Darlene Love on Letterman May 2007 River Deep Mountain High

[@LWOPP]

David Letterman deserves credit for reintroducing Darlene Love to her old fans and bringing her millions of new ones by having her on the show every Christmas for the last 20 years. She is just amazing. And props to Shaffer for recreating the Wall of Sound live. That takes some doing. Wow.

[@joegargiulo7070]

Paul Schafer booked the entertainment; Letterman trusted his judgment.

[@SomebodyGroovy2]

This may be Darlene's best live performance in KZbin. She was definitely inspired by the orchestra and choir backing her up.

[@grahamshepherd2306]

Without doubt the most powerful version. Darlene IS a Wall of Sound. She doesn't need one!

[@jak30341]

Celine blew this song apart, you need to clean your ears out. Celine makes this woman sound like she has a very bad cold.

[@splinky45]

​@@jak30341You couldn't be more wrong. You could try but you would not be successful. Ms. Love gives Tina Turner a run for her money.

[@arteest103]

I've been watching this video since 2007 and I never get tired of it.

[@unclealand]

Paul wanted for years to do a full blown "River Deep, Mountain High," and on a couple occasions he gave it a go. Here, with the primal gifts of Darlene Love, he accomplished his dream, wall of sound, full orchestra and backup, and we have it preserved forever. Nice work, man. Darlene, you're still pretty.

[@flyflh]

I love how the blonde violin player on the right is smiling, couldn't contain it!!

[@richardbourdeau1779]

I noticed her smile also... what a first rate performance by everybody.

[@katemcshane]

Every time I hear her, I'm blown away. There are people I just want to thank God for giving to the world, and she's at the top of my list. Thank you, Darlene Love!!!!

[@arteest103]

Dear CBS: Please keep this video up forever. I *have* to watch it several times a year! It *always* leaves me smilin'.

[@lordritchie]

There are singers and vocalists and then there is Darlene. Simply the best from any era, she still packs a punch with every song that she performs. What a career and you know what she deserves only the best. Thanks Darlene

[@mhertz25]

The one and only Darlene Love - the legend - getting better and better with age, defying the years - one of a kind - there is no one else in this world like the great Darlene Love - rock on forever Darlene!!!!!!

[@slockyboy]

Holy Shit!!!!!!! What a performance by all involved. Darlene Love took this song to another level that no one will ever come close to!!!!!

[@KarlWatson13]

Who else is here because of Linda Holmes and Pop Culture Happy Hour?

[@jamesthemaniac3293]

You know it!

[@pixxiespit]

Yup, Worth it! 😁👍

[@stephenjm2472]

Love PCHH!!! Can't believe I'd never seen this until Linda Holmes mentioned it! FANTASTIC! Everybody just kills it on this!

[@darrinbaker00]

I always got the feeling that this performance was Darlene's way of giving Phil Spector the finger for not letting her record the song in the first place.

[@daves7079]

How so? She's giving him attention by singing his song. LOL

[@darrinbaker00]

@@daves7079 Darlene thought that she should have been the one to originally record this song, not Tina Turner. Darlene had been an uncredited lead singer on a few of Phil Spector's hit singles.

[@ryanesteban982]

I dont mean to be off topic but does any of you know a way to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly lost my login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me!

[@phillipephraim1828]

@Ryan Esteban Instablaster ;)

[@donaldsachs5419]

I think she DID record it- but Phil removed her vocal and had Tina do it.

[@dlovefan]

Having been a fan all my life, I still cannot believe that she has not become a superstar. She has the absolute best voice in pop music that there ever was! If you're in New York City, go see her in "Hairspray" and experience her live. One of the greatest singers of all time!!

[@jimmyfromnj8403]

One of the greatest live TV performances ever. Of course Darlene, Paul and the Band. Such great backup singers including the amazing Pattie Darcy right behind Darlene, blond hair and black jacket. She is so vivacious and rocking, the blond violinist couldn't help feeling her vibe, monstrously good. Most of Dave's guests ended songs at about 2:45, they kept this going into another zone. Thanks for posting, on my Favorites forever.

[@KerrieGrant]

+James Nolan My thoughts exactly and why I had to make sure this performance was posted.

[@patmullican9526]

Jimmy somehow I lucked into finding this, on You Tube. Just fantastic! And then, there is the blonde singing back-up. Wow! Had no idea who she was. Finally tracked her down, only to learn she had passed away. Very sad.

[@pbfo179]

Fuck off this song performed is performed by ike and in 1966...no one will do or better than tina...

[@joannasteinman9173]

Yes it is.... this was originally to be Darlene's song.... Tina was a last minute change by Spector.... I was so drawn to Pattie Darcy when this first aired - and again when they reran the show two weeks later .... she was found unresponsive in her home a little over a month later ... it still haunts me to watch it today.... You NEVER know how much time you have - live it to the FULLEST!

