Darlene Wright (born July 26, 1941),[a] known by her stage name, Darlene Love, is an American popular music singer and actress. She was the lead singer of the girl group the Blossoms and she also recorded as a solo artist.
She began singing as a child with her local church choir. In 1962, she began recording with producer Phil Spector who renamed her Darlene Love. She sang lead on “He’s a Rebel” and “He’s Sure the Boy I Love,” which were credited to the Crystals. She was soon a highly sought-after vocalist and worked with many rock and soul legends of 1960s, including Sam Cooke, Dionne Warwick, Bill Medley, the Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and Sonny and Cher. As an actress, Love performed in various Broadway productions. She had a reoccurring role as Roger Murtaugh’s wife in the Lethal Weapon film series.
Ranked among Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers, Love was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Love is featured in the Oscar-winning documentary film 20 Feet from Stardom (2013), for which she won a Grammy Award.
Associated Acts
The Echoes, The Blossoms, The Crystals, Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans, Tom Jones, the Ronettes, the Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, Johnny Rivers, Sonny and Cher
Birth Name
Darlene Wright
Genres
Jazz, pop, rock
Occupations
Singer, actress
Years Active
1959 present
Name
Darlene Love
Nationality
United States of America