Last updated on: August 22, 2025
James DeBarge is an American R&B vocalist. He is primarily known as one of the members of the popular family band DeBarge. The group gained fame during the 1980s with songs such as Rhythm of the Night and All This Love. James is also famous due to his short marriage to pop singer Janet Jackson.
Quick Facts About James DeBarge
| Full Name | James Curtis DeBarge |
| Birthdate | August 22, 1963 |
| Occupation | R&B/Soul Singer |
| Husband/Wife | Janet Jackson (1984–1985) |
| Education | N/A |
| Age | 62 years and 3 months old |
| Parents | Robert DeBarge Sr. & Etterlene DeBarge |
| Siblings | Bunny DeBarge, Bobby DeBarge, El DeBarge, Randy DeBarge, Mark DeBarge, Chico DeBarge, Tommy DeBarge, Darell DeBarge, Carol “Peaches” DeBarge |
| Children | Kristinia DeBarge (1990), James DeBarge Jr. (1998), Tori DeBarge (2001) |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $1 million |
Early Life
James Curtis DeBarge was born on August 22, 1963, in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Music was prevalent in his family. Most of his siblings, such as Bunny, Bobby, and El DeBarge, were singers too. James learned to sing and perform with his family while growing up. This influenced his future career as a musician.
Career
James gained fame through the DeBarge band. The band’s songs blended R&B, pop, and soul. Songs such as Rhythm of the Night made them successful throughout the United States. James acted on stage and in albums alongside his siblings. He occasionally acts with his family even up to today.
Marriage to Janet Jackson
James secretly married Janet Jackson in 1984. He was 21, and Janet was 18. Their marriage was in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and LaToya, Janet’s sister, agreed with the marriage.
The marriage was not without challenges, though. James had an addiction to painkillers and sleeping pills. Janet referred to him as a “sweet guy,” but she added that his use of drugs made the marriage extremely difficult. On the night of their wedding, James left Janet in a hotel room alone for hours. This heightened her concerns even more.
Their marriage was annulled by 1985. Janet was truthful regarding the issues. She indicated she loved James but understood she could not aid him with his issues. Their brief marriage was Janet’s act of rebellion against her father, Joe Jackson, whom everybody knew was very controlling.
Rumors and Children
James made the claim in 2016 on the reality television show Growing Up Hip-Hop that he and Janet shared a daughter. Janet has consistently denied this. She affirmed she never bore any child with James and never concealed any child from him.
James has three other children:
Kristinia DeBarge (born 1990) – she is now a singer and was featured on American Juniors
James DeBarge Jr. (born 1998)
Tori DeBarge (born 2001)
Personal Struggles
James persisted in having issues with addiction. In 2011, he was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance. In 2014, he was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine. James continued to work on music despite these issues. He also toured with his siblings.
Janet Jackson indicated that she had cared for him but realized that she was not the assistance he required. She also recalled him being a good man in spite of his troubles.
READ ALSO: Janet Jackson Net worth, Age, Husband, Family, Facts & More
Legacy
James DeBarge is best known both for his recording career and for his short marriage to Janet Jackson. Following the annulment of their marriage, Janet issued her 1986 album Control. The album indicated her independence and maturity.
For James, the music of the DeBarge group is an integral part of his legacy. Tracks such as Rhythm of the Night continue to feature on radio stations to this day. His life story is also a reflection of the challenges many go through behind the limelight.
