El DeBarge Talks "Rhythm of the Night," Maintaining His Voice and Upcoming Show in Anaheim

Iconic R&B singer El DeBarge talks about his 1983 hit song "Rhythm of the Night" and tells us how he maintains his voice after all these years.
He also talks about his upcoming show at Pearson Park Amphitheater in Anaheim on September 9th. For tickets to see him perform live, visit HomeTicketBox.com.
This segment aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News on Wednesday, August 30, 2017.
This post was corrected after only a small portion of the interview was shared.

[@loyauhl]

this man is 56 years old...... 56!!! he looks amazing

[@tinatiller3371]

Its called hair color. He needs to stop chewing that gum. He really made a mess of his life and career with those drugs. Sad!

[@stephanies8122]

😵 He looks younger than anyone

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

He was not 56 years old here.

[@gwendolynhall2573]

Yesmy baby look good for his age

[@gwendolynhall2573]

I dont care if he was on drugs i love my baby eldebarge i don't look at his pass i look at his music what in his heart people need too leaving el debarge along and his family i love my baby el debarge

[@wtf8020]

you just cant help but wish the very best for him...

[@michmex220]

This is so true!! Yes ! And I wish him the same with all my heart ❤️

[@lovingatlanta]

👍⭐️🤩🙏💝Agreed. I don’t know exactly what happened to cause him for fall off the charts but I wish him the absolute best. Anybody with 12 kids have to be a loving person. He just seems to be a genuine loving kindhearted person. I hope all of his kids feel loved by him. 🙏🙏🙏💝💝💝

[@jazzymoni7750]

I love when you can tell that the interviewer has so much respect for the artist. You can tell he was genuinely excited and studied up. He also did his best to make El, who is clearly very introverted, feel comfortable. This was good vibes. I wish him success and the ability to regain all that has been lost. I can still see his pain, but anything is possible with faith.

[@bbrown333]

I felt that too.

[@elijahhill6602]

The bigger and closer the fan you are, the more respect you promise to give that guest and study for it.

[@gial.1854]

His voice is still phenomenal, & he still looks great and very humble.

[@citygirlingraham]

El De barge is a icon and he deserves every blessing and I hope he gets gigs all the time. I’m glad he still gets gets the love and respect he deserves.

[@roxannemiller6961]

Amazing talent.

[@KennettaXMoon]

I love you unconditionally since i was 12. I am 48 going on 49 now. And i will never lose love for you, EL! I pray you peace, love and respect!💕

[@risaandjesus]

I'm glad his voice is so maintained!!!!!! His voice is golden! His looks as well..... love his wisdom and humbleness!!!!!!!

[@juliedavis7445]

Yes he looks and sounds amazing considering all he's been through. I hope he stays with us for a long time

[@theycallmeflaco]

Genetics wow

[@donnabanks7656]

I am hoping nothing but health and success for El and his family. They have been through so much. Remember there is always hope.

[@fcrawford8615]

Yes!

[@kandikane923]

yes their white father put them through hell! Read Tommy Debarges book There’ll Never Be, A story of forgiveness..so compelling and heart wrenching.

[@jeneenbuchanan8891]

Absolutely, Amen 🙏👍

[@Zach-sx8cm]

DeBarge had some REALLY, REALLY good music. its rare to have so much talent AND such amazing music at the same time. and they were consistent too. there is something special about them and it shows with how much we love to see El

[@lhawkins40]

I am still crushing on El. Still looking handsome as ever😍

[@AuntyKinu]

Someone said he looks like Clark Gable and he sure does.

[@rogers5622]

AuntyKinu yes..the called him The Black Clark on the cover of Ebony😊

[@Tiberius291]

Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.

[@AuntyKinu]

@@Tiberius291 As God is my witness, I'll never go back and forth with trolls again. The End...... cue theme song.

[@sherenay3109]

Yes, I thought I was the only one who thought that.

[@chaideelove1819]

He does...

[@diannamarie837]

Wow, this man still looks gorgeous, he's in amazing shape for his 50's! I'm thrilled his vocals are still so clear and beautiful...always loved "Rhythym of the Night"

[@conservativeliberal4435]

57

[@victorianavarro2059]

@@conservativeliberal4435 almost 60 pretty soon

[@FacheChanteDeux]

Bless him. I never knew he had been through so much until recently. I hope he lives a good life going forward.

