Darlene Love: Queen of Rock & Roll
When reflecting on music that shaped the soundscape of the 20th century and beyond, Darlene Love stands tall; a powerhouse vocalist whose career has spanned more than six decades. Her 2015 album, Introducing Darlene Love, has been selected Album Of The Week by Rock N Roll Fashionistas for the week of February 16, 2025, a fitting celebration of her enduring legacy as a tireless award winning working musician.
Born in Los Angeles in 1941 to a minister’s family, Darlene Love’s early life was steeped in gospel music, a sound that would lay the foundation for her illustrious career. At ten years old, Love was singing in her church choir in Hawthorne, California, an area that would later become well known in rock music circles as the childhood home of all the original Beach Boys. It was here that Love first learned the power of music to uplift and inspire, a lesson she would carry throughout her life.
In 1957, while still in high school, Love began singing with The Echoes, a mixed-gender doo-wop group. This early foray into music quickly led her to join The Blossoms, a girl group of the 1960s, where she honed her craft and began to make significant strides in music. In 1962, Love’s career took a dramatic turn when she recorded the lead vocals for “He’s a Rebel,” initially intended for the Crystals. Produced by the legendary Phil Spector, the single was a surprise hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The release was a shock to the Crystals, who found themselves promoting a song they hadn’t even sung, highlighting the often tumultuous dynamics of the music business known all too well by Love herself.
Love’s collaboration with Spector did not end there. She also recorded “He’s Sure the Boy I Love,” which Spector again credited to the Crystals, underlining how her incredible voice was often masked by another’s identity. Yet, it was her haunting rendition of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” for Spector’s 1963 holiday compilation, A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector, that solidified her status as a music icon. Originally intended for Ronnie Spector, Love’s version has become a timeless classic, echoing through homes every holiday season, ultimately becoming her signature song.
Throughout the 1960s Love provided backing vocals on numerous hits, including the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby,” Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s “Monster Mash,” and Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life.” At that time Love and The Blossoms were ubiquitous in the music scene, appearing on television shows like Shindig! and even performing in Elvis Presley’s legendary 1968 Comeback Special. Their versatility and talent made them a much sought after group by many major artists including Sam Cooke, Dionne Warwick, Bill Medley, the Beach Boys, Tom Jones, Sonny & Cher and countless others with Love the unsung hero behind the hits.
In the 1970s, after a brief hiatus to raise her family, Love returned to the music scene with a vengeance. She recorded “Basketball Jones” with Cheech & Chong and began performing at venues like the Roxy in Los Angeles, ultimately catching the attention of Steven Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band. This connection would prove pivotal as she transitioned to the New York music scene in the early 1980s, where she captivated audiences at iconic venues like the Bottom Line.
Love’s stage presence was equally compelling. In the mid 80s she starred in the Tony Award nominated Broadway musical Leader of the Pack, showcasing her ability to bridge both the worlds of rock and theater. Her talents shone again in Portrait of a Singer, a show that celebrated her life and music, showcasing works from notable songwriters of New York’s Brill Building era.
The late-night television circuit became a second home for Love when David Letterman invited her to perform “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” annually on his shows. This tradition lasted nearly three decades, solidifying her title as the “Christmas Queen.” In 2015, she expanded her Christmas performances to The View, ensuring that her iconic music continues to resonate with new generations of listeners.
Despite the ups and downs of the music industry, Love’s resilience has consistently shone through. She successfully sued Phil Spector for a quarter of a million dollars in unpaid royalties in 1993, reclaiming her narrative and highlighting the importance of recognition and justice in the industry. Her autobiography, My Name Is Love, published in 1998, offers a candid look at her life, struggles, and triumphs.
In 2013, Love was featured in the Oscar winning documentary film 20 Feet from Stardom, which shed light on the lives of background singers and their often overlooked contributions to music. The film not only won accolades but also brought Love’s story to an even broader audience, as well as a Grammy award, reaffirming her status as a vital performer.
In 2015 Love released her most recent album, Introducing Darlene Love, on Steve Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records. The album featured ten tracks, including two new songs by Bruce Springsteen and covers from Joan Jett and Elvis Costello, showcasing Love’s ability to adapt and thrive in an ever evolving music landscape. The album was received with critical acclaim, cementing her legacy as a vital force in music.
Darlene Love’s influence extends far beyond her own recordings. She has contributed her unique vocal stylings to various film projects including Jingle All the Way and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Her versatility as an artist continues to enable her to traverse multiple genres and mediums.
Most recently, in 2023, Love made her triumphant debut at New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony, performing alongside Cher in a moment that felt like a culmination of her long and storied career. As she continues to perform and inspire audiences around the world, Love’s legacy as a working musician remains unparalleled.
As we celebrate Darlene Love’s remarkable journey it’s clear that her voice, rich with emotion and history, will continue to resonate throughout the ages. From gospel roots to rock royalty, Love is not just a performer; she is a living testament to the enduring power of music to uplift, connect, and inspire.
Long live the Queen!
“Introducing Darlene Love” by Darlene Love on Wicked Cool Records
Rock N Roll Fashionistas Album Of The Week (for the week of February 16, 2025)