Darlene Love Celebrates 85th Birthday with Documentary, Residency Plans
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer is planning a documentary, a Vegas residency, and a massive holiday show while continuing her 'Love for the Holidays' tour.
“I would love to do a residency. Someone talked to me about the Carlyle, and I’ve always wanted to do a Vegas residency in one of the smaller rooms. I want people to really hear my voice.”
Darlene Love, the legendary singer behind holiday classic "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" and hits like "He’s a Rebel," is actively working on multiple new projects as she celebrates her 85th birthday, according to Rolling Stone. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer is not considering retirement, instead focusing on a documentary about her life, a potential residency, and a dream holiday show.
Production is currently underway on the documentary, titled Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been. Directed by Barry Avrich, the film is produced by actress Taraji P. Henson and Mark Selby. It will feature exclusive interviews with Cher, Bruce Springsteen, David Letterman, and Dionne Warwick, among others.
What Projects Is Darlene Love Working On?
Love’s immediate plans are centered on three major creative endeavors:
- A Documentary: Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been is in production, examining her six-decade career.
- A Residency: Love has expressed a strong desire to perform a residency, specifically mentioning the Carlyle hotel in New York or a smaller room in Las Vegas, envisioning a stripped-down show with stories.
- A Holiday Show: A top item on her bucket list is a "gigantic Christmas show" in a 5,000-seat theater, which she hopes to create with collaborators like Paul Shaffer and Marc Shaiman.
She also continues to perform her scheduled "Darlene Love: Love for the Holidays" shows throughout November and December.
Who Is Involved in the Documentary?
The documentary is a significant collaboration. Barry Avrich, known for films like Oscar Peterson: Black + White, is directing. Taraji P. Henson, the Oscar-nominated actress and producer, is a producer on the project through her TPH Entertainment company, alongside Mark Selby of Melbar Entertainment Group.
The film promises to delve deep into Love’s story, from her early work with producer Phil Spector—where her lead vocals were sometimes credited to other groups—to her navigation of the music industry and racial discrimination. It will also cover her successful acting career, including her role as Trish Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon film series and her time on Broadway in Hairspray.
What Does She Say About Her Future on Stage?
Love’s approach to touring is evolving. "It depends on my husband and me," she told Rolling Stone, noting that extensive travel is becoming less appealing as she wants to spend more time with family. However, her passion for intimate performance remains. She cited Bruce Springsteen’s Broadway show as an inspiration for the type of residency she wants: a simple setup where she can sing and share stories behind her iconic songs.
"I want people to really hear my voice," Love said. She remains grateful for her enduring talent, stating, "God has blessed me all these years to be able to sing." Her vocal power, a hallmark since the 1960s, shows little sign of diminishing.
How Does She Maintain Her Energy?
In interviews, Love has attributed her vitality to a disciplined lifestyle. She has said she prioritizes six to eight hours of sleep, calling rest crucial for the grueling energy expenditure of performing. She also maintains an active routine, which has included early morning kickboxing classes and walking. Most importantly, she credits a positive outlook. "I love life!" she exclaimed during a recent appearance on TODAY.
What’s Next for Darlene Love?
The immediate next steps are the continuation of documentary production and her upcoming holiday tour dates. While the residency and large Christmas show are in the planning stages, her commitment to performing in some form is clear. For 2027, her schedule remains open, but retirement is not on the agenda. As she told Rolling Stone, she still has a bucket list, and she’s actively working to check items off.
Her Relationship with Phil Spector
Love's complex history with producer Phil Spector will be a focus of the documentary. She acknowledges the 'very rocky relationship' and a 'bruising legal battle that left real scars.' However, she has come to terms with his legacy, noting that Bruce Springsteen 'believes that Phil Spector started rock & roll.' Love says, 'Okay, all the bad stuff you know, but some good things happened with him too.'
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darlene Love still performing live?
Yes. Darlene Love continues to perform her 'Love for the Holidays' concert series, with shows booked for November and December. She is also actively planning a future residency and a large-scale Christmas show.
What is Darlene Love's most famous song?
Her most enduring hit is the Christmas classic "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," which she performed annually on the Late Show with David Letterman. Another major hit is "He’s a Rebel," though it was initially credited to the group The Crystals.
Was Darlene Love in any movies?
Yes. She is well-known for her acting role as Trish Murtaugh, the wife of Danny Glover's character, in the Lethal Weapon film series. She has also appeared in other films and had a notable run on Broadway in Hairspray.
When will the Darlene Love documentary be released?
A specific release date for Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been has not been announced. The project is currently in production, as confirmed by Deadline.
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