[@itsjusme6447]

I sense a little shyness... With his fine self ❤️ I love you El!!!!!!! My favorite song is "Second Chance..." ❤️❤️❤️

[@rogers5622]

Let'sgo Crazy agree about the shyness..from what his family says I think he is off stage.😊

[@artiswilkins306]

Let'sgo Crazy I love El-but he’s not shy. How is someone shy when he has 10 to 12 kids. One vid said that he had 14 kids. In a different vid, Bunny said that El had his 1st baby @ 14. That is not a shy person. Shy-🤣🤣🤣Not

[@jaygon9272]

Artis Wilkins prob anxiety induced by long term drug abuse.

[@aGwEENapple]

@@artiswilkins306 He's probably just more comfortable around certain people.

[@bsquared4604]

I love their enthusiasm for him

[@danny71966]

That 80's hit, Rhythm of the Night, was so beautiful that I still playing it every day...

[@LynRuiz]

Oh my goodness he’s still handsome!! His hairline is still luscious and full.

[@Biblicalgiants]

God bless El DeBarge! It's great to know he's still around and doing well!

[@migatron1]

I want to look this good at his age

[@Felix-M.]

Stay thin ... Good eating and cardio .

[@georgiaj5301]

What a talented, humble man. I pray the best in life for him.

[@pythomas29]

He looks and still sounds amazing!!! His spirit is still strong! I feel so terrible for the pain that this family has endured, but he is a WALKING TESTIMONY!!! I’m of darker skin tone, but I drink ALOT of water!! Just like El said, so much you can’t sleep at night! I even drink water out of a wine glass at night! Lol! I always have a gallon by my bed at night and 5 8! The garage! I LOVE water! It’s incredible how many singers and entertainers are shy, but when that music plays, a alter ego comes out and we are blessed to hear their gifts!! He has a soft voice like Michael Jackson!

[@Spiritualchick82]

Wow, he looks Awesome! So youthful and as always, Very Handsome.

[@christopherwoods891]

All of Debarge got that IT factor. Black, Indian, French mix. One of my favorite artist of all time.

[@tricia1114]

Very handsome El Debarge!😍

[@aaline02]

El Dabarge is still the man! I love him.

[@jackgadiano9405]

Man he is smooth even when speaking!

[@shellyg7598]

I will stand in line for an El DeBarge concert anytime anywhere.

[@vanxl9]

A legend definitely. He definitely is like a twin of his legendary older brother the late Bobby Debarge

[@jerbojones]

See yhis was a good interview! They didn't bring up his drug problems like when he was on The View. They just talked about him and his music. Great job guys on not having him on there and recognizing his talent instead of his past drug problems.

[@Diving4pearls81]

Facts! 🙌🏾

[@winniejohnson5559]

👏👏👏👏

[@roxannemiller6961]

Amen, just recognize his amazing singing talent.

[@cherylfernando518]

He is the 1st to admit to his drug addiction. and prison time . A lot of folks can learn from him, he is much graced!!

[@Hibiol-of-my-decay]

Ok. I'll start drinking more water

[@jeneenbuchanan8891]

Water is the best remedy 👍

[@TheDontflinch]

lol

[@QKJM19]

He still fine💖😘😍

[@Ianisatool]

Queen JKInc. Girl ain't he

[@XxBabyGurlLovexX]

You ain't never lied! 😍

[@michellm371]

Right?! Omg 😍

[@TheRuby13red]

He wore that red suit.

[@katrinaevans9133]

Yes he did he is so fine and sexy!!!

[@michellm371]

I hope to see more of him. He’s still got it and then some, especially for his age. He looks good. He’s killing me with that hair and just his speaking voice. Good luck to him in the future.

[@zaharaazure73]

El has beautiful hair😍💓

[@chaideelove1819]

His Father was White....Caucasian....

[@DeeDane]

@GreaterGood510 🤣😂

[@aGwEENapple]

@GreaterGood510 lol

[@socalbarbie1040]

Point???

[@opethdan2408]

He still looks great! Love him

[@mel-a-nin]

Very handsome guy. Always been slim. Nothing wrong with him here. You guys are reaching with these comments.

[@MightMouse2174]

Tia H yeah one show I seen he's picking up weight

[@BornToBeFamed]

Tia H they always reaching lol

[@conservativeliberal4435]

T E he is now 57 but very much looking like baby face 👍👍

[@RavenlucJanie]

Apparently he's not that shy...10 kids. Very sociable guy, lol.

[@angelawilliamsproverbs3155]

Raven T what ten ??? Wow

[@AshTheDuke]

His voice is smooth

[@MsMatten9322]

He is so cute to me, skinny and all, I just like this man.

[@Ianisatool]

priscilla chambliss he is very cute

[@trendygirl3489]

I agree! I’ve had a crush on El since 1983.

