Johnny Gill, El DeBarge, e Ruben Studdard

One of four sons of a minister, Gill was raised in a religious family, and it was through that that he was first introduced to music, specifically through gospel songs. He got his start very early, singing in a family gospel group, and would gradually go on to continue with his singing career throughout his teens, so much so that he was forced to continue his education with the help of a tutor, rather than through the regular schooling route. Despite that, he had planned to go on and study electrical engineering at college, but eventually decided to pursue his musical path instead.

He would move towards an R&B sound as he got older, first releasing a debut solo album - self-titled - in 1983 after his demo made its way to the president of Atlantic Records, and then through his work with the boy band New Edition, who he joined in 1987. He helped them to move towards a more mature sound on their ‘Heart Break’ LP. He continues to work sporadically with New Edition, but also has gone on to cement his reputation as one of the stars of new jack swing in his own right, as well as work with contemporaries like Keith Sweat.

El DeBarge grew up in Detroit, Michigan, US, as one of ten children, spending his youth singing in the local church choir. DeBarge, along with his siblings, were heavily involved with music growing up, performing regularly. His elder brothers, Bobby and Tommy, found success in the group, Switch, and later brought in their siblings to form DeBarge, signing to Motown Records in 1980. Through the label’s mentoring, the group went on to be a success in the early-1980s, creating the hits “All This Love,” “Love Me in a Special Way,” “Who’s Holding Donna Now” and “Rhythm Of The Night.” After recording four albums with DeBarge, El left the band to pursue a solo career in 1985.

In 1986, DeBarge released his first solo record, a self-titled album that featured the number three hit “Who’s Johnny?,” which went on to be featured in the soundtrack for hit film, “Short Circuit.” “love Always” also featured on the record, peaking at number 43 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album itself reached number 24 in the Billboard 200 Album Chart and was certified Gold. DeBarge followed his debut with 1989’s “Gemini,” which failed to match his previous success.

DeBarge then left Motown, moving to Warner Bros. Records for 1992’s “In The Storm” and 1994’s “Heart, Mind & Soul,” with neither album being particularly successful. DeBarge then retreated from making music, falling into drug addiction, a battle which would last over a decade, frequently spending stints in rehab as he tried to overcome his personal issues. After serving a prison sentence for violating his probation, DeBarge returned with 2010’s “Second Chance,” on Interscope Records, returning to form, with the album peaking at number 57 in the Billboard charts. He then went on to perform at the 54th Grammy Awards ceremony in February 2012.