James DeBarge Jr is part of one of the most iconic music families in American history. Born in 1998, he is the son of R&B singer James Curtis DeBarge and a member of the legendary DeBarge dynasty. Also known as El DeBarge Jr, he blends family legacy with his own path in music. From Motown roots to modern social media, his story connects past and present in a simple and powerful way.
Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Curtis DeBarge Jr. |
| Known As | James DeBarge Jr., El DeBarge Jr. |
| Birth Year | 1998 |
| Age (2026) | 27–28 years old |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (African American, French, Cherokee Indian) |
| Religion | Christian (Pentecostal roots) |
| Height | Approx. 5’9″ to 5’11” |
| Weight | Approx. 160–175 lbs |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Producer |
| Music Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Father | James Curtis DeBarge |
| Mother | Not publicly disclosed |
| Siblings | Kristinia DeBarge, Tori DeBarge |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California (with ties to Michigan) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $100K – $250K |
| Income Sources | Music, live performances, digital content |
| Social Media | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok (@eldebargejr) |
Early Life, Identity, Heritage, and Background
James DeBarge Jr was born in the United States in 1998. He grew up surrounded by music, faith, and strong family ties. His heritage is described as a mix of African American, French, and Cherokee Indian roots, with some mentions of English ancestry through his father’s side. This rich background shaped his identity from an early age.
He spent time between Detroit, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Los Angeles, California. These places are important to the DeBarge story. His upbringing was deeply connected to Christian faith and the Pentecostal tradition, especially through the influence of the family’s matriarch, Etterlene “Mama” DeBarge. Physically, he is often noted for his resemblance to his father and uncle, with curly dark hair and a slim, athletic build.
The DeBarge Family Background and Musical Dynasty
The story of James DeBarge Jr cannot be told without understanding the powerful legacy of the DeBarge family. His grandparents, Etterlene “Mama” DeBarge and Robert Louis DeBarge Sr., raised a large family that would go on to shape R&B music. The family became famous through groups like DeBarge and Switch, both known for their smooth sound and emotional songs.
His uncles include major names like El DeBarge, Chico DeBarge, Bobby DeBarge, Tommy DeBarge, Randy DeBarge, and Marty DeBarge. His aunt Bunny DeBarge was the only female member of the original group. Together, they created hits like Rhythm of the Night, All This Love, and I Like It. This musical environment played a key role in shaping his path and passion.
Music Career, Stage Name, and Songs
James DeBarge Jr is a singer, songwriter, and producer. He focuses on R&B and soul music, continuing the style that made his family famous. He often uses the stage name El DeBarge Jr, which is seen as a tribute to his uncle’s voice and success. It also helps connect him to the classic DeBarge sound.
His work includes songs like Hello Im DeBarge, Today, and I’m A Prince. He has also link to a project called The Lion’s Den. His music is described as a mix of modern sound and old-school soul. He performs live in places like Detroit and Grand Rapids, where he sometimes sings classic DeBarge hits along with his own songs.
Social Media Presence, Public Image
Unlike many artists, James DeBarge Jr keeps a low profile in his personal life. However, he stays active online. He uses platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok under the name @eldebargejr. Through these channels, he shares family videos, music clips, and moments from his life.
He also plays a role in keeping the DeBarge legacy alive. He posts old footage, honors his grandmother Etterlene DeBarge, and shares stories about the family’s history. He has been part of projects like Unsung and DeBarge: The Legacy, which explore the family’s journey. These efforts show his dedication to preserving what his family built.
Personal Life, Residence, Education, and Net Worth
James DeBarge Jr prefers to keep his personal life private. There is no public information about a partner, spouse, or children. He lives mainly in Los Angeles, California, but still has strong ties to Michigan, especially Detroit and Grand Rapids.
His education is not clearly confirmed, but the family’s connection to Ottawa Hills High School is often mentioned. His net worth is estimate between $100,000 and $250,000, though some sources say it is not publicly disclosed. His income comes from music, live shows, and digital content related to the DeBarge legacy.
His Father
The father of James DeBarge Jr is James Curtis DeBarge, born on August 22, 1963, in Detroit, Michigan. He is best known as a member of the group DeBarge, where he played a key role as a singer and keyboardist. He helped create major hits like All This Love, Love Me in a Special Way, and Rhythm of the Night.
James DeBarge also became widely known for his marriage to Janet Jackson in 1984. The marriage ended in 1985, but it connected him to the famous Jackson family, including Michael Jackson. His life has included both success and struggles, including issues with substance abuse and legal challenges. Despite this, he remains an important figure in R&B history and continues to appear in documentaries and media projects.
His Siblings
James DeBarge Jr has two sisters who are also part of the DeBarge legacy. His older sister, Kristinia DeBarge, was born in 1990 and is a well-known singer and TV personality. She gained fame with her song Goodbye and appeared on shows like Growing Up Hip Hop. She also runs her own business, Krissy D Cosmetics, and has built a strong career in music and entertainment.
His younger sister, Tori DeBarge, was born in 2001. She keeps a much lower profile compared to Kristinia. While she is not as active in the spotlight, she appears in family-related media and supports her siblings and father. Together, the three siblings represent the next generation of the DeBarge family.
Final Thoughts
Jr represents a quiet but important part of a powerful musical legacy. As the son of James DeBarge and a member of the DeBarge family, he carries a name that shaped R&B history. While he keeps much of his life private, he stays connected to music, family, and tradition.
His journey shows a balance between honoring the past and building something new. Through music, social media, and family storytelling, he continues to keep the DeBarge name alive. Even without constant media attention, his role in preserving this legacy makes his story worth knowing.
FAQs
Who is James DeBarge Jr?
James DeBarge Jr is an American singer and the son of R&B artist James Curtis DeBarge.
What is James DeBarge Jr known for?
He is known for being a member of the DeBarge family and for his work as a singer and performer. He also shares family history and music content online, helping keep the DeBarge legacy alive.
How old is James DeBarge Jr?
As of 2026, James DeBarge Jr is around 27 to 28 years old, based on his birth year of 1998.
Who is the father of James DeBarge Jr?
His father is James Curtis DeBarge, a well-known R&B singer and member of the group DeBarge, famous for hits like Rhythm of the Night.
Does James DeBarge Jr have siblings?
Yes, he has two sisters. His older sister is Kristinia DeBarge, a singer and TV personality, and his younger sister is Tori DeBarge.
What is James DeBarge Jr’s stage name?
He often uses the name El DeBarge Jr as a stage or social media identity, inspired by his uncle El DeBarge.
What kind of music does James DeBarge Jr make?
He mainly creates R&B and soul music. His style blends modern sounds with the classic vocal influence of the DeBarge family.
What is James DeBarge Jr’s net worth?
His net worth is estimate between $100,000 and $250,000, though exact figures are not publicly confirm.
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