Looking for a way to make this coming Mother’s Day an unforgettable experience for the special lady in your life?
One way to do it would be to treat her to a night of lovely excitement, complete with romantic compositions and a fun walk down memory lane with R&B/soul singers Joe and El Debarge.
They are expected to deliver all of those elements as they perform during a highly anticipated concert inside the Murat Theatre on May 12.
Joe
Headliner Joe is well known for his romantic ballads, which combine macho assertiveness with reassuring sweetness, making him a fan favorite among many female R&B listeners.
Born Joe Thomas, the son of Georgia ministers was raised in the church, singing, playing guitar and directing choirs. In addition to gospel artists, he was also inspired by performers like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.
While working at a music store, Joe was signed to Polygram Records, and made his major debut with the 1996 song “All the Things Your Man Won’t Do,” from the soundtrack of the Wayans Brothers film “Don’t Be a Menace.”
Throughout the remainder of the 1990s and into the next decade, Joe released Top Ten songs such as “Don’t Wanna’ Be a Player,” “The Love Scene,” “Still Not a Player” (with Big Punisher) and “Thank God I Found You” (with Mariah Carey).
“I have always wanted to stay right in the zone of songs that people want to hear, that relate to their everyday life,” Joe said in a recent interview.
In 2000 Joe released his signature hit, “I Wanna’ Know,” followed by “Stutter,” “Let’s Stay Home Tonight” and 2003’s “More and More.” In February he released his latest single, “I’d Rather Have Love,” and plans to release a new album this summer.
Despite changes in the music industry over the years and the fickle tastes of some consumers, Joe said he will remain committed to releasing what he describes as “quality” music.
“That’s the thing that most people get from me,” he said “My songwriting, my melodies, the way I look at it, the way I interpret it.”
El Debarge
Debarge’s performance is believed to be his first in the Indianapolis area in several years.
His pristine tenor has graced a variety of romantic, R&B “quiet storm” favorites as well as up-tempo, pop-flavored songs that have left countless listeners feeling positive.
Debarge was born in Michigan as part of a large, musically inclined family based in Michigan. He first reached stardom as lead singer of the highly popular 1980’s sibling vocal group, Debarge, which achieved international acclaim from classics like “All This Love,” “I Like It,” “Love Me in a Special Way,” “Rhythm of the Night” and “Who’s Holding Donna Now?”
As expected however, Debarge left the group for a solo career in 1987, topping the charts on his own with “Who’s Johnny” and “Love Always.” He also became a popular collaborator, with Quincy Jones in “Secret Garden” and 1991’s “After the Dance” with jazz group Fourplay.
By the mid-1990s, Debarge, once known as the responsible member of his family group, began to struggle with a well-publicized drug addiction. However, after several relapses, he overcame his addiction. In 2010 made a major comeback with the Grammy nominated album “Second Chance,” delivering a triumphant performance during the BET Awards.
“I’m very grateful that God gave me a another chance,” Debarge said recently. “He was so patient with me, waiting for me to make that step toward him. Everyday is a struggle, but now I’m facing it with a sober mind.”
Debarge is also highly appreciative of the fans who have embraced him.
“It is great that they still love me,” he said. “I feel good, I’m fine and I’m ready to give them some great shows.”
