A foundational voice in popular music, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, Darlene Love has been to the end of the rainbow and back again.
photography & creative direction by MIKE RUIZ
interview & styling by ALISON HERNON at AGENCY GERARD ARTISTS
art collaboration GUILLERMO HUERTA
animation by BOB BOTTLE
makeup by MARC CORNWALL-WYCKOFF
hair by T. COOPER at crowdMGMT using ECRU NEW YORK
stylist assistant DESTINY WALKER
starring DARLENE LOVE
Earrings Victoria Hayes
Dress Southpaw Vintage NYC
Darlene, how did you get started as a singer?
I started off singing in the church and have been singing for over 50 years.
Please describe your style of music?
I sing and enjoy Pop, Rock and Roll, and Gospel. I love the joy I get to bring to my audience.
How did you get signed on by Phil Spector?
He went to California to find a singer for the “He’s a Rebel” song and the rest is history.
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Necklace Loola Doola
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How did the movie Twenty Feet From Stardom Come About?
I received a phone call from the producer, Gil Friesen, and the rest is history.
What did it feel like to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? When did this happen?
It was sort of an out-of-body experience. All that I’ve worked so hard for, finally came into perspective; not too early and not too late, at God’s timing.
Over the years, do you feel that the music industry has changed from when you first started? If so, how?
Yes, I do believe the music industry has changed since when I first started. I don’t think people have the same appreciation for music like I know it. Artists in this generation sing songs, and they sound great, however the standards of the industry has deteriorated drastically (but they say change is constant).
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What do you think of music today?
I rarely listen to “new music” however, I know that there are a lot of technological advancements which makes it easier to play and write music. I am very impressed with the advancements even thought I don’t hear the “raw” sound like what I am used to back then. But, as I said change is constant and I love music regardless.
Do you feel there are any parallel’s with how Rock and Roll was conceived vs. today’s music, and if so how?
Yes, I feel like there are similarities with Rock and Roll then and now. Even though a lot of the authenticity has vanished, I can still connect a little with the sound.
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Earrings Lizzie Fortunato
And, has it changed for African American women? And, if so how?
Music has changed a lot for African American women, and not just in rock and roll. I think women today search for their value in music. Back then women knew their value before they sang/listened to music. As I said before the standards have fallen but regardless, there are people out there who will always find an appreciation for music whether it be good or bad, uplifts or degrades.
Please tell us about what you are doing now? Touring? Making a new album?
I am always working on new content; music and otherwise.
What inspires you?
My inspiration is simply life and all of its blessings.
What’s your motto in life?
My motto in life is to believe in yourself.
Shades Loola Doola
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Earrings Simon Alcantara
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You embody a strong powerful woman, what is your message to inspire a younger generation?
My message to the younger generation is to value yourselves; everyone serves a purpose on this earth; it’s just for you to find your spark. Put God first; he sees your good and bad, and always have a mind of your own.
