You might know the biggest part of the El DeBarge story: as part of a musical family that gave way to Motown acts Switch and DeBarge, El became a darling of the R&B and pop charts in the ’80s, before issuing the hit solo single “Who’s Johnny” in 1986. After the ’80s, the members of DeBarge struggled with personal problems and went their separate ways.
But you’d be wrong to discount El’s work after leaving Motown Records: in 1992, he issued his third solo album In the Storm – the subject of the newest episode of the My Classic Soul podcast. As David Nathan and Janine Coveney showcase, In the Storm featured some of El’s most ambitious work. Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White produced the album and brought in several of the group’s key members for the album’s sessions. Another notable behind-the-scenes contributor: Prince, who co-wrote one of the album’s standout tracks, “Tip O’ My Tongue.” And that cover of Marvin Gaye’s “After the Dance” isn’t just lip service to an idol: it’s a key to understanding his deepest influences as a performer.
Read More: Let’s Get It On: Marvin Gaye’s Greatest Hits
Listen in wherever you get your podcasts or check out the full episode below.
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