Photo credits: Twitter

Tommy DeBarge (pictured), a musician, and member of the famous DeBarge family, has died, according to family members who spoke to TMZ. DeBarge was 64-years-old.

DeBarge, a member of the R&B/Funk music group Switch, died on Thursday, October 21, 2021. While the actual cause of death is unknown, DeBarge’s daughter, Marina DeBarge, told TMZ that he had kidney and liver illness. DeBarge was also said to have battled COVID-19 earlier this year.

He was admitted to the hospital a few weeks ago and died there. According to Marina DeBarge, her father never complained about his sickness or dealing with any type of agony. She stated that she last communicated with DeBarge on October 20.

In the 1970s, Tommy and his brother Bobby DeBarge achieved musical success with Switch on Motown Records. The band’s track “There’ll Never Be” reached the R&B top ten. Switch influenced other music groups such as Mint Condition, Tony!, Toni!, Toné!, and even their younger siblings who formed the group recognized by the family’s surname, DeBarge.

Bobby DeBarge died of full-blown AIDS in 1995. Bunny DeBarge, Tommy DeBarge’s sister, responded to her brother Tommy’s death in a Facebook post, releasing a video of a still image of Tommy DeBarge playing a guitar.

“Tommy has gained his wings,” she wrote.

Fans all over social media also responded fast to the news of DeBarge’s death.

“Tommy DeBarge could wear out a bass!” recalled author Dr. Margena A. Christian.

“I last saw him when filming Unsung’s Switch episode in 2017. He made it to the set but his body was too fatigued after dialysis. Sending love and light to the DeBarge family. If able, please read his memoir. Powerful story about forgiveness,” Christian continued.