At 88, Bobby DeBarge’s Mother Reveals The DARK Truth

At 88 years old, Bobby DeBarge’s mother, Etterlene DeBarge, has finally opened up about the dark truths surrounding the tragic life of her son, the late Bobby DeBarge.

Bobby, a member of the influential R&B group Switch, rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like There’ll Never Be and I Call Your Name. However, despite his success, Bobby’s life was marred by struggles with addiction, personal trauma, and a troubled family history.

After years of silence, Etterlene has broken her silence in a candid interview, revealing details about Bobby’s heartbreaking struggles and how they impacted not only him but also the DeBarge family as a whole.

Bobby DeBarge, who passed away in 1995 at the age of 39, was a significant figure in the world of R&B and Motown music. He was known for his high-pitched falsetto and his role in creating hits that have left a lasting impact on the genre.

However, behind the scenes, Bobby’s life was plagued by addiction and personal turmoil, leading to his premature death. His mother, Etterlene, has lived with the pain of his struggles for decades, but now, at 88, she is choosing to share her side of the story, offering new insights into the trials that Bobby faced.

The Struggles of Bobby DeBarge: A Troubled Childhood

In her interview, Etterlene DeBarge opened up about her son’s difficult childhood, which she believes played a significant role in his later struggles.

Born into a family with a troubled history, Bobby’s early years were marked by emotional neglect and abuse, both at home and within the larger family dynamic.

Etterlene revealed that she herself had a complicated relationship with Bobby’s father, Thomas, whose own issues with substance abuse and violence left a lasting scar on the family.

Bobby’s early life was marked by constant instability, with Etterlene admitting that she struggled to provide the emotional support that her son needed. “There were times when I couldn’t protect him, and that hurt me,” Etterlene shared.

“Bobby was a sensitive child, and he needed love and guidance that I couldn’t always give him. It breaks my heart to think about what he went through.”

This early trauma, coupled with the challenges of growing up in a musical family, eventually led Bobby down a dark path. Etterlene admitted that Bobby’s early experiences with abuse, both physical and emotional, set the stage for his struggles with addiction later in life.

“It was hard for Bobby to cope with everything,” she said. “He turned to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain, and that only made things worse.”

Bobby DeBarge’s Addiction: The Darkest Period

As Bobby DeBarge’s music career began to take off with Switch, the pressures of fame, coupled with his unresolved emotional wounds, led to his growing dependence on drugs and alcohol.

Etterlene revealed that Bobby’s addiction was a constant source of pain for the family, as they watched him spiral deeper into substance abuse. “Bobby was so talented, but the addiction took hold of him,” Etterlene said, her voice breaking. “It was like we lost him to the drugs. He wasn’t the same person anymore.”

Bobby’s addiction not only affected his career but also strained his relationships with his bandmates and family members. Despite his immense talent, Bobby found it difficult to maintain the balance between his personal struggles and his professional success.

“He wanted to escape the pain,” Etterlene said. “But the more he tried to escape, the worse it got. It’s heartbreaking to think about how much potential he had and how addiction robbed him of so much.”

The Family’s Pain: Loss and Regret

Throughout Bobby’s battle with addiction, his family was forced to watch from the sidelines, unable to help him in the way they hoped. Etterlene admitted that, looking back, she regrets not being able to do more for her son.

“As a mother, you always feel like you should have done more. I always wish I could have saved him from the darkness,” she said. “But sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can’t change what’s happening inside someone. I tried to help him, but I couldn’t reach him.”

The DeBarge family’s pain over Bobby’s struggles extended beyond addiction. After his death, Etterlene and the rest of the family were left to cope with the loss of a son and brother who was both loved and troubled.

“Bobby was more than just a musician. He was a son, a brother, and a person who deserved to live a full life,” Etterlene shared. “But addiction and the things he went through took that from him.”

A Mother’s Love and the Legacy of Bobby DeBarge

Despite the heartache and challenges, Etterlene has made it clear that she never stopped loving her son, and her feelings of pride for his musical accomplishments remain unchanged.

“Bobby was a gift to the world,” she said. “His voice, his music, the way he touched people—those things will never be forgotten. He left a legacy that will live on through his songs.”

Etterlene also spoke about her efforts to keep Bobby’s memory alive, both through her own work and through the continued success of his music. “I keep his spirit with me every day,” she said. “I want people to remember Bobby for the beautiful music he created and the love he had for his family.”

Conclusion: A Legacy of Strength and Survival

At 88, Etterlene DeBarge’s willingness to share the painful and heartbreaking details of her son’s struggles offers a new perspective on the life of Bobby DeBarge, one that emphasizes the complexity of addiction, family, and personal trauma.

Her story is one of strength, resilience, and love, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that family support can have in the face of adversity.

Though Bobby’s life was cut tragically short, his legacy as a talented musician and the love he shared with his family remain etched in history.

While the dark truths of his struggles may have been hidden for years, Etterlene’s decision to finally speak out provides closure and understanding for fans and the public, ensuring that Bobby DeBarge’s memory will live on in both his music and the love of his family.

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