Evan Agostini, Associated Press”Women got things done behind the scenes,” says Darlene Love, seen here performing in March during the Rock Hall induction ceremony at New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
Among the artifacts on view in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s massive new “Women Who Rock” exhibition is a red dress that Darlene Love wore on the old “Solid Gold” television show.
This veteran singer has been in show business long enough to know if a look is clicking for her — or not.
“You know when it’s exactly right, and you know when it’s wrong,” said Love, 69.
“Sometimes I’ll get ready and I’ll go, ‘You know what? This is not working!’ I’ll get in one of those moods where I can’t fix my hair, or I’ll have a dress and I don’t know if I can wear it.
“My husband will call my daughter and say, ‘Rose, would you please take your mother shopping so she can get something to wear, even though she has 50 million things in the closet? Get her hair done and get her another look.’ ”
Love was inducted into the Rock Hall in March. She’ll join fellow Hall of Famers Wanda Jackson and Mavis Staples, among other performers, for the museum’s It’s Only Rock and Roll benefit concert Saturday night at Public Auditorium. Proceeds are earmarked for the hall’s education programs.
PREVIEW
It’s Only Rock and Roll Concert
What: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Darlene Love, Wanda Jackson and Mavis Staples headline a benefit for the Rock Hall’s education programs. Also on the bill are Cyndi Lauper, Curt Smith of Tears for Fears and Chuck Jackson.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 14.
Where: Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland.
Tickets: $20 at Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone, 1-800-745-3000.
Love was a key member of Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” pop-rock hit factory. Her voice graces such classic 1960s songs as “He’s a Rebel” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”
She’s happy that the Rock Hall’s latest marquee exhibit celebrates the contributions of female artists.
“Even in background singing, which is where I got my start, I called the shots,” Love said by phone from her home in New York City.
“Women got things done behind the scenes. Phil Spector didn’t do that. We called the musicians to work, and we set up the sessions: ‘What time do you want us there? I’ll call the girls and get everybody there on time.’ ”
Early on, Love was inspired by the example set by strong women such as Aretha Franklin.
“I’ve known Aretha since she was 16,” Love said.
“She was very powerful. And she was a musician, too, so she knew what she wanted. She just took who she was into the studio and made records.”
Previous Plain Dealer coverage
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame puts focus on ‘Women Who Rock’ in expansive new exhibition
- Rock Hall’s ‘Woman Who Rock’ exhibit will be focus of nationwide PBS program
Contemporary female musicians wield even more power, Love said.
“They’re calling the shots,” she said.
“Look at Beyonce. It was her father and her mother and Beyonce herself, and nobody else, who put Beyonce where she is today. She does what she wants to do.
“Women are stronger today. . . . Even women you’ve never heard of are telling men: ‘I want it like this.’ In the ’60s, we were a little more afraid of men. I don’t think women are scared today. Anything they want, they just go out and get it.
“That’s the thing: Don’t be afraid of who you are. Go out and get it, and don’t let anybody stop you.”
Up next for this go-getter: a biopic based on her 1998 memoir, “My Name Is Love.” The project is in the early stages of development.
“We’re trying to put together a movie about my life,” said Love, no stranger to Hollywood. She played Danny Glover’s wife in the “Lethal Weapon” films.
She declined to say which actresses are being considered to play her.
“I have a wish list,” Love said. “You’ve seen all of them a few times on the screen. There are so many great black actresses right now who could play that part.”
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Tags: Darlene Love, Hall