R&B Singer El DeBarge Makes Comeback with Second Chance

R&B singer El DeBarge made his return to the stage last night when he gave a soulful performance of his new song, Second Chance, at the BET Awards. DeBarge's new album will be released in September 2010 - a real treat for old fans and new fans alike. His last solo album, Heart, Mind, and Soul, was released in 1994.

According to CBS News, Debarge said he chose Second Chance as the title to his new album because he believes "everybody deserves a second chance."

This appeared to be the theme last night as seen in the performances of DeBarge, Kanye West, and Chris Brown, who put on an emotional performance while paying tribute to the late Michael Jackson - a scene that may have been more about him than Jackson.

For those of you who don't know already, El DeBarge, 49, was a member of the '80s group DeBarge made up of El and his siblings. DeBarge is best known for their hits Rhythm of the Night and Who's Holding Donna Now. As part of his performance Sunday night, El did a medley of All This Love, Time Will Reveal, and Rhythm of the Night.

El DeBarge left the group in 1986 to pursue a solo career and released his hit Who's Johnny on his self-titled album, El DeBarge, the same year. Who's Johnny proved to be a great success in the U.S., peaking at number three on the pop charts and number one on R&B charts.

El DeBarge's Solo Albums Include:
El DeBarge (1986)
Gemini (1989)
In The Storm (1992)
Heart, Mind, and Soul (1994)

DeBarge's Career Sidetracked with Stint in Prison:
DeBarge ran into trouble in 2007 when he was arrested for domestic violence and, according to TMZ, again in 2008 when he was arrested for possession of a controlled substance - crack cocaine - in Los Angeles. The judge in the case found DeBarge had violated his probation stemming from a 2007 drug case. He was sentenced to two years in state prison and released after doing a year. All that seems to be behind him now as he moves forward with his music.

As of now, there no concert dates scheduled for El DeBarge.

Sources:
DeBarge and El DeBarge Fan
El Debarge, Kanye West on 2010 BET Awards Marks Night of "Second Chances" - Celebrity Circuit - CBS News
El DeBarge Guilty -- Sent to El Big House | TMZ.com