[@ClaytonBryantSings]

Joanna Steinman yes I Miss Pattie she was an incredible soul loved singing with her and just her loving on me she was amazing

[@sirsnave]

It truly doesn't get any better than this. God Bless Letterman for keeping this amazing voice out there.

[@patticreamer7843]

Just saw here last night. WOW, she is still amazing at 81

[@edfou5]

Quite simply one of the most astonishing and exhilarating performances ever caught on videotape. If I could only take five clips with me to the next world this would be one of them... and I can't think of what the other four would be. God bless Darlene Love... from a man who first fell for her watching her on Shindig when I was 12. And highest praise to everyone on that stage. Has there EVER been a time when a string section and a rhythm section and vocalists soared together like that? I don't think so. My God... the earth stopped turning on its axis for a few minutes that night. And to see that young blonde woman on strings go from serious concentration to a huge grin is a beautiful thing. Absolutely transcendent. Wow. BLISSFUL!

[@bryanphelan1104]

Here is one for you - Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes singing "Be My Baby" !

[@lightningblue648]

Amen my friend. She is amazing!!!

[@daviddurfee6127]

Basin Street Blues by the Mills Brothers, with the Boston Pops.

[@hodododo]

How about; Conquistador by Procol Harum and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

[@cybertigress]

LOVE IT.. the full orchestra really makes it - Darlene's is so enthusiastic and HAPPY - very emotional performance, the best. ... even the professional musicians are having a blast :)

[@bobojenkins88]

She is GREAT! Kudos to Letterman for providing all the musicians and back-up singers to accompany her, making this such a special song!

[@GerardChristianZach]

I was in one of the first productions to perform Ellie's "Leader of the Pack" musical. We used to get letters from Ellie herself encouraging us. This song (the high climax of the show) was originally meant for Darlene. Ellie wrote it for her to sing, but the higher-ups wound up giving it to Tina Turner. Both Tina & Darlene give the best, most powerful performances! But this song WAS written for Darlene in the first place by her good friend, and it has great sentimental value for her. It shows!

[@kt9166]

Paul got to recreate the Phil Spector Wall of Sound, and we got to hear the mighty Darlene Love make the song her own. Nothing short of magnificent !

[@UNOwen1]

One of the BEST singers of the 20th - and 21st centuries. She gives her ALL - no matter where she performs A truly consummate professional, and a class act all the way. I've been fortunate enough to have been at the R&R Hall of Fame inductions for Ike & Tina, The Ronettes, and Phil Spector (as his guest - a very interesting night). I wish I'd been able to see Ms. Love in '11, but was out of town. A belated (26 July) birthday wish to Ms. Love. Keep it coming.

[@simonbridges3835]

HOW CAN I HAVE NEVER KNOWN ABOUT THIS??? OH HOW I LOVE YOU DARLENE!!! THANK YOU WITH ALL MY HEART! 😍😍😍😍😍😍 XXXXX

[@ruavidiot]

This really is one of the best live performances! She rocks and everyone really had a great time singing this with her!!! Even David smiled!

[@patricky823]

I've had a crush on Darlene Love since 1967.

[@ToledoWingNut]

9 dislikes? Geez, I loved this. Stop worrying about comparisons and just cherish the voice that is Darlene Love.

[@maragetwhite8001]

To miss Darlene Love I never heard your music accept your Xmas song but I watched a interview of Springsteen about his new building museum but I listen to Bruce talk highly of u and how u made a come back. I listen to some your songs and I'm in love with your music like Bruces thank u for making great music all these years keep on going we need real music in today's troubling times. Thank u

[@drleongonyo1]

Darlene was an awesome performer and this one was one of my favs

[@ericgreene5363]

She still is

[@curtlafond2731]

Ten years later and still I watch this a few times each year. Holy cow, pipes! Such a massive, swelling, joyous sound. This was an unforgettable performance, made extra special by the blonde violinist whose expressions convey the sheer wonder of it all and feeling of privilege she was experiencing for being part of Darlene's incredible moment in the history of live music. Darlene cannot be silenced.

[@bruce_adams]

They're all having such fun, and they blew the roof off the joint!

[@salesguy0826]

Awesome performance and big kudos to Paul for recreating that legendary 1960's "Wall of Sound". Sounds so good......

[@KerrieGrant]

I just saw that Darlene was scheduled for Letterman because this is sweeps week. Great choice. Incredible voice; wonderful performance! It gave me goosebumps.

[@USAlovesCanada]

Boy were (are) you lucky. This is such a great performance. I can listen to it and listen to it ... THANKS DARLENE, David & Paul ... JUST SUPER!!!

[@GuitarJay]

I get chills hearing this. What an incredible realization of Phil Spector's production and wow, what a voice!!!!

