Elvis’ Background Singer Darlene Love Explains Their Relationship
on Aug 07, 2018 • Updated Sep 17, 2019
Over the course of her decades-long career, esteemed singer and actress Darlene Love has been able to work with some of the brightest stars in the business. Just a few of the many artists she’s had the honor of singing with include Sonny and Cher, Sam Cooke, and the Beach Boys.
Darlene also got the chance to work with the artist of everyone’s dreams…Elvis Presley. Along with her all-girl group the Blossoms, Darlene sang background vocals for Elvis on his song “Let Us Pray,” which was included in his last film, 1969’s Change of Habit.
The Blossoms appeared alongside Elvis in the opening scene of the movie, which you can see in the following clip.
In addition to working with Elvis on Change of Habit, Darlene and the Blossoms were also involved in his famous ’68 Comeback Special. As a result, the Blossoms ended up spending a huge chunk of time with Elvis, and he came to develop a deep respect for them and their knowledge of gospel music.
Of course, being the ladies’ man that he was, Elvis couldn’t keep himself from flirting with the members of the Blossoms. In a tell-all interview with the Village Voice about her time with “The King,” Darlene dished all of the juicy details on their relationship.
When asked if there was any “sexual tension” between her and Elvis, Darlene was quick to answer. “There was,” she said. But then, Darlene went on to admit that it was a tension she never acted on. “It could have been. But I was too scared to do anything.”
Darlene then explained why she decided not to pursue a romantic relationship with Elvis:
“Something about dating someone you’re working for, it takes away from that. ‘I know he’s never gonna look at me the same after this.’ He’d start playing with me. He’d tap you on the shoulder or do a hip shake, and me and Elvis knew what that meant.“
So even though Elvis wasn’t shy about showing his interest in Darlene, she never wanted to take things any further for the sake of professionalism. While they may not have had a romance, she still has many fond memories of him.
Get another taste of what the Blossoms and Darlene sounded like singing with Elvis when you tune in to the clip of their collaboration on “Let Yourself Go” below.
What do y’all think of what Darlene had to say about her time with Elvis? Are you surprised?
