Love, Darlene (1938–)

American pop and R&B singer. Name variations: The Blossoms. Born Darlene Wright, July 26, 1938, in Los Angeles, California; dau. of Joe Wright (Pentecostal minister) and Ellen Wright; sister of Edna Wright (singer); m. Alton Allison, 1984; children: 3 sons, 1 daughter.

Recorded with Gloria Jones, Fanita Barrett and Nanette Williams as The Blossoms (1958–60) without success; known as the overqualified back-up singer to major stars, worked extensively for Sam Cooke, Sonny and Cher, and others; though not a member of the Crystals, sang lead vocal on hit single "He's a Rebel," which was credited to the Crystals; went on to record 6 singles under own name for Phil Spector, including "Wait Til My Bobby Gets Home" (1963), "(Today I Met) The Boy I'm Going To Marry" (1963) and "A Fine Fine Boy" (1963); sang lead vocals for Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans, recording some of greatest hits of 60s, including "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" and "He's Sure the Boy I Love" (both 1963); signed with Blossoms for Reprise and recorded "Good Good Lovin" (1967), among others, and also sang backup for Sinatra on such hits as "That's Life" (1967); continued to sing with The Blossoms on Shindig and on tour with Elvis Presley (1968–69); pursued solo career (early 1970s), and released albums Darlene Love (1981), Live (1984), and Paint Another Picture (1988); sang back-up for Dionne Warwick (1971–81) and later for Aretha Franklin; appeared in "Lethal Weapon" films as Danny Glover's wife and in Tony-nominated Broadway musical Leader of the Pack (1985), as well as off-Broadway musical Nunsense (2003–04); won Rhythm and Blues Foundation's Pioneer Award (1995) and a lawsuit against Phil Spector for back royalties (1997); released gospel CD Unconditional Love (1998).

See also autobiography (with Rob Hoerburger), My Name is Love (Morrow, 1998).