It was the Friday before Christmas 1990 something when I was watching Late Night with David Letterman. I was staying up a little later than usual given that it was the start of the weekend. At the close of the show, Dave introduced the musical act talking about the yearly tradition of having this singer grace them with this rockin holiday classic.
That is when the camera panned to Darlene Love at center stage. That voice belting out joy line after line. It turns out I had stumbled into Late Night tradition which had started in 1986. Take notice of the actual album plugged by Dave as part of the introduction. Here is a link to the first time that Darlene sang ‘Baby Please Come Home’ on Letterman’s show.
First Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-8ZERV_D_Q
Take notice of the low budget stage, four-man band with a minimal setup. It is striking compared to the choreographed performances given over the years as the tradition grew. Sometimes with a children’s choir, one of my favorites is with the singing Sergeants the Christmas prior to the desert storm conflict.
Favorite Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7AKSn9bjuk
As the years passed I would make sure to watch the Friday before Christmas show to catch that year’s rendition. More than once, falling asleep during the show only to be awakened by that voice. That soulful voice that was seemingly made for this particular song. The following is a mashup of Darlene’s performances through the years. One of my favorite parts of the video is the portion where the sax player comes in. Through the audience, through a fireplace or flying down from the rafters how the sax player came in was part of the yearly treat.
A variety of Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkJRCeCoCjY
As Letterman had announced his retirement, I made sure to watch her final Late Night performance. The scale of production now including a full orchestra, backup singers, all dressed to the nines and falling snow, while performing from atop a baby grand piano.
Final Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsU08y9peZg
I do miss this tradition.
It’s a little Love, Darlene Love at Christmas.
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