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Darlene Love will return to the studio for her first non-holiday album in decades with the ironically titled Introducing Darlene Love.

Love has been one of the most sought after singers since her start in the early-60's working with Phil Spector. Her voice is heard as the lead singer on the Crystals He's a Rebel although she was never given credit for the recording. She also sang backup on a long string of 60's hits for Johnny Rivers, the Ronettes, Frank Sinatra and many more. Her long career as a backup singer was documented in the Oscar winning film 20 Feet From Stardom.

Her best known recording, though, is the song Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) that was part of Phil Spector's album A Christmas Gift For You. She performed the song regularly every holiday season on David Letterman's show for almost three decades

Her new enterprise came about through her long friendship with guitarist and actor Steven Van Zandt. She has signed with Steven's Wicked Cool Records which will partner with Columbia for the release of the new album. Van Zandt will also be arranging and producing the album which will have guest appearances from Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Van Zandt, Jim Webb, Linda Perry, Desmond Child, Joan Jett, and the legendary songwriting team Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

Van Zandt said of the album 'Darlene's legendary status is well deserved but I felt the time was long overdue to show a younger generation WHY she has earned that reputation. Partnering with Columbia Records is a dream come true because now I know the world will hear her.'

Introducing Darlene Love will be out later this year