“(Today I Met) The Boy I’m Gonna Marry” was the first solo single for vocalist extraordinaire Darlene Love, and it’s today’s classic song of the day. Released in March of 1963, this single peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #38 on the Cash Box Top 100 in 1963.
This Wall of Sound spectacular, produced by troubled genius Phil Spector, was written by Ellie Greenwich and Tony Powers (with a co-writing credit to Spector, as was the norm back then) and arranged by Jack Nitzsche. Instrumental backing was by the Wrecking Crew, of course, with the unmistakable driving drums of the legendary Hal Blaine.
By the time this record was released, Darlene Love had been recording for Phil Spector for well over a year. She was both the lead vocalist in the group the Blossoms and a backup singer on countless Spector Wall of Sound productions. She also “ghosted” as the lead singer of the Crystals on their recordings of “He’s a Rebel” and “He’s Sure the Boy I Love,” and with Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans on “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” “Why Do Lovers Break Each Others Hearts,” and “Not Too Young to Get Married.” During this same period, Ms. Love also appeared with the Blossoms every week on the Shindig! television show. She worked hard for the money.
I love everything Ms. Love sings, she is a powerful, extremely soulful singer who brings joy to every note of every song. My favorite of her solo recordings is the holiday classic, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” which also happens to be my favorite Christmas song of all time. There’s nothing better.
Although she never quite achieved stardom on her own, Darlene Love kept performing (and singing backup) for more than six decades. She has gained increased recognition over the years, due in no small part to her Christmas performances on David Letterman’s late night show from 1986 to 2014 (when ol’ Dave closed up shop).
In 2011, no less an admirer than Bette Midler inducted Ms. Love into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was also featured in the 2015 documentary about backup singers, 20 Feet from Stardom, and won a Grammy Award for her musical contribution to that film.
Darlene Love just turned 84 years old. She’s still out there singing, and the world is better for it.
Which leads us to today’s daily bonus video of the day, the ever-young Darlene Love singing “(Today I Met) The Boy I’m Gonna Marry” live in concert in 2017. There’s no question about it, I love Darlene Love and everything she does. Although not as famous as some, she is truly one of the greatest singers of her generation.
