El DeBarge Makes El Comeback (Video Links)

Fans got a preview of El DeBarge's upcoming album when he sings the title track on the 2010 BET Awards show. There's been very little information up until now about El DeBarge releasing an album in September , although El did appear and talk with Brian McKnight back in March. Then El pops up on the BET awards singing not only a medley of his famous hits, but "Second Chance," the title track of his new album, due out in September.

See the videos of El DeBarge performing his 1980s hits and his new song, "Second Chance."

Eldra Patrick DeBarge just turned 49 years old on June 4th, 2010. Back in the 1980s, El and his brothers, Marty, Randy, James and sister, Bunny were all part of the family group that gave Motown some success in that decade. DeBarge's biggest singles included "I Like It," "All This Love," "Who's Holding Donna Now," "Time Will Reveal," "Love Me in a Special Way," and "Rhythm of the Night." Since El was singing lead on these songs, it was only natural in typical Motown fashion, that he would emerge as a single artist, and after a few recording were released as El DeBarge with DeBarge, El went on to have a solo hit with "Who's Johnny."

El was considered a prodigy -- producer, singer, songwriter and musician, and has always been greatly admired for his soulful falsetto voice. Some of the songs he wrote include "All This Love," which has been covered by Patti LaBelle, and "Time Will Reveal," (with his sister, Bunny) which has been covered by Boyz II Men.

After his last recording for Motown in 1989, El DeBarge signed with Warner Brothers, releasing "In The Storm," collaborating with Fourplay, Patti LaBelle and Maurice White of Earth Wind and Fire. El also collaborated with Quincy Jones on "The Secret Garden," in 1990 which also featured Barry White, Al B. Sure!, and James Ingram on vocals. In 1994, El worked with Babyface on the album "Heart, Mind and Soul." Three singles emerged from that collaboration: "Can't Get Enough", "Slide," and "Where Is My Love." El's last hit was in 1998, when he was featured with DJ Quik on the single "Hand In Hand."

Since his early release from prison in October 2009, El has gotten his life back on track as he told Brian McKnight when El appeared on Brian's show in March They spoke briefly about his legal troubles and drug use. Making no excuses for himself, El said that being sent to prison was the worst thing that could have happened to him, but "it was God's way of intervening," and allowing him to regain control of his life. El told Brian that all that is behind him now and he feels "brand new."

El DeBarge said he chose the title, "Second Chance," for his new album because he wanted to show that everyone deserves a second chance, and that his upcoming album will reveal more of the challenges he has faced in his life.

Rumors of a tour to promote his album have already surfaced, but no dates have been announced as yet. You can always check Pollstar to see if they list any upcoming performances.

Sources: Embedded
RnB Music Blog