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El Debarge in El Slammer!

Posted Aug 29th 2007 5:20PM by TMZ Staff

TMZ has learned R&B sensation El Debarge is currently cooling his dancing shoes in an L.A. County Jail, arrested on Sunday for domestic violence!

Rhymes With Snitch first broke the news of Debarge's arrest. El, whose real name is Eldra, scored major success in 1985 with the hit "Rhythm of the Night." His brother James was briefly married to Janet Jackson, but that marriage was annulled.

Debarge currently sits in a cell, without bail. Wear it well!

UPDATE: TMZ has learned that Debarge is being held on several outstanding warrants ranging from vandalism to drugs to driving with a suspended license. On these particular warrants, bail is not an option -- which means El Debarge will stay behind bars until he sees the judge.

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61. When I went online and saw that he had been arrested I couldn't believe it. I grew up to DeBarge music, I loved DeBarge and El was my favorite. I still have all the DeBarge albums. So sad though, what a waste of TRUE TALENT. He was handsome, sexy, had a voice out of this world, I loved to hear him sing. When I saw the picture of him, I almost didn't recognize him. He has to be on drugs, in the mug shot he looks strung out. Here I thought he was living a happy quiet peaceful married life. Goes to show you never know. I do hope he gets himself straightened out.

Posted at 2:40PM on Aug 30th 2007 by zema

62. I'm always saddened see another black man in the slammer. Domestic violence is on the rise it seems. It so sad that a couples who once loved and cherished one another are now resorting fighting . My prayers are with Mr & Mrs DeBarge. And to all of the Player Haters who put the negative and vile comments on this site. Why don't you guys try praying for this brother instead of tearing him down!!! My parents taught me if I couldn't say something Positive don't say anything at all. Peace

Posted at 2:32PM on Aug 30th 2007 by little red

63. LOVE YA EL

Posted at 2:41PM on Aug 30th 2007 by zema

64. That's weird, I thought he passed away. Look at www.findagrave.com !!!!!- You'll see!!!!

Posted at 3:03PM on Aug 30th 2007 by wifa

65. Thank you #15!!! Who the hell are you idiots who don't know the genius of EL. He is more than singer, he produces, writes, and collaborates with and for the best!

My thoughts and prayers are wih you El!

Posted at 3:07PM on Aug 30th 2007 by a.n.a.

66. El was never with Janet Jackson. That was his brother, James. Get it right, next time.

Posted at 3:55PM on Aug 30th 2007 by trysh

67. THE DEBARGE FAMILY ARE MUSICAL GENUISES. I'M ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE FANS.

Despite any personal problems, I love Debarge & Switch forever.
Hope everything works out for you, El.

And as for Chico, you are SOOOOOOOOOO HOTTTTTTTT.

Tour soon, I need my fix of Chico.

Love ALWAYS

Posted at 4:55PM on Aug 30th 2007 by DEBARGE'S HAVE MORE THAN IN ONE FINGER THAN MOST

68. I hate to hear that El is having so many difficulties. At the age of 13 he was my first crush and will always hold a special place in my heart. My wall was literally wallpapered with pictures of him. I hope he gets some help and gets his life back together.

Posted at 5:39PM on Aug 30th 2007 by trlynee

69. #62 That is Bobby DeBarge of Switch who died of AIDS in the 90's

Posted at 9:36PM on Aug 30th 2007 by G.R. DJ

70. What the hell is wrong with celebrities now a days??? Well Debarge was one in the 80's but still. This family(Debarge) have been so bless like the jacksons and many others, with endless talent and there it goes, down the drain! I am a working person who tries to play lotto because the only way I'll ever get rich is by winning, cause lord knows I have no talent. I pray for people like this!

Posted at 11:03PM on Aug 30th 2007 by Mickey B

71. His current wife isn't named Tracey, is it?

Posted at 7:47AM on Aug 31st 2007 by ACU Alum

72. Tracey Wade?

Posted at 3:43PM on Aug 31st 2007 by trlynee

73. Hmm, i think his current wife is tracey- not sure though...ive seen pictures of her and their kids- very pretty.. it's on the www.mamadebarge.com site in the gallery where you can see pics of the whole family and stuff (it's their mother's site-who also has a book out about them) and btw he is Biracial not hispanic. I hope he straightens himself out...

Posted at 7:20PM on Aug 31st 2007 by jessyka

74. people should learn to respect living legends all people artists have their ups and downs it is not for us to judge them...I love el debarge he is truly one of the last great black singers..may god be with him and his family...jail is no place for any individual who has talents and so much to offer others..free el debarge.

Posted at 10:02PM on Aug 31st 2007 by jaazzy

75. half of you on this site don't even know who debarge is, so let me school ya...

The song sampled on Ashanti's "Foolish", is Debarge's "Stay With Me" which by the way, has also been used by damm near everyone else. Biggie, Mary J, to name a few. El DeBarge sings lead.

Also sings some lead vocas on Quincy Jones "Secret Garden".

Posted at 12:59AM on Sep 3rd 2007 by El , come back to your senses....

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