We interviewed the 19-year-old shy and handsome singer-songwriter Chico DeBarge. He’s only been a professional musician for two years, but he’s developed a terrific style. His single “Talk to Me” was an instant hit. He said, “I spent more time with athletics than music, because I didn’t want to compete with the musical reputation of my family.” We’re glad he changed his mind because we love his music.
Q: When were you born?
A: On June 23, 1967
Q: Do you think you were born with talent?
A: I believe so because it kind of came naturally.
Q: Who did you listen to when you were a kid?
A: I liked Michael Jackson, Genesis and Robert Palmer.
Q: How old were you when you began singing?
A: I was 15.
Q: Did you ever sing with your family?
A: No. I was never in the DeBarge group. I just kind of branched out on my own.
Q: What kind of car do you drive?
A: I have a 1976 Cadillac Seville.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I like basketball, football and wrestling. At one time I thought I wanted to be a professional basketball player. I loved watching Magic Johnson.
Q: What is your favorite rap group?
A: I like Run-DMC.
Q: How did your career start?
A: People just starting telling me I should be a singer. I always thought I could sing, but didn’t take it seriously.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: I watch TV shows like “The Cosby Show” or “Moonlighting,” I also like playing basketball, and I like visiting amusement parks like Disneyland.
Q: How did you get your break?
A: I did a demo record of “You Wear It Well” for Motown Records.
Q: What are your career plans for the future?
A: To make more music, maybe get more into the arts.
Q: What’s your favorite fast food restaurant food?
A: I love Popeye’s hot and spicy fried chicken.
Q: Who designs your clothes?
A: I just buy what I like from the store. I like Comme LeGracon. It’s a French label sold in California.
Q: Who is your favorite rock singer?
A: Robert Palmer.
Q: Do you read music?
A: No. It’s important for a musician, but not a singer.
Q: How do you think the music of the ‘80s compares to the music of the ‘70s?
A: It’s the same. It’s just in a different fashion, and it’s decorated a little more.
Q: How do you know you might have a hit?
A: It has a certain ring to it. You go home singing it, you might be taking a shower singing it. It never leaves your mind.
Q: Does your music give a message?
A: It’s a positive message, that you can change things and make them better. If there is a problem you can change it and make it better.
Q: Who wrote the song “Talk to Me”?
A: It was written by Skip Drinkwater. He produced “Vanity.” Franne Gold wrote the words. She also wrote “Night Shift” for the Commodores. I co-wrote five out of the 10 songs on the album including “Desperate.” “You Can Make It Better” and “You’re Much too Fast.”
Q: What are your favorite foods?
A: I like barbecued chicken and I love seafood and vegetables.
Q: Do you ever cook?
A: Yes, I make a real good gumbo.
Q: Are you superstitious?
A: No.
Q: How did you feel when “Talk to Me” became an instant hit?
A: It felt really good. It took a whole year to record it. It was really a feeling of acceptance. It made me realize the public accepted my work.
Written by By Brian Fosdic, Maria Buson, Kim Beauregard and Malcolm Sanderson
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