Photo: Cover Art – '20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best Of Switch,' 2001
Tommy DeBarge, member of the R&B funk band Switch and famed DeBarge family has died at the age of 64.
The singer's daughter, Marina DeBarge, confirmed to TMZ that he battled kidney and liver failure over the years and contracted Covid-19 earlier this year, but that he'd recovered from the virus and never complained about the pain.
His condition got worse within the last few weeks, a family member told the outlet. His daughter saying he fought until the end. He passed away in the hospital on Thursday (October 21).
DeBarge rose to stardom in the mid-1970s as a founding member of the Motown group Switch along with his brother Bobby DeBarge.
Tommy was a vocalist and bass guitarist in Switch who went on to produce hit songs like "There'll Never Be," "I Call Your Name" and "Love Over & Over Again" and influence other bands including legendary DeBarge –– a group comprised of their siblings.
DeBarge's sister, Bunny DeBarge paid tribute to her brother in a Facebook post, sharing a photo of him playing the guitar.
"Tommy has gained his wings," she wrote.
News of Tommy's passing also prompted tributes on Twitter.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.