‘Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been’ Review: Classic Singer Gets a Movie Where She’s Not in the Background

Darlene Love, a legendary singer in rock and soul history, finally gets her due in the Oscar-winning documentary “20 Feet From Stardom.” However, Love’s story is so compelling that she has now been given a film of her own, “Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. The documentary, assembled by Barry Avrich, is not just a showcase of Love’s talents but also a testament to her resilience and the power of her voice.

Born as Darlene Wright, she was raised in a deeply religious household that discouraged her from listening to secular music. Despite this, she formed a singing trio called the Blossoms and performed alongside notable artists such as Sam Cooke, the Beach Boys, and Bobby “Boris” Pickett. Her life took a dramatic turn when she became pregnant at 17, lost the baby, and then got pregnant again just three months later.

Love’s career took off with producer Phil Spector, who changed her name to Darlene Love, used her as the lead singer for his hit “He’s a Rebel,” and paid her $3,000. However, Spector's influence was short-lived as he withdrew the record following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Love’s talent did not go unnoticed, earning her praise from some of the biggest names in music, including Paul Schaffer, Steve Van Zandt, Bruce Springsteen, David Letterman, Marc Shaiman, and Cher. Cher even stated that everyone was terrified of her during recording sessions. Love’s career continued to flourish with performances on David Letterman’s show and TV appearances in the Power Station recording studio, solidifying her status as a force of nature in the industry.

The documentary captures Love’s extraordinary journey, from her early days in a gospel trio to her struggles and triumphs in the recording studio. It features testimonials from admirers like Bruce Springsteen and Cher, who attest to her greatness. The film also highlights her impact on the music scene, showcasing her recent performances of classics like “He’s a Rebel,” “A Fine, Fine Boy,” “Christmas Baby Please Come Home,” and “I Know Where I’ve Been.”

With her current age of 85, Love’s passion and talent remain as strong as ever, making “Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been” a must-watch for any music lover.