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One of four sons of a minister, Gill was raised in a religious family, and it was through that that he was first introduced to music, specifically through gospel songs. He got his start very early, singing in a family gospel group, and would gradually go on to continue with his singing career throughout his teens, so much so that he was forced to continue his education with the help of a tutor, rather than through the regular schooling route. Despite that, he had planned to go on and study electrical engineering at college, but eventually decided to pursue his musical path instead.
He would move towards an R&B sound as he got older, first releasing a debut solo album - self-titled - in 1983 after his demo made its way to the president of Atlantic Records, and then through his work with the boy band New Edition, who he joined in 1987. He helped them to move towards a more mature sound on their ‘Heart Break’ LP. He continues to work sporadically with New Edition, but also has gone on to cement his reputation as one of the stars of new jack swing in his own right, as well as work with contemporaries like Keith Sweat.
El DeBarge grew up in Detroit, Michigan, US, as one of ten children, spending his youth singing in the local church choir. DeBarge, along with his siblings, were heavily involved with music growing up, performing regularly. His elder brothers, Bobby and Tommy, found success in the group, Switch, and later brought in their siblings to form DeBarge, signing to Motown Records in 1980. Through the label’s mentoring, the group went on to be a success in the early-1980s, creating the hits “All This Love,” “Love Me in a Special Way,” “Who’s Holding Donna Now” and “Rhythm Of The Night.” After recording four albums with DeBarge, El left the band to pursue a solo career in 1985.
In 1986, DeBarge released his first solo record, a self-titled album that featured the number three hit “Who’s Johnny?,” which went on to be featured in the soundtrack for hit film, “Short Circuit.” “love Always” also featured on the record, peaking at number 43 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album itself reached number 24 in the Billboard 200 Album Chart and was certified Gold. DeBarge followed his debut with 1989’s “Gemini,” which failed to match his previous success.
DeBarge then left Motown, moving to Warner Bros. Records for 1992’s “In The Storm” and 1994’s “Heart, Mind & Soul,” with neither album being particularly successful. DeBarge then retreated from making music, falling into drug addiction, a battle which would last over a decade, frequently spending stints in rehab as he tried to overcome his personal issues. After serving a prison sentence for violating his probation, DeBarge returned with 2010’s “Second Chance,” on Interscope Records, returning to form, with the album peaking at number 57 in the Billboard charts. He then went on to perform at the 54th Grammy Awards ceremony in February 2012.
Johnny Gill is the man who puts all worries at ease. To not only see him in person but to hear his voice. He makes love to you. Every inch of my body yearns for this man here. He’s so in tune with himself. Captivating you and holding on tight. Johnny Oh! Johnny, How I wish you were mine. He is a great performer. You will not be disappointed when going to see him in concert. He has a wonderful voice. This man knows how to move his body just right as he sings. He is definitely a ladies man with a beautiful smile to go. Making every woman feel as if he’s singing to them…. Or is that what we believe in our heads, laugh out loud! Johnny Gill on stage does not have to dance to make you move the way he moves. Pure talent, not many artists nowadays have that kind is charisma. I truly wish I was given the opportunity to actually meet him and shake his hand. Yes, shake his hand. Just to let him know that he has given so much with his voice and music. No auto tune just crisp beauty. A beautiful man, talented singer and an amazing voice; That is Johnny Gill.
Soft, midnight blue envelops the stage, setting a romantic mood. El DeBarge sits on a stool in center stage, singing “All This Love”. He sways gently back and forth, occasionally waving his arms to encourage his audience to sing along with the chorus. His soft, smooth voice melds with those of the back up singers, and the jazzy tunes coming from the drums, guitar, piano, and horn have the audience swaying along to the beat. Eldra Patrick “El” DeBarge, a singer/songwriter from Michigan, is a versatile musician. He plays a mix of R&B, jazz, gospel, pop, soul, and hip hop. He has done extensive work in the music industry, both solo and in collaboration with other artists, including his brothers. His first album, El DeBarge, was released in 1986. He followed that in 1989 with Gemini, then came In The Storm in 1992, Heart, Mind and Soul in 1994, and Second Chance in 2010. He has also released multiple singles. “Who's Johnny”, released in 1986, was listed No. 1 on the US R&B chart list and No. 3 on the US chart list, and “Real Love” made No. 8 on the US R&B chart list. El DeBarge's sonorous falsetto has been celebrated for generations, and will continue to be loved by many for years to come.
‘Home’ is one of my favourite songs, and Ruben Studdard’s R&B twist on the song that opened the show was absolutely magical, and as his gospel voice rang out across the auditorium, he held every single member of the crowd in complete silence. After winning American Idol back some years ago, he was one of the lucky ones who rose to fame from the success, and has released many albums and singles with much success since his win.
He played through a great selection of his tracks, both covers and originals, and focused mainly on his 2009 album, Love Is. He was great at encouraging us all in the audience to sing and dance along to his music, and would shout out ‘if you know this one sing along and put your arms in the air’, which was awesome to feel so involved in his performances.
Studdard is an incredibly performer as well as vocalist, and his witty humour and confident stance held the audience captivated from start to finish. He even took requests for songs after he’d finished playing through his set list, which I thought was an awesome and really personal touch.
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