DeBarge.
Bunny, Mark, Randy, James, Eldra, Chico and the list goes on and on...
Let me say for this entry I will be the ultimate groupie.
I remember their big night at Radio City Music Hall in New York, I was in the 10th row with my girls, 17 years old, a fly cutie from Queens, knew all the words and it was the ultimate love at first sight.
The picture you see is how I will always remember The Debarge Family -- a young, talented, gifted family that SANG lovely.
Have you heard lyrics so pure in "A Dream?" Long live Bunny Debarge -- you wrote some bad lyrics.
I was channel surfing this past weekend, stumbled upon, "Unsung," a behind -the- music type program on my favorite family/group -- DeBarge. Tears of joy and sadness streaming from inside of me. My husband saw me revert to a 17 year old school girl screaming and singing to the TV. What a great feeling? Pure.
As I watched the program I kept thinking what happened? Why the demons?
All I can say is during my tenure as a publicist -- I have worked with many artists battling demons. I can't pretend to understand, I have never been there. I can say that it's tough watching talented people spiral out of control.
It's sad to say this, however, the music industry has never made a point of intervention until their respective bottom-line is compromised. They must do better.
The Debarge Family story is very commonplace in black America. Talented and gifted people not reaching their potential. Drugs and more drugs.
Why don't we have a better coping mechanism for entertainers? I learned watching "Unsung," that El Debarge was the sole family member that stayed away from drugs until the stress mounted and became too much. Who protects the artists? I can tell you from experience that the artists are sold to the highest bidder by their family, friends, lawyers, executives, etc. Everyone wants to be associated with fame, success and money -- no one wants to be around the strung out artists. I ask you, who will protect the entertainers?
Check out this great fan site - www.debargenetwork.com.
I am going to write a letter to El Debarge (no, i don't know him), who was recently arrested for drug possession, vandalism and domestic violence AND let him know that there is a space for real talent. No worries about ageism ... just sing like you did at Radio City Music Hall.
I missed the first half hour and must say TV-One can you please tell a sister when you are running these shows so I can spread the word?
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