[@chaideelove1819]

He is a good looking skip...Lol...

[@ohheybih]

He looks healthy. 🙏🏾

[@rhdtv2002]

These guys had that Puerto Rican look

[@wileyjohnson5681]

White French dad and black mother

[@wileyjohnson5681]

I guess Paris feels that connection with El Debarge since his dad is of French descent.

[@jeneenbuchanan8891]

When I first 👀 him & his siblings back in the early 80s, thought they were half Latinos/Indians/African/& Caucasian. I was half right & wrong but then again it's good to check your ancestry. 👍

[@devyhnwiggins5589]

I thought they were Puerto rican to

[@JasShanelle]

They were the original “pretty ricky/ Rico Suave” all of them Debarge brothers were fine

[@thequeenofhope4006]

He’s come so far your fans truly love you El!

[@ibukayov]

Why is El so cute! Oh my goodness 😫😍😍❤️

[@glampreda3803]

I wish El Debarge and his family the very best. He and his family have been through Soooo much tragedy. I wish he and his family nuttin' but love and success.

[@beautifullyflawed6723]

Yes, this ! 🫶🏾

[@kingmont5839]

Wow el seems like a real nice dude..GOD BLESS HIM🙏🏽

[@LaCheleWallace]

Go 'head, Uncle El. You look good and you can still sang. God bless. Be well.

[@kennettabradford6566]

I don't think I will ever see El in a uncle way 😊😊

[@roxannemiller6961]

Yessss,Yesssss.

[@MrMaxismybaby]

His speaking voice is similar to his brother, Bobby, but deeper.

[@prerog9585]

His voice is better than Bobby's.

[@kmauryo]

Horrible hairstyle for a straight man

[@josevasquez4080]

he outlived bobby plus as you get older your voice thickens and deepens.

[@kitkatt430]

@@prerog9585 not to me because they sound so similar

[@shortlilma125]

K. Ma. Did you forget that his mom is black and his dad was a white. His hair may just be naturally like that. Either way, it works for him.

[@AfroJuku]

Loving the hair, El!! I'm rooting for you!!💜

[@elysehenderson7170]

Glad Eldra is healthy and looking great. Supporting HTown. Come on over here! God bless.

[@NinjaDash360]

I'm glad he's doing better, he looks great!

[@mysticakhenaton1701]

THANK YOU/KTLA 5 for having my boy EL DEBARGE on. a music legend.

[@chaisroom6631]

You can tell he is so shy...

[@jocelyndriver7228]

You are so damn fine! Still looking good sweetie! DeBarge the best of 1980's!😘❤️

[@OGomez-vw6xj]

Everything he did with dj quik was 🔥

[@homecookteresagreen]

What did he do with DJ Quik

[@romonarucker3405]

Yeah he did a song with dj quik it was about all about the (v) it was 🔥 the part El did i kept going back too here what he was singing. All i can say yesssssss babyyy look it up .he one sexy man.

[@Diving4pearls81]

@@homecookteresagreen You betta youtube it. You missing out lol

[@TrumanStalls18]

Yup!

[@btywithin]

That damn hair!!! 🤤😍

[@michellm371]

Right?! Omg 😍

[@richalex6785]

He looks great. You can see that he is sober in this interview. I’m so happy for him.

[@valenciawallace1726]

Folks talkin on these postings that they have a problem with El looking not well. Huh... he's GORGEOUS! We're used to him dressed for the stage, instead of a shirt showing support for the Hurricane efforts. I love the longer hair too! Let's keep positive vibes going his way... he doesn't need the negative ones! 50's LOOK GOOD ON YA EL!!!!

[@sherrisolomon8673]

Niesha McCoy He just need him one of them hefty Down South or Caribbean woma n to fatten him up wit some EXTRA food. lol!

[@nieshamccoy9419]

Sherri Solomon 😅😅😅 Lol..

[@nieshamccoy9419]

Valencia Wallace El is naturally skinny but it's all good.

[@AndromedonThanks]

Some of us are just worried. We know how that addiction demon is.

[@thanddi]

@@AndromedonThanksRight. I was shocked to see him looking like this. :-(

[@michellerichards9948]

You Have A Beautiful spirit Your Eyes are Very Caring❤

[@wendileona]

The constant water consumption must also help his looks, cleanses impurities, keeps the skin hydrated, kidneys running top notch which regulates blood pressure, etc. if you're ever in the hospital and they pump you with intravenous-rehydration liquid, especially after a few days, trust me your skin will baby soft any blemishes, erased! Anyway, El should of added staying away from smoking, smoking anything that is, AND watch your diet because of acid reflux, which can damage and scar the vocal chords. Also, I think maintaining the voice is constant singing, keeping those vocal chords and other neck and throat muscles in top form to keep hitting those high notes etc. is important as well. I agree, seeing that video also takes me back to a wonderful time in Hollywood, Sunset Blvd before all the over development, it really was like that! Great interview, class act El Debarge! .::Gary

[@lamujermaslinda]

he's done drugs tho

[@MajorWednesday]

Great interview. Love that it focused on the positive. El looks great, and thank god for that.

