Darlene Love, legendary background singer who was immortalized in the 20 Feet From Stardom documentary, will release a new album this year called Introducing Darlene Love. If you’re wondering who she is, let her Oscar’s acceptance speech—performance?–jog your memory.
In 2014, 20 Feet From Stardom won the Best Documentary Award for chronicling Love alongside singers like Lisa Fischer, Merry Clayton, Judith Hill, Táta Vega and Jo Lawry whose voices round out hits like the Rolling Stones “Gimme Shelter” and more. As thrilling as it was, Love’s acceptance speech needed… something the Academy couldn’t provide. Fortunately, the Internet swiftly could.
Love, along with the others profiled in 20 Feet, never really got their own shot at the spotlight despite their voices sprawling across the Billboard charts, so now, it’s Love’s turn. Via Pitchfork:
Stevie Van Zandt arranged and produced the album. “Darlene’s legendary status is well deserved but I felt the time was long overdue to show a younger generation WHY she has earned that reputation. Partnering with Columbia Records is a dream come true because now I know the world will hear her,” he commented.
Introducing Darlene Love will feature Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Van Zandt, Jim Webb, Linda Perry, Desmond Child, Joan Jett as well as lyrics from Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and more. Love’s first hit was 1962’s “He’s A Rebel” and this is her first album since 1998’s Unconditional Love.
Mrs. Darlene is good fun, y’all.
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