Bunny DeBarge: Faith, Family, Survival, and the Power of Redemption
Few artists embody resilience, faith, and perseverance quite like Bunny DeBarge. Known to the world as the only female member of the legendary DeBarge family group, Bunny’s story is one of extraordinary talent, unimaginable challenges, unwavering faith, and ultimate redemption. Her life journey stands as a testament to the power of God’s grace, the enduring love of family, and the strength of the human spirit.
Born Eterlene “Bunny” DeBarge and named after her beloved mother, Etterlene “Mama” DeBarge, Bunny was raised in a household where faith and music were inseparable. Long before the world knew the name DeBarge, church was the center of family life. It was there that Bunny first discovered the spiritual foundation that would guide her through every season of her life. The gospel songs, prayers, and teachings she received during her childhood helped shape not only her musical abilities but also her character and unwavering relationship with God.
At the heart of Bunny’s upbringing was the powerful influence of her mother. Mama DeBarge was more than a parent; she was a teacher, mentor, protector, and source of inspiration. Through difficult times and moments of triumph, Bunny carried with her the lessons her mother instilled—faith over fear, perseverance through adversity, and trust in God’s divine purpose. Those values would become essential as Bunny entered an industry that often tested her spirit as much as it celebrated her talent.
As a founding member of the iconic family group DeBarge, Bunny helped create some of the most beloved R&B music of the 1980s. Alongside her siblings, she contributed to a sound that blended soul, pop, gospel, and heartfelt storytelling. The group’s success brought worldwide recognition, chart-topping records, sold-out performances, and a lasting place in music history. Their influence continues to resonate throughout contemporary R&B and popular music today.
Yet behind the glamour of fame existed a far more complicated reality. Like many artists thrust into the spotlight at a young age, Bunny faced personal struggles, family challenges, and the pressures of an unforgiving entertainment industry. While audiences saw success, Bunny was navigating obstacles that would test her faith, resilience, and determination to survive.
Through every hardship, her relationship with God remained a constant source of strength. Even during life’s darkest chapters, Bunny never lost sight of the spiritual foundation established during her childhood. Prayer, faith, and the belief that God had a greater purpose for her life carried her through moments that might have defeated others. Her journey became one not merely of survival, but of transformation.
Determined to reclaim her narrative and share her truth, Bunny expanded her creative legacy beyond music and into literature. She became the author of The Kept Ones series, a deeply personal and courageous account of her family’s journey. The first volume, The Kept Ones: The Beginning Years, chronicles the family’s early life, struggles, and the faith that sustained them through difficult circumstances. The second installment, The Kept Ones: The Fame Years, offers readers an intimate look at the rise of DeBarge, the realities of celebrity, and the challenges that accompanied worldwide success. Through these works, Bunny has given voice not only to her own experiences but also to the resilience of an entire family. A third volume is anticipated to complete the trilogy, further illuminating a remarkable story of faith, perseverance, and redemption.
As an author, Bunny has demonstrated the same honesty and vulnerability that made her music resonate with millions. Her willingness to confront painful memories and transform them into lessons of hope has inspired readers around the world. By sharing her testimony, she has become an advocate for healing, personal growth, and spiritual restoration.
Today, Bunny DeBarge stands as more than a celebrated recording artist. She is a survivor, an author, a woman of faith, and a living example of resilience. Her journey reflects the reality that life’s greatest victories are often won away from the spotlight. Through every challenge she faced, Bunny chose faith over despair, purpose over pain, and hope over defeat.
Now entering a new chapter of her remarkable career, Bunny returns to the music scene with renewed passion and purpose. Her latest single, “Wishing,” reflects the wisdom, maturity, and life experiences that have shaped her journey. The song serves as both a celebration of her enduring artistry and a reminder that every setback can become the foundation for a comeback.
Bunny DeBarge’s story is ultimately a story of redemption. It is the story of a little girl raised in church by a devoted mother, a gifted artist who achieved worldwide success, a survivor who overcame life’s greatest challenges, and a woman who continues to inspire through faith, honesty, and perseverance. Her life stands as a powerful reminder that with God’s guidance, no obstacle is insurmountable, no wound beyond healing, and no dream beyond restoration.
Today, Bunny DeBarge remains exactly what she has always been—a testament to faith, family, survival, and the enduring power of God’s grace.