[@maryguerrero129]

I listen to this almost daily. Big talent that can't be matched! Thanks to Paul and Darlene for this timeless masterpiece!

[@oldiesfan52]

What can I say? Darlene is the most powerful female voice in pop and always has been. How wonderful that she has been introduced to a whole new generation of fans!

[@timbalandj]

Darlene is beast - and those singers OMG - wow

[@countrypaul]

Transcendant! I had the pleasure of meeting her last year - the lady is absolutely gracious and dynamic, plus she rocks! Darlene - and this song - are both timeless, and the backing was perfect. Superb all around....

[@thekahnfamily1]

I saw this live with my late, great friend Stan. Regis Philbin was the other guest that evening. I was blown away then, and I'm blown away every time I watch it here on KZbin. It was such a great performance, so unexpected on that stage at that moment, one of the most thrilling performances I've seen and heard.

[@thommariner]

Beyond the great song and fabulous talent of Darlene Love, the effusive joy shown by the backup singers and musicians make this performance special.

[@maciek161]

what a voice!!! she's great!!!

[@wqmc]

A wrong has finally been righted! This performance shows why Darlene Love being inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame is a no brainer.

[@UpstateMediaNY]

So all of these years later, the nameless blonde viola player is still quite clearly the highlight here (2nd to Darlene, obviously). It's one of the most blatant visuals of the joy that music can bring that you will EVER see.

[@daves7079]

She was smiling because Paul Schafer wasn't wearing any pants

[@CardinalEgan]

@@daves7079 - That wouldn't make _anybody_ smile...

[@fractaljack]

UNBELIEVABLE! To recreate the "Wall of Sound" live and have Darlene's vocal strength is a match made in heaven. Man, I still have goosebumps five minutes later! I would have given anything to have seen this live. She is truly amazing to still have the intensity and power at this time in her life. What a blessing and thank you Darlene for still sharing your talent. Tina who?

[@CossacksChampion]

Excellent song, strong voice. Perfect performance, i loved it ! Im one of the biggest fans of darlene greetz from germany !

[@cns7139]

This truly is the best, even considering Tina’s great recording. This is live TV, and Darlene is always fabulous, live or in studio . I’m sure Tina had many memorable live performances of this song also, but this is just spectacular!

[@Hairydon]

I'd like to know, who of our super star singers of today, can sing like this? This is amazing and look, no naked dancers to distract from her great voice.

[@rjslade]

WOW!! Man, she can sing. I mean, I love listening to the oldies, but this video makes me want to see her live! Fantastic!

[@mgmstlmo]

I still think this is one of the greatest if not the greatest live performance I have ever seen.

[@USAlovesCanada]

You know I listened to this song for the UP-teenth time tonight. There is talent and then there is T A L E N T. My lady Darlene got the T A L E N T!! Song on sweetie ....

[@dogwood8031]

Damn it. Gives me chills and makes me cry at the same time.

[@michaellawrence6075]

best performance of this song

[@TheBeau1957]

Darlene Love is one this countries' greatest natural resources. She always gives 100%+, and more. I love the fact both Dave&Paul worship her, it shows. I always look forward to Christmas performances on the show.

[@gracebussey5963]

Makes me love Dave even more because he loves Darlene Love

[@lionheartroar3104]

Wow...my head split open...this is AMAZING

[@dlovefan]

The greatest singer of our generation! Please God, let her be inducted into the Hall of Fame!!

[@kturney9835]

Such a great rendition that it makes me cry. I bet this was one of Paul's favorite moments ever. To arrange and play THIS SONG for the fantastic Darlene Love.........WOW!

[@mgmstlmo]

Darlene is nominated for the Rock n Roll Hall of fame, I hope and pray that she is inducted. She is amazing and deserves so well the honor for her years of entertaining us with her god give gift.

[@shango12b]

One word, fantastic!

[@keefthestone]

You can tell the background singers are energized by her power

[@gir2868]

Patty was an amazing person and a great friend to everyone! I miss her so much and I love her with all my heart!

[@guinnessgrrl8270]

I bow down to the great Darlene Love!

[@Tuck1030]

This lady is incredible my all time favorite!! CLASS!!

[@53Topanga]

This is one of my all time favorite songs...............and one of the most amazing, enduring voices ever!!!!

[@TheCatherinemh]

I love Darlene Loves' version of this - my fave. Noboyh Sings like she does. This is her song. and the orchestra backing her up - beautiful, classy touch. New we wait for her to sing in December again!!

[@gabibmanna]

I ran out of breath watching it! Whew!

[@Dld1985]

Absolutely incredible ! What a powerful performance. Two of the best singers he ever had on his show Darlene Love and on another show LaLa Brooks both from the early 1960’s group The Crystals. Lot of talent in those days.

