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“Switch” Band Tommy DeBarge Passed Away At 64

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TMZ was the first to report the news on Thursday.

Tommy DeBarge, a member of the R&B/funk band Switch and one of the members of the legendary DeBarge family in the music business, is dead at the age of 64.

Photo of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, New Zealand.

The singer has had liver and renal failure for many years, according to a family member, but his condition has lately deteriorated. According to reports obtained by the principal outlet, he was admitted to the hospital a few weeks ago and died on Thursday.

Etterline, Tommy’s sister, also broke the news on Facebook, releasing a video with a still image of Tommy playing a guitar as a tribute to his late brother with a caption, “Tommy has gained his wings.”

Photo of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, New Zealand.

In the mid-to-late 1970s, DeBarge came to prominence as a member of Switch, which was known for their hit songs such as “There’ll Never Be,” “I Call Your Name,” “We Like to Party,” and “Love Over & Over Again.”

Tommy and his brother Bobby quit “Switch” in the 1980s after years of success to teach their younger siblings in the group.

Photo of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Bobby died in 1995 as a result of AIDS-related complications; he became infected with HIV in the 1980s and battled the disease until he passed away at the age of 39.

Reactions to “Switch” Band Tommy DeBarge Passed Away At 64

Rest In Perfect Peace Tommy DeBarge; a member of the band Switch, and a member of the DeBarge family. Tommy now joins his brother Bobby in the heavenly band. Tommy DeBarge ❤💔❤ September 6, 1957 - October 21, 2021 #TommyDeBarge

@Kiandesworld72

R.I.P. Tommy DeBarge……. 🕊

@ZBaby27

Tommy DeBarge #SWITCH ♥️ at least I got to say I love you #tommydebarge

@Nahimanadebarge

It is very sad to hear about the passing of Tommy DeBarge, one of the members of the legendary R&B groups, Switch and DeBarge. May he rest in peace.

@travisfromthebk

Sending my condolences to @ElDeBarge and the DeBarge family. Tommy DeBarge thank you for all the great music you helped make over the years and showing the world how to pluck that bass. 🎸💪🏾#RIPTommyDeBarge #Switch #DeBarge 🙏🏾

@KoKoBagginz

R.I.P. to Tommy DeBarge of the group Switch. He was 64 years old. What is your favorite Switch song? Mines is Love Over and Over Again. Follow @SankofaTravelHr

@SankofaTravelHr

Rest in Power Tommy DeBarge ❤️🙏🏾🕊

@adedolapo_mary

Awweee man!! This sucks!! RIP Tommy DeBarge #Switch

@nching0

I can't believe Tommy DeBarge has passed away. I will always love Switch. So bummed hearing this news. He seemed like a warm & gentle soul from reading his book. I hope he is finally at peace. Prayers to the entire family...

@blm_angie

I was introduced to Switch as a young child by my older cousin, who was a musician. I was mesmerized by Bobby & Phillip's vocals immaculate musical arrangements & talent behind those instruments. I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of #TommyDeBarge Peaceful journey 🕊

@girl_nicki0510