TV One Presents an Original Film THE BOBBY DEBARGE STORY
Exploring the bittersweet tragedy and life of the former lead singer of the 70’s R&B/Funk Band Switch, Bobby DeBarge, TV One’s THE BOBBY DEBARGE STORY tells the narrative of the oldest sibling and member of the infamous DeBarge group. The film navigates through the tribulations and high moments of Bobby Debarge’s life and career. Starring Roshon Fegan as the lead role of Bobby DeBarge, the film is cast includes Tyra Ferrell as Etterlene DeBarge, Blue Kimble as Tommy DeBarge and Adrian Marcel as James DeBarge. Music artist such as Big Boi casted as legendary Berry Gordy and Lloyd as Switch member Gregory Williams also make appearances in the film.
Debuting during Black Music Month, TV One hosted an exclusive screening of the highly anticipated biopic in Atlanta, GA at the Woodruff Arts Center Tuesday night, June 11th . Cast members in attendance included the film’s lead star Roshon Fegan, Tyra Ferrell, Adrian Marcel, Big Boi and Lloyd. The film’s director Russ Parr, executive producer Eric Tomosunas and Keith Neal of Swirl Films also were in attendance as well for the movie screening.
The event began with a red-carpet opening, where all the cast and members of the film stood and spoke with media and journalist. After the official screening hosted by Willie Moore Jr. , the cast lead a Q&A moderated by Russ Parr. The evening came to an end with a VIP event with Pat ‘Sleepy’ Brown, Lisa Wu, Terri J. Vaughn, Clifton Powell, Vina Mills, B5, Juicy, Tray Chaney, Final Draft, Brely Evans and more.
THE BOBBY DEBARGE STORY starred Roshun Fegan as Bobby DeBarge, making this his first role as a leading man. In the film, Fegan embodies the role of Bobby maturely and musically as he takes on all of highs and lows of the talented falsetto R&B and Funk singer. “As I was told by director Russ Parr, Bobby is actually a fun and outgoing guy and I was like well OK well that's what I bring to the table because I got enough energy for everybody!” Fegan chuckled to an interviewer on the carpet. He continued to explain, “I just think we connected on an artistic level. Me and Bobby definitely had the same amount of passion for music as I'm a producer, a songwriter, a music man in general and knowing that he’s the same way you know I used that connection” Roshon Fegan as Bobby DeBarge.
Despite Bobby DeBarges’s success in music, he battled internally for most of his life dealing and coping with the trauma and memories of his dysfunctional childhood. The BOBBY DEBARGE STORY is directed by Russ Parr. Parr is also a writer and producer known for the award-winning “The Undershepherd,” “Hear No Evil” and “35 and Ticking.” Director Russ Parr explained to Divah Filez, “I think a lot of people looking, are looking at the artist and the singer and there's something little bit more important going on that is the abuse that a lot of young people go through growing up. Were all products of our childhood and I'm hoping people will see that message cause the music was a very small part of Bobby Debarge. What gravitated me to direct this is the fact we’re dealing with young folks that have been through or dealing with the abuse of mentally physical relationships and how they deal with those demons and how they struggle to survive. Bobby survived for as long as he could, but you know its just kind of tragic, the whole story.”
The BOBBY DEBARGE STORY is powerfully told. The film highlights the rise and decline of key moments in Bobby’s adult and childhood including his rise to stardom, relationships, struggles with substance abuse, incarceration and his failing health. The Bobby Debarge Story is heading to TV One soon! Tune into THE BOBBY DEBARGE STORY premiering Saturday, June 29 at 8 pm EST / 7C on TV One.
