March 14, 2011 will be an important day in the life of Darlene Love: she will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Love is best remembered for being a part of Phil Spector’s Wall Of Sound. She recorded with the Crystals, as a member of Bob B. Soxx And The Blue Jeans, and as a solo artist. It all added up to one of the more impressive catalogues of the early 1960’s pre-Beatles era.

Sony Legacy, in conjunction with Phil Spector Records, has just released a series of re-issue CDs in commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of the founding of Spector’s Phillies Label.  Albums by The Ronettes, The Crystals, Darlene Love, and a greatest hits compilation album are all being issued.

The Sound Of Love: The Very Best Of Darlene Love is a 17-track compilation containing most of the big hits of her early career, plus a few rare songs for good measure.

Darlene Love began her career as a member of The Blossoms during the late 1950’s. She would stay with the group until 1974. The original Crystals were based in New York City, while Phil Spector was located in California. He hired the West Coast-based Blossoms to fill in on a couple of occasions and they produced, with Darlene Love’s lead vocal, the number one hit “He’s A Rebel,” plus the top 15 single “He’s Sure The Boy I Love.”

She also created a number of memorable solo songs for the label. “(Today I Met) The Boy I’m Going To Marry,” “Wait Til’ My Bobby Gets Home,” and “A Fine Fine Boy” all reached the United States singles charts.

Bob B. Soxx And The Blue Jeans was a studio trio put together by Phil Spector. Darlene Love, fellow Blossom Fanita James, plus singer Bobby Sheen produced several excellent single releases together. “Why Do Lovers Break Each Other’s Heart” and “Not Too Young To Get Married” both made the American charts. The big omission from the album was the group’s biggest hit “Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah.”

It is nice to have three songs by The Blossoms included. “No Other Love,” “Lord If You’re A Woman,” and “That’s When The Tears Start” are all difficult to find and are a nice addition to this compilation.

Darlene Love continues to record and perform down to the present day, but it was these songs that brought her the greatest fame. They are a part of the foundation of early rock ‘n’ roll and are essential in the evolution of American music.

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