Darlene Love, a true national treasure, has journeyed from being one of Phil Spector’s studio all-stars to earning the title of the Queen of Christmas, despite Mariah Carey’s meme-worthy claims. Her timeless classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” from 1963 not only graced the legendary holiday compilation
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Darlene Love’s Journey: From Studio Star to the Queen of Christmas
‘A Christmas Gift To You from Phil Spector,’ but it has also become a beloved favorite covered by artists like U2, Michael Bublé, and even Mariah Carey herself. And guess what? Love keeps the holiday spirit alive with her annual Darlene Love: Love for the Holidays show, now as much a tradition as the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting.
Annual Extravaganza: Unwrapping Darlene Love’s Love for the Holidays Show
For over two decades, Love has been treating audiences to this festive extravaganza, which originated from shows she did in the ’80s at the Bottom Line when she migrated from sunny Los Angeles to the East Coast. David Letterman, a devoted fan, initiated her annual Christmas song performance on his show in 1986, birthing the full-blown holiday spectacle enjoyed by fans today, orchestrated by the 82-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
Phil-Spectacular Moments: Cher and Darlene Love’s Reunion on “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
“It’s amazing,” she chuckles, “because when I started doing Christmas shows, nobody but the Rockettes were doing Christmas shows.” In her current show, Love not only delivers her classic hits but also spins yarns about the Christmas songs and her experiences. “The more I talk, the more they love it because they get to know me better when you’re talking to them.”
A Cher-ished Reunion and a Phil-Spectacular Twist
In a delightful twist of fate, longtime friend Cher recently recorded a new version of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” and invited Love to join her. The meta-moment is not lost on Love, considering Cher, then Cherilyn Sarkisian, sang backup vocals on the original version when she was just 17.
Time-Tested Hits: Darlene Love’s Medley of Classic Songs
“Sonny Bono used to work for Phil Spector, and he was dating Cher, who was called Cherilyn back in those days,” reminisces Love. “One day, Phil asked Sonny if it was true that his girlfriend could sing. He said yes, and I hadn’t gotten to the session yet.
Vocal Inspirations: Marian Anderson, Aretha Franklin, and Kelly Clarkson in Darlene Love’s Eyes
Phil called her in to do some ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ on ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),’ and that’s actually how we started.” As for Cher’s vocal prowess, Love playfully adds, “The only problem was that her voice was so strong that Phil had to tell her to keep moving back. I said if he keeps backing her up anymore, she was going to be in the next room.”
A Symphony of Voices: Darlene Love’s Vocal Inspirations
Having honed her singing skills in her father’s church choir, Love reveals her admiration for three remarkable vocalists:
- Marian Anderson (1897-1993): “The one lady I thought I was going to sing like and whose memory I cherish is Marian Anderson. I loved the way she sang. She walked out on the stage like, ‘Here I am.’ Her wonderful voice just filled up the whole room.”
- Aretha Franklin (1942-2018): “I met her when she was 16 years old traveling with her father. I was just amazed by her voice. It wasn’t just churchy—it was gospel, it was rhythm and blues. She was easy to know. We all clung to Aretha Franklin because she was one of a kind.”
- Kelly Clarkson (1982-present): “I met her in passing. She was getting ready to start her television show and we didn’t really have time to say hello that much, but I instantly knew that I would like her and her whole personality.” Love adds with a twinkle, “Believe me when I tell you one day I will do her show.”
In the grand symphony of Darlene Love’s life, each note, be it a classic Christmas tune or a cherished memory, resonates with warmth, humor, and timeless charm.
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