.
“And so it is that on October 21, 2021, I had to say farewell to one of the greatest bass guitarists this world has ever known, and I am grieved as I confirm to you that my brother, Thomas Keith DeBarge, passed away,” he wrote.
“My dear brother, Tommy, finally made his transition after a lengthy illness. Tommy was a loving, gentle soul and a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather and one of the best brothers anyone could ever ask for. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who love him so much and in the beautiful music he created with our brother Bobby, as well as that of his musical peers in the famous R&B group Switch! Both my brothers Bobby and Tommy DeBarge are together now safely in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, though our hearts are still heavy as it will require some time to deal with the fact that he is gone and just missing him so much.”
View this post on Instagram
El asked fans to pray for his family– especially their mother Etterlene.
“I want to say on behalf of the whole DeBarge family we really appreciate all your prayers especially for our mother, Etterlene DeBarge, whose faith in God’s heavenly promises is unwavering.”
Sleep in peace, Tommy.
