Switch (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | December 1976 in Mansfield, Ohio, United States |
| Founder | Gregory Williams |
| Headquarters | Mansfield, Ohio , United States |
| Products | R&B and funk music recordings |
Switch is a United States-based R&B and funk ensemble that recorded under the Gordy label during the late 1970s. They are known for hits such as "There'll Never Be," "I Call Your Name," and "Love Over & Over Again." This group notably influenced artists like DeBarge, which featured siblings of Switch members Bobby and Tommy DeBarge.
Formation and Early Period
Established in Mansfield, Ohio in December 1976 by Gregory Williams, Switch produced a demo in Columbus, Ohio with financial backing from Bernd Lichters. The original roster included Williams, brothers Tommy and Bobby DeBarge, all hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, along with Phillip Ingram (brother of James Ingram) from Akron, Ohio, Eddie Fluellen, and Jody Sims, who originated from Steubenville, Ohio. Prior to forming Switch, Williams, Bobby DeBarge, and Sims were members of White Heat, a group that released a self-titled album on RCA in 1975 before producer Barry White shut down his Soul Unlimited label. Subsequently, Williams created Switch while residing in Akron.
Peak Years
The band’s name, Switch, reflects their distinctive ability to alternate lead vocals and instruments within songs. After recording a demo that attracted Jermaine Jackson and Hazel Gordy Jackson, they secured a contract with Motown Records’ Gordy subsidiary. Their debut album released in 1978 included the top 10 R&B single "There'll Never Be," which also reached number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100—their sole entry into the pop top 40.
Most of their compositions were penned by Williams, Bobby DeBarge, and Sims, occasionally in partnership with Jermaine Jackson. While Switch did not achieve widespread pop chart dominance, they sustained a solid presence on R&B charts through the late 1970s and early 1980s with albums such as Switch II (1979), This Is My Dream, and Reaching For Tomorrow (1980). Their last release on Gordy was Switch V in 1981, featuring tracks like "I Wanna Be Closer," "We Like to Party," and "Love Over and Over Again."
Later Developments
Following the departure of the DeBarge brothers to form the group DeBarge and lead vocalist Ingram’s pursuit of a solo career, Switch incorporated new members including Renard Gallo, Gonzales Ozen, and bassist Phil Upchurch Jr. This revamped lineup signed with Total Experience Records and issued the album Am I Still Your Boyfriend? in 1984 before disbanding later that year.
In 1985, Williams revived Switch with fresh personnel but was unable to replicate prior commercial achievements. Motown released a greatest hits compilation in 1991; additionally, a similar collection under the 20th Century Masters series remains their main catalog representation.
Former lead singer Bobby DeBarge succumbed to AIDS-related illness in 1995 at age 39. The band has since reunited featuring original founder Williams, Fluellen, Ingram, guitarist Michael McGloiry, new lead vocalist Akili Nickson, and drummer Tefere Hazy.
Bass guitarist and backing vocalist Tommy DeBarge died in 2021 at age 64. On April 14, 2025, co-founder Eddie Fluellen passed away; he had also fulfilled duties as musical director for the Stone City Band.
Personnel
- Gregory Williams (1976–present): trumpet, keyboards, vocals
- Eddie Fluellen (1977–2025; deceased): trombone, keyboards, vocals
- Phillip Ingram (1976–1981; currently active): percussion, keyboards, vocals
- Bobby DeBarge (1977–1981): drums, piano/keyboards, vocals
- Tommy DeBarge (1976–1981): bass guitar, vocals
- Jody Sims (1976–1984): drums, vocals
- Michael McGloiry (original session guitarist) (1978–present): guitar
- Attala Giles (1981–1984): keyboards, bass, guitar
- Renard Gallo (1982–1984): percussion, vocals
- Gonzales Ozen (1982–1984): percussion, vocals
- Akili Nickson (2003–present): lead vocals
- Christopher Hawkins (1985–1987): lead vocals
- Anthony Watters (1985–1987): guitar, vocals
- Howie Carbaugh (1985–1987): drums
- Charles Meyers (1985–1987): bass, vocals
Studio albums
| Year | Album | Highest chart rankings | Label | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B | CAN | |||
| 1978 | Switch | 37 | 6 | 72 | Gordy |
| 1979 | Switch II | 37 | 8 | 84 | |
| 1980 | Reaching for Tomorrow | 57 | 23 | — | |
| This Is My Dream | 85 | 21 | — | ||
| 1981 | Switch V | 174 | 38 | — | |
| 1984 | Am I Still Your Boyfriend? | — | 63 | — | Total Experience |
Compilations
- The Best of Switch (1991, Motown)
- 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Switch (2001, Motown)
Singles
| Year | Title | Peak chart rankings | Album | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Hot 100 | US R&B | US Dance | CAN | UK | |||
| 1978 | "There'll Never Be" | 36 | 6 | — | 60 | — | Switch |
| 1979 | "I Wanna Be Closer" | — | 22 | — | — | — | |
| 1979 | "Best Beat in Town" | 69 | 16 | 65 | — | — | 'Switch II' |
| 1979 | "I Call Your Name" | 83 | 8 | — | — | — | 'Switch II' |
| 1980 | "Don't Take My Love Away" | — | 41 | — | — | — | 'Reaching for Tomorrow' |
| 1980 | "Love Over and Over Again" | — | 9 | — | — | — | 'This Is My Dream' |
| 1981 | "You and I" | — | 57 | — | — | — | 'Switch V' |
| 1981 | "I Do Love You" | — | 73 | — | — | — | 'Switch V' |
| 1982 | "Call on Me" | — | 70 | — | — | — | |
| 1984 | "Switch It Baby" | — | 55 | — | — | — | 'Am I Still Your Boyfriend?' |
| 1984 | "Keeping Secrets" | — | 28 | — | — | 61 | 'Am I Still Your Boyfriend?' |
Further reading
External links
- Scott Goldfine, "TIR 62: Gregory Williams Explains How Switch Captivated Millions of Fans", Truth in Rhythm, FunknStuff, August 18, 2022.