Veteran radio host Russ Parr is back on cable T.V as director of TV One’s music-themed original movie The Bobby DeBarge Story will be on cinema from June 29, 8 p.m. ET. The movie tells the story of the former lead singer of Gordy/Motown Records’ late ‘70s R&B/funk band Switch. Roshon Fegan (Greenleaf) plays the lead character as Bobby in the movie.
About the movie…
The movie explores the turbulent life of Bobby DeBarge the former lead singer of 70’s R&B/Funk Band Switch. The switch is known for their hit songs like “There’ll Never Be” and “Love Over & Over Again.” DeBarge had a rough childhood and struggled with drug and other personal problems. This will be portrayed in the film along with the rise of the singer-songwriter’s younger siblings as the popular Motown R&B/pop group DeBarge.
CAST…
In addition to Roshon Fegan (Greenleaf) playing the lead character, other cast members includes the likes of Grammy Award winner Big Boi as Berry Gordy, Tyra Ferrell (Boyz in the Hood) as matriarch Etterlene DeBarge, actor Blue Kimble as Switch member/Bobby sibling Tommy DeBarge and recording artists Lloyd and Adrian Marcel as Switch member Gregory Williams and James DeBarge, respectively.
About the Director…
Parr, who hosted his own his nationally syndicated radio show, The Russ Parr Morning Show for more than 20 years has previously produced TV One’s 2016 original movie Ringside.
While talking to R. THOMAS UMSTEAD of Multichannel news, Purr Explained what drew him to The Bobby DeBarge Story project, “I grew up in that era — I went to a Cal State Northridge (University) in the L.A. area — and I remember on Saturdays and Sundays I used to play basketball at the park. At the time when I was playing, I didn’t know it was the DeBarges that I was playing against. The music they made was the music of our day at the time, so when [TV One] said we want to do The Bobby DeBarge Story I said man, I want to get in and produce that. Because of all my years and connections in radio playing their music and doing interviews with them over the years, I knew a little bit more about them besides just the rumors. So that’s why I wanted to be connected to it”.
Early reviews and audience’s take on the movie is highly positive. The film mesmerized the audience in one of its first premieres.