Overview

Etterlene “Bunny” DeBarge, born on March 10, 1955, is an American soul singer-songwriter, best known as the only female member of the renowned Motown family group, DeBarge. As the eldest of ten children, Bunny’s musical journey began early, leading her to become the lead vocalist on the classic R&B ballad “A Dream” from the album “In a Special Way”. She also co-wrote the group’s hit songs “I Like It” and “Time Will Reveal”. Beyond her musical achievements, Bunny has openly shared her struggles with drug addiction and personal challenges, chronicled in her autobiography, “The Kept Ones.” She is a mother of four and grandmother to fifteen, currently residing in Michigan.

Motown

Singer-Songwriter

What Is Bunny DeBarge’s Net Worth

Bunny DeBarge, an American soul singer-songwriter, has accumulated a net worth of $300,000. This valuation primarily stems from her career as a musician, particularly her involvement with the family group DeBarge, and contributions from songwriting.

Sources of Bunny DeBarge’s $300,000 Net Worth

Bunny DeBarge’s financial standing is largely attributed to her musical endeavors. Details on music earnings, including album sales, singles, and streaming data, are sparse but critical to understanding the makeup of her $300,000 net worth.

Music Income:

DeBarge’s musical output, spanning from 1981 to 1991, included six studio albums. While specific sales figures for Bunny DeBarge as an individual artist are not available, we can analyze DeBarge’s commercial successes to understand how revenue might have been generated and distributed within the group.

Album Sales:

All This Love (1982): This album achieved Gold certification, implying sales of at least 500,000 units. Revenue from this album would have been distributed among the group members, the record label (Motown), producers, and songwriters. As a member, Bunny would have received a portion of the royalties.

In a Special Way (1983): This album mirrored the success of “All This Love.” Again, earnings would have been shared, factoring in Bunny’s role within the group.

Rhythm of the Night (1985): Achieving Platinum certification, this album sold over 1 million units. The earnings distribution would follow a similar pattern to the previous albums, with Bunny receiving a share based on her contribution and contractual agreements.

Singles:

DeBarge had multiple #1 hits, including “All This Love,” “Rhythm of the Night,” “Who’s Holding Donna Now,” and “You Wear It Well.” Royalty payments from these singles would have supplemented Bunny’s income.

Bunny co-wrote “I Like It” (1982) and “Time Will Reveal,” adding to her income through songwriting royalties, which are typically a percentage of the song’s earnings from sales, radio play, and other uses. “A Dream” was led by Bunny DeBarge on vocals. A Dream performance revenue would have directly affected Bunny DeBarge’s net worth.

Concert Income:

As a member of DeBarge, Bunny participated in numerous concerts and tours. Concert revenues are typically divided among band members, management, and other personnel, after covering production costs. The specifics of DeBarge’s concert earnings and how they were distributed are not publicly available.

Songwriting Royalties:

Bunny co-wrote “I Like It” (1982) and “Time Will Reveal,” contributing to her income through songwriting royalties. These royalties are typically a percentage of the song’s earnings from sales, radio play, and other uses.

Other Ventures:

While Bunny DeBarge’s primary source of income is her music, other endeavors also likely contributed to her $300,000 net worth. These could include:

Autobiography: In 2008, she released her autobiography, “The Kept Ones.” Book royalties depend on sales and the terms of her publishing contract. Given the book’s subject matter (her personal struggles and experiences), sales figures are challenging to obtain, but it would have provided some income.

Appearance Fees: Occasional appearances on television or in documentaries related to DeBarge or Motown would have generated income.

Bunny DeBarge’s Career Highlights and Key Milestones

Bunny DeBarge’s career is marked by several notable milestones, each influencing her financial trajectory.

Early Career:

Born in Detroit, Michigan, in March 1955, Bunny DeBarge’s early musical experiences within her family laid the foundation for her career. Precise details about her early life, such as the exact address or schools attended, are not widely publicized. However, it’s clear that growing up in a musically inclined family was instrumental in shaping her future. The Debarge family group started singing in church settings, and early local performances gradually built their reputation.

DeBarge Formation and Success:

1981: DeBarge released their debut album. This marked the beginning of Bunny’s professional music career. While the album’s specific sales figures are not detailed, it set the stage for future success.

1982: The album “All This Love” reached #3 on the US R&B charts and #24 on the Billboard 200. Earning Gold certification, this album marked a significant milestone. Bunny DeBarge’s contribution to this album would have increased her net worth.

1983: “In a Special Way” continued the group’s success. This further cemented her presence in the music industry.

1985: “Rhythm of the Night” achieved Platinum status. It charted in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, signifying peak commercial success for the group and positively impacting Bunny’s earnings.

Peak Performance Years (1981-1985):

During this period, DeBarge experienced their greatest commercial success, with hit singles and high-selling albums. While precise income figures for these years are not available, it can be inferred that this was the most lucrative phase of Bunny’s career. The royalty payments from hit songs like “I Like It” (which she co-wrote) and “Time Will Reveal” would have substantially contributed to her income.

Later Career and Personal Challenges:

After the mid-1980s, DeBarge experienced changes in lineup and faced personal challenges. Bunny DeBarge openly struggled with drug addiction, entering rehab multiple times. These personal struggles likely impacted her career and earnings.

2008: Autobiography Release:

The release of “The Kept Ones” provided an opportunity to share her story and generate income through book sales. However, the financial success of the book would depend on its sales figures and her publishing contract terms, none of which are publicly detailed.

Additional Points:

Contract Details: Specific details of DeBarge’s contracts with Motown Records are not publicly available. These contracts would have stipulated royalty rates, advances, and other financial terms. Understanding these details would offer a clearer picture of Bunny’s earnings during her time with the group.

Endorsement Deals: There is no public record of endorsement deals. This suggests that endorsement income was either non-existent or minimal.

Real Estate and Assets: There is no available data on real estate assets. It is unknown if she owns a private plane or luxury cars.

Investments: There are no details about personal investment strategies or specific amounts.

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