This might seem a bit off topic and random, but I gotta get into some sadness I read on the celebrity blogs today. Apparently my childhood crush, Eldra “El” DeBarge, has been arrested. And the dude is now 5’9″ and 130 pounds. He was always lean, but that’s extra lean. The mugshot is heartbreaking. Oh, El. What happened?
It seems like it was just yesterday when I was listening to Love Me in a Special Way on my little tape player, and wishing you were singing to me. And who could forget the family’s appearance on Solid Gold? Not me! (At one time, Solid Gold was totally my favorite show. I thought Madame was the funniest thing ever).
Here’s hoping El can get it together. But it doesn’t look good, TMZ is reporting that he’s being held on outstanding warrants which include vandalism, drugs, and driving with a suspended license. No bail, so he’s stuck in jail. That’s a far cry from the heady days of 1986. Man, the downfall from fame can be so vicious.
This just makes me want to curl up and listen to All This Love. Won’t you join me?
Vibe Magazine has a great, very timely story on the rise and fall of the DeBarge family. A must-read, if you ever were a fan.
I was a big Debarge Fan back in the day as well. I feel you on this Bella, the downfall from fame can be vicious.
I was just sitting here reminiscing listening to the DeBarge greatest hits CD. This is really sad.
Wow. So sad.
I used to love DeBarge. This is just sad. 130lbs? What happened?
I used to run home every day to watch some video show – they played “Rhythm of the Night” as their last video for about 5 months straight. I was in love with all the DeBarge men and wanted to be Bunny! Guess I’ll crank up my Best of DeBarge on the iPod and reminisce a little this morning.
That’s fugged up! Drug abuse will do you in every time..I love “Time will heal”…
“Cause this time love’s for real….”
Classic.
I think it’s time will reveal…man I loved that one, too. Played right into my teenage girl’s loving some crazy boy heart!
AWEEE, dang he looks bad. Bless his heart.
I too have such fond memories of DeBarge. Had a major crush on El and DeBarge’s music. So sad to see that his struggles with drug continue. So sad.
Els mother has a website , and has published a book
http://www.mamadebarge.com/.
Oh, Afrobella. Yet again you prove why this blog is daily reading for me: shared love of lip gloss, hair products, fabulous female vocalists and now (added to the list) our former love of DeBarge!
Oooh I like it! That is my favorite DeBarge song. His sister, Bunny, has a MySpace page. I think it’s http://www.myspace.com/bunnydebarge but I can’t check since I’m at work. I hope he can battle his demons.
Love Me In A Special way is my favorite song.
I’ve definitely heard this song before and liked it. I never knew who it was by. I’m too young to remember when El Debarge was hot, but I like what I hear. I’m going to check out more of his stuff. I hope he gets himself together!
Bella, you just took me back to 8th grade! My girlfriend Tarita had the BIGGEST crush on El DeBarge, had every Right On! poster of him up on her walls and played “All This Love” at least twice a day every day after school! I too was a fan of Solid Gold (Dionne Warwick’s wigs and dresses always amazed me!), and remember their perormances, but LOVED when the Solid Gold dancers would do their thing when the song was in their Top 10. So sorry to see him this way, I hope he gets the help he so badly needs
I too was a huge Debarge fan. I had so many pictures of them, especially El, stapled to my wall you would have thought it was a special wallpaper made just for me. I so wanted to be his wife. This current situation is very unfortunate.
Yes DeBarge Left A Mark In Music & A Bigger One When They Split. El Was The Most Popular Carrying The Torch His Big Brother Handed Down. Randy Kicked Off “I Like It” & Most Don’t Know That. James Was Married To Janet & Some Still Say It Was El. Bunny The Song Writer & Singer Had The Face That Would’ve Made People Over Look Lisa Lisa & The Cult Jam, But Singing Backgrond Mostly Kept That From Being Seen. Who Knows What Randy Sounds Like @ Lead? DeBarge Will Always Be #1 In My Book, With Switch Close Behind. DeBarge Is Another Example Of Someone Telling The Lead Singer YOU DON’T NEED THEM! Get Back Togeather,Please?