Reservoir Media has agreed a publishing deal with Grammy-nominated R&B songwriter and performer El DeBarge.
The deal includes hits from his catalogue as a solo artist and as a member of the family group DeBarge, as well as future works.
El DeBarge’s music career began in his youth, when he and his siblings were signed to Motown Records by Berry Gordy under the group name DeBarge. The group released five albums and had a strong presence in US R&B and pop charts in the 1980s, including You Wear It Well, Time Will Reveal, Love Me In A Special Way, All This Love and I Like It.
Their songs have also been sampled by artists including Beyoncé, Moneybagg Yo, Joey Bada$$, Ashanti, Tupac, and the Notorious BIG, which continues to introduce the music to new listeners.
By 1986, El DeBarge embarked on a solo career. His self-titled debut album featured hit singles including Who's Johnny, which peaked at No.3 on the US Hot 100 chart. His 1994 album, Heart, Mind And Soul, was co-produced by Babyface and resulted in charting success with singles like Slide and Where is My Love.
El DeBarge returned to releasing music in 2010 with his fifth album, Second Chance, which earned him three Grammy nominations.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with artists including Dionne Warwick, Al Green, Lalah Hathaway, Quincy Jones and the Isley Brothers. He recently returned to the studio with producer Cory Rooney to record his first new solo album in over a decade.
El DeBarge said: “I'm thrilled to be entering this deal with Reservoir. With Faith Newman’s passion and the entire team’s belief in me and my music, I am pleased to call Reservoir my new home. I'm excited to have their support and partnership in this next phase of my career.”
Faith Newman, Reservoir EVP of A&R and catalogue development, said: “I’ve been a fan of DeBarge and El in particular since I was 16 years old, so I’m incredibly humbled to welcome him and his evergreen hits to the Reservoir family. His music has touched generations, and we are excited to work with him to further amplify his incredible catalogue.”
She added, “I have also heard some of his new recordings, and I can say unequivocally that his voice – that singular tenor – is still as special as it’s always been.”
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