[@annettejenkins383]

I still love this guy.

[@PhuckHue2]

Incredible talent. glad he's still here

[@kupanapay837]

One of timeless singers i was born in 1988 but i love his songs

[@TruthSayer2007]

He looks the same, amazing guy as he did 20 years ago AND he’s still humble. Love my generation 🥰

[@juliejewels9208]

I love his voice. Always have always will.

[@kennettabradford6566]

El is a fine as hell 😍

[@katriceshaw-charles249]

He ain’t that shy ☺️ the guy has 12 kids 🤣 Love me some DeBarge, especially Chico 😘

[@Alexamilan_]

For real😂

[@because0011]

El is still so adorable may god bless him

[@omeccaasep8045]

Love you El Debarge, you are such a beautiful soul!!!❤❤❤

[@XxBabyGurlLovexX]

The man is still beautiful and very healthy! Love his speaking voice 😍❤❤

[@Annabee399]

Sounding, looking good and healthy. God bless you El!

[@thewill7266]

EL is always surrounded by his Ancestors. We love him !!!!!

[@lmckinney4303]

Much Respect to El✊❤

[@birchmahogany2718]

God bless the DeBarge family and keep them safe and strong.

[@lisagiles]

That's one good looking man....

[@sheliabell4471]

Child what !! ? Yes he is !!!!

[@yop1138]

🤤🤤

[@lucyvazquez3026]

He's so talented and SO Handsome ♡

[@roxannemiller6961]

Yesssss, his voice stellar and him too.

[@kishajenkins8542]

Looking good El 😊

[@pinkcashmere573]

He stays gorgeous

[@smackinbaits6693]

The 'stache is immortal...

[@dapatman9827]

DILLI GAF He could be Dr. Strange

[@thnxrj2]

We LOVE El!!!

[@brendarobinson1656]

Love him!

[@menaj2954]

This beautiful man is a classic even with all his troubles his looks and voice has maintained. God bless the debate family. Someone do a movie this will be a great story on this family.

[@kllwc7772]

Mena J “ Debate” ? Lol 😆

[@roxannemiller6961]

I hope so.

[@troyarrington5485]

A legend!!

[@sunflowerpwr.8821]

beautiful person and is still touring that is a blessing given all their challenges...respect

[@traceyg.1690]

EL is truly one of God's beautiful Blessings🙏🙏. I love him so much💖💞💋 God Bless you Always EL🙏💖💞💋

[@ShawnieASMR]

Let me tell ya'll something! If I were there at that concert seeing El in that shiny red outfit, I would have been watching from the floor and folk would be picking me up off the floor or walking over me. I can only watch him on tv or the computer. I would not be able to take a concert. LOL!! No way.

[@strauqq1]

Good questions and interview.

[@clbzone]

Gorgeous. He's my favorite DeBarge. 🎵💃🕺❤💯🎵

[@katrinaevans9133]

I love me some El Debarge he is still so fine!!!!

[@Sean-me4fv]

Such a nice guy

[@riansfn5380]

He a badass

[@elizabethgalligan1805]

Wow. Great interview . Good to see him looking so well😊😍👏

[@andrewsmith1784]

True legend, an icon!

[@fcrawford8615]

Wow! I love love love El! I grew up listening to his beautiful voice and beautiful music/lyrics. I'm so happy to see he is well. I purchased Second Chance a while ago and it is amazing! El's incredible vocal skills still give me goosebumps inciting my imagination that he is singing to me and me only! 😂 Which one of us ladies did not do this? LOVE You El Forever! 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@naturalkinkycurlymarie7496]

This was only 1-1/2yrs ago, he looks good! Yes, drinking lots and lots and lots of water is very beneficial to the body.

[@antoineturner1606]

Im DEFINITELY gonna start drinking more water...

[@starlisejun.from.1799]

Omg how does he look so goooddd to be that old

[@Rue100]

LOVE YOU EL..SO HANDSOME AND CLASSY

[@earthbarnes6694]

He is beautiful still...

[@melodyhall6886]

I find myself listening to him more. 2022.

[@aurorabirchfall4554]

Looking great!!!