Unsung — Season 1, Episode 4: The Debarge Family
Documentary • 60 min • 16 seasons, 189 episodes • ★ 4.7/10
Episode synopsis
This episode examines the meteoric rise and painful struggles of the DeBarge family, the gifted musical dynasty behind some of the most beloved R&B hits of the 1980s. Through candid interviews and rare archival footage, the documentary traces their journey from a strict and turbulent upbringing to chart‑topping success. It also confronts the personal battles, family trauma, and industry pressures that threatened to overshadow their talent. The episode offers an intimate look at how their music, resilience, and enduring bond shaped a legacy that continues to influence R&B and pop today.
About Unsung
Unsung is an hour-long music documentary program that premiered on TV One on November 27, 2008. It celebrates the lives and careers of artists or groups sharing their triumphs, their tribulations, and their truth. It uncovers the stories behind well-known R&B, gospel, and hip-hop music artists, bands, or groups which were ranked on the Billboard music charts with a string of hits, only to have their career derailed by a major crisis. After four seasons, Unsung won an NAACP Image Award in the "Outstanding Information Series or Special" category. Others nominated in this category for 2011 were Anderson Cooper 360° and Washington Watch with Roland Martin. And as of 2018, the series has garnered six NAACP Image Awards.