Darlene Love

Despite her exceptional vocal talents, Darlene Love has not achieved significant commercial success as a lead artist on the charts. She helped establish the Blossoms back in 1957, contributing to numerous recording sessions and serving as the house vocal group for the television program Shindig. Her voice fronted the Crystals' "He's a Rebel" and also defined "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" by Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans. For Phil Spector's Phillies imprint, she recorded a total of six singles, achieving her greatest impact with "Wait 'Til My Bobby Gets Back Home." Acting opportunities soon occupied much of her time, though she partnered again with Spector on the 1977 release "Lord, If You're a Woman." All four installments of the Lethal Weapon series included her performances, as did the Royal Shakespeare Company's joint staging of Stephen King's Carrie. The 1990 album Paint Another Picture did not register on American charts. Subsequently, she joined Cher's touring ensemble in a supporting vocal role. A short stint on the daytime drama Another World came in 1993, followed by her portrayal of Motormouth Maybelle in the stage musical Hairspray on Broadway. Love issued the holiday album It's Christmas, Of Course in October 2007. Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame occurred three years afterward. Her return to recording arrived in 2015 via the Steven Van Zandt-produced Introducing Darlene Love, which incorporated contributions from Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Linda Perry, Joan Jett, and additional writers.