Darlene Love on her life in music and being back in the charts at 82 with Cher duet

Darlene Love is a highly acclaimed, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer and actress whose career spans several decades. Born as Darlene Wright in 1941, in Los Angeles, she began singing in church at a very young age. Her career breakthrough came in the early 1960s when she signed with Phil Spector’s Philles Records.

As part of Phil Spector’s collection of musicians known as “The Blossoms” (which included Darlene and other talented vocalists), she provided backing vocals for numerous artists, contributing to hits by artists like The Ronettes, The Righteous Brothers, and more.

Despite her powerful voice and success as a background singer, Darlene Love struggled to achieve recognition as a solo artist due to contractual issues and lack of proper crediting for her work. Her career faced obstacles during the 1970s and 1980s, working odd jobs to support herself and her family.

Her resurgence came in the late 1980s when she performed “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” annually on Late Night with David Letterman. This tradition helped reintroduce Darlene to a new generation of fans and reignited interest in her music. The song became synonymous with the holiday season and remains a beloved classic today.

Earlier this year, Darlene Love picked up the phone and heard a voice on the other end she didn’t quite recognize at first. “Doll, hi!” she heard. “This is Cher.” Darlene asked her to repeat who was calling. “Cher, bitch!” She was calling to see if Love would sing “Christmas Baby Please Come Home” with her on her holiday album Christmas, revisiting a tune they sang together exactly 60 years ago on A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector, one of the greatest Christmas album in music history.

Darlene said yes, and their duet appears on Cher’s Christmas, out now. It’s the latest chapter in a friendship that goes back more than half a century.

Darlene sat down with Sandy Kaye for an in-depth chat all about her career in music.

You can hear the full interview below.