By way of The Second Disc this morning, I learned that Darlene Love will be among the Class of 2011 inductees into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame (Rock Hall Gets It Right — The Second Disc). Love is known for the 1963 recordings “He’s A Rebel” and “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home),” among others – including a run of hits with producer Phil Spector.

To Elvis fans, however, she is best known as a member of the Blossoms, the group that provided vocal backing on the ELVIS (’68 Comeback) TV special. Her beautiful solo on “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child” featured prominently in the program, as part of a gospel medley.

Though it was dropped from the original soundtrack release, Love’s “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child” can be heard on the 1998 CD Memories: The ’68 Comeback Special.

In 1969, the Blossoms also recorded backing vocals on “Let Us Pray,” an Elvis song for the movie Change of Habit.

Love also works as an actress, including in the role of Trish Murtaugh for the Lethal Weapon film series. I was a fan of her in those movies for years before I finally realized the connection with the Blossoms and Elvis.

A movie based on Love’s life is currently in the works.

For more information

• Darlene Love: The Love Story–Official Site
• Darlene Love, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Says She’s on Cloud Nine–Rolling Stone

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Research Source: Elvis Presley: A Life In Music – The Complete Recording Sessions by Ernst Jorgensen, St. Martin’s Press, New York, 1998.