Darlene Love is mad and I don’t blame her. She posted to Facebook tonight after being unable to get NBC and Brad Lachman Productions to let her sing one of her signature songs on the Rockefeller Plaza Christmas tree lighting show. Darlene is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a true veteran superstar of real rock and roll and soul.
When Paul Shaffer and his band performed on the David Letterman show, each year he’d have Darlene on to sing “Christmas Baby, Please Come Home.” Just a few years ago, Darlene starred in the Oscar winning documentary “20 Feet from Stardom.” She also had to chase Phil Spector through the court system to get any reparations for singing most of his hits in the early 60s solo and with the Crystals.
Not having Darlene Love sing that is like not having Aretha sing “Respect” or Gladys Knight sing “Midnight Train to Georgia.” You just don’t do it.
Here’s what she posted:
“Once again I was snubbed by Brad Lachman Productions who produce the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and instead they book another artist to perform my song “Christmas Baby, Please Come Home” each year!! Such an insult and let down! They book these young artists who can’t even hit the notes properly and are off key. Makes NO sense!! That’s my song and I’m still alive. Show me some respect! My publicist has been trying for over 10 years to lock this performance down for me and they keep saying that I’m not their demo or big enough and would only book me if Bette Midler or Bruce Springsteen would do it with me. I would NEVER ask my friends to do that. If you want them, go thru their team. This business can be so unfair at times. Don’t get me wrong, I’m TRULY blessed for what I have accomplished at 78 years of age but it’s still a constant struggle to stay relevant and convince those who control the industry that I’m worth it. I’m turning off the TV. Gotta rest up for my holiday tour. Thank you to all my fans and friends who do support me. You keep my spirit happy and alive. Love, DARLENE! ❤️”
PS Darlene performs “Christmas Baby Please Come Home” on December 20th on The View. Read what she also posted:
“In the meantime, PLEASE tune in to The View on 12/20 to watch me perform MY song with a very special guest. I know some of you object to me doing The View but PLEASE just put aside your political views for me this one time. The producers at ABC treat me very well and with respect. They produce my entire segment, pay my entire band, singers and me too and cover all my expenses. Most other TV shows require ME to pay them $15,000 to $20,000 to perform. I don’t have that kind of money and not signed to a label. This is all out of my pocket so I’m very grateful for Jamie Hammer and Brian Teta who by the way was a former producer at David Letterman who helped bring me over to The View. Thank you for allowing me to vent my frustrations to all of you and Thank you listening and showing me your love and support. This will help me get a good night sleep. God bless ❤️😘