[@rslitman]

I met her outside the stage door on August 24, 2005, and told her I remembered watching her singing with the Blossoms on "Shindig" (a T.V. show that was on in the mid-1960s). Her response was, "You're showing your age, lady." I guess I was.

[@missinglink2525]

thanks for the name. she was a really talented, energetic performer. her brown eyed girl performance on youtube had me wishing i'd been in the club that night. sorry for your loss.

[@carolpaquette980]

Just the best singer and performer ever!

[@kyleburgess2834]

This was Originally written for Darlene to sing and you can tell!

[@bennyjazzful]

WOW. Must be one of the most powerhouse vocal performances of all time. What an incredible voice Darlene has.

[@SS421982]

Darlene is incredible. She's 68 years old (69 in July) and looks and sounds fantastic. She deserved so much more than what she got. Spector promised to concentrate on her as a solo artist. Loved this performance. Too bad about Patti, I think she backed up Darlene on the yearly Christmas performance as well.

[@jeffjones3506]

her version was absolutely the BEST!!!!! strongest voice for this song.....wow

[@meltwaterfalls]

Thanks for the recommendation Linda Holmes. This is the song I am currently bobbing my head to.

[@ToledoWingNut]

Okay. Plain and simple, my favorite KZbin video. Pure joy. You've gotta love The Love.

[@sirsnave]

It Doesn't get any better than this.

[@victorbcouto]

8 days after this video was uploaded I was born lol

[@bootnreboot7456]

i loved watching the blonde violinist, such energy and fun, beautiful smile

[@ultraagent1]

Darlene....is just the best singer. She should do a new collection. Just to best.......

[@doo58wop]

You must be very proud of your Mom. I have followed her since I heard "Today I met the Boy I'm Gonna Marry". Then when I heard she sang lead on "He's a Rebel", that was all it took to get me hooked! I thought Tina's version was the best until I heard Darlene do it on the "Leader of the Pack" original cast LP. Thank God for You Tube for letting me see performances I missed. This will be my first year watching her on Letterman; I won't miss it for anything.

[@jeffkingston6590]

A one person wall of sound!!!! Darlene is the best!

[@Stephanie-yv3kj]

Love you David and Darlene , Miss your show soooo much Mr. David Letterman ! You always had wonderful shows ! You always looked perfect from head to toe on show with your suits ! Also loved your Socks and Shoes ! Perfection , Mr. Letterman ! 🌬️💙🏄🌊✡️♒🤜🤛

[@adgieem1]

I will never get tired of watching this performance,,,ITS PURE GOLD!,,,,this is unbelievEable!,, an all time best! she is............ GREAT!

[@mcivor1]

wow..as always, what a voice...

[@mgmstlmo]

Your Mom is an amazing singer. I have loved her vocals since I first heard her. God Bless her and keep her singing. She is fantastic, and we look forward to seeing her on Letterman this year!

[@mgmstlmo]

WOOHOO!!!! Congratulations Darlene on your induction into the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame for 2011. So well deserved!!!!

[@JSG1951]

Excellent vocal by Darlene and great re-capturing of the original Spector Wall Of Sound by Paul Shafer!!!

[@lifestyleguru4u]

Our community theater fly her in and gave her an award during our run of the musical "Leader of the Pack". Those familiar with the story know this song was written for Darlene and it's a whole other experience hearing her sing it. I have to say though only singing back up behind her tops getting to meet this incredible lady. She even lost an earring while holding out that one big note. A memory to cherish forever. Gotta love Darlene Love!

[@oldiesfan52]

What a set of pipes! Move over, Tina Turner. One of the most underrated singers of all time. I'm SO glad she is finally getting the recognition she deserves (and may Phil Spector rot in prison for the rest of his life!)

[@fosbury68]

66 year old pipes just KILLING IT!!

[@28mark]

what a voice...what a production...what a shame todays music is so lack-luster in these areas

[@SS421982]

Ohhhh awesome....thank you. I only knew or recognized Patty (rip)

[@jimst.george669]

Great performance of this song by Darlene!! Great re-creation of the wall of sound also.Thanks for posting!!

[@klangfarben1463]

With apologies to Tina Turner," River Deep, Mountain High" will always (in my humble opinion) belong to Darlene Love. RIP -Ellie Greenwich (songwriter)

[@gerardoortega1983]

Goosebumps!!! She deserved so much more during the 60's..glad shes in the rock hall of fame where deserves to be!

[@beachgirl1959ify]

Such a powerful song! Love her! :)

[@charlieandrin1370]

Hello how are you doing?

[@charlieandrin1370]

Hope you are enjoying your day?

[@bison1203]

That's just someone who was meant to entertain people. So natural and fun.

[@snidelywhiplash]

I haven't seen a performance that better conveys the spirit of this song. It's just damn near unhinged.