1985. El, Bunny, Mark, James, and Randy DeBarge, cast in the media image of the Jackson 5, continue to crank out a string of classic soul hits for Motown.

The DeBarge family released their first album in 1981, finding most of their success in the mid 1980's.

Some of their well publicized mis-steps along with personal problems of particular group members probably contributed to a compressed period for their 15 mintues of fame.

Happily, the DeBarge clan are survivors.

Second generation additions, along with founders Bunny, Randy, Mark, Anita, Alice, El, James, Chico, Chantal, Young, Peaches, Mama D., and Switch's Bobby and Tommy continue to receive attention.

Mama, El, and Chico all have individual web sites. Several fan web sites also keep track of the entire family.

Here are the lyrics to their hit "Who's Holding Donna Now," written by David Foster, Jay Graydon, and Randy Goodrum featuring El DeBarge on the lead vocal:

Sometimes a love won't let go
Hard as I try I know it shows
Everybody's telling me
You'll be over her eventually
But how am I supposed to feel so secure.

When I keep wonderin'
Who's holding Donna now
And I keep wonderin'
Who's heart she's knocking around
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To be in his shoes somehow
And I keep wonderin'
Who's holding Donna now
And I keep wonderin'
What magic can be found
To turn me back to the world
Who's holding Donna now.

The letter started with goodbye
I've read it half a million times
Tell me this is just a dream
When I wake up she'll be here next to me
Tell me it will be just the way it was, oh

When I keep wonderin'
Who's holding Donna now
And I keep wonderin'
Who's heart she's knocking around
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To be in his shoes right now
And I keep wonderin'
Who's holding Donna now
And I Keep wonderin'
What magic can be found
To turn me back to the world
Who's holding Donna now

Those Temptations vs. Four Tops tours were always fun. Is there any chance of a future Jacksons vs. DeBarge tour?

Anything is possible!

Listen to 30 seconds of "Who's Holding Donna Now" by DeBarge.

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