R.I.P.: Tommy DeBarge of Switch, Famed DeBarge Family, Dead at 64

Sad news to report, y’all. Tommy DeBarge, of the famed DeBarge family & the iconic R&B/Funk group Switch, has died at the age of 64.

His family confirmed the news to TMZ, saying he passed away on Thursday (October 21) after being hospitalized a couple of weeks ago. The official cause of death is unknown, but Tommy has been dealing with years of kidney and liver disease. His daughter, Marina, confirmed that he also battled COVID-19 earlier this year. Despite his struggles, Marina said that her father never complained, speaking to him as recently as Wednesday, and that he fought to the very end.

Tommy was an original member Switch, along with Gregory Williams, Phillip Ingram, Jody Sims, Eddie Fluellen, and his brother Bobby DeBarge (who passed in 1995 of AIDS-related complications). With hits like “There’ll Never Be,” “I Wanna Be Closer,” and “I Call Your Name,” the band would pave the way for many other acts, including Tommy and Bobby’s younger siblings, who performed under the family surname.

We send our condolences to Tommy’s family, the surviving members of Switch, and all who knew and loved him.

**UPDATE** Tommy’s brother, singer El DeBarge, posted a statement on his social media. Read it below.