A new documentary set to debut at the Slamdance Film Festival offers a candid look at the lives of James and Randy DeBarge, two former members of the iconic 1980s R&B group, who now live in RVs on the streets of Los Angeles.
The film DeBarge, directed by Matthew Siretta, was filmed over several years and wrapped in 2021 following the death of their brother Tommy DeBarge, a member of the funk band Switch.
A Legacy of Music and Struggles
DeBarge rose to fame in the early 1980s as Motown’s next big family act, often compared to the Jacksons. The group’s hits—including All This Love, I Like It, and Rhythm of the Night—made them a household name. Their music has continued to influence contemporary R&B and hip-hop, with artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Blackstreet, and Ashanti sampling their work.
Despite their musical success, personal struggles—including legal troubles and substance abuse—led to a turbulent decline. The new documentary delves into these challenges, focusing on James DeBarge—Janet Jackson’s first husband—and the family’s ongoing hardships.
Life on the Streets
A recently released clip from DeBarge shows James, 61, and Randy, 66, living in RVs in Los Angeles, highlighting the stark contrast between their past fame and current reality. According to a synopsis from Slamdance, the film explores the DeBarge family’s struggles with fame, addiction, and their bond as they navigate life together in difficult circumstances.
The documentary features appearances from surviving DeBarge members El and Bunny, as well as archived footage of Tommy DeBarge and their mother, Etterlene Louise Rodriguez, who passed away last February.
Screenings and Future Releases
DeBarge premiered at the Panasonic LUMIX Theater on February 23, with another screening following on February 24 at the Los Angeles Times Theater. While a streaming link has been created for the service Plex, an official release date has not yet been confirmed.
A Story That Needs to Be Told
The DeBarge family’s story is one of talent, tragedy, and resilience. This documentary sheds light on their continued struggles while paying homage to the legacy they built in the music industry. For fans of R&B and music history, DeBarge offers an intimate, eye-opening portrait of a family whose impact on music remains undeniable.
(Original reporting by Keenan Higgins.)
Where will we be able to see this new film?
This is so sad to learn. I hope that they can recover and find peace. ✌🏽❤️
where can we watch it?