She’s a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, considered “one of the greatest singers of all times,” and a Garden Rocks newbie: Darlene Love hits the America Gardens Theatre stage May 13-15 at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
Known for her song, “Wait ‘Til My Bobby Comes Home,” among many others, Darlene first visited Epcot more than twenty years ago, but has never experienced the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival before. We were lucky to get to know her a little better before she performs this weekend.
Q: What elements of our festival are you most interested in seeing and experiencing?
A: I love flowers (and diamonds) … and am a hands-on gardener at heart. I have been to food, and other festivals but can’t wait to experience an international festival of my first love, flowers. Also, to steal new ideas for my garden this year.
Q: Do you have a green thumb yourself?
A. For me gardening is therapy when I’m not on tour. It’s gratifying to see my neighbors and passers by stop to take pictures.
Q: What is it like for you to perform at Walt Disney World Resort, “the most magical place on Earth?”
A: Performing at Walt Disney World is a dream come true and be part of a dream I consider the greatest family attraction on earth!
Q. You grew up near Disneyland — do you have fun memories from there that you might share?
A: I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Still cherish fondest memories of taking my three boys to Disneyland … so do they. I was a young mother, attractions were cheaper. They grew up eventually experiencing all those unforgettable attractions.
Q. I see your Disney connection is that, in 1963, you sang with a trio (The Blossoms) for a “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” cover. Is that your favorite Disney song?
A: By all means yes. That remains the most memorable performance of our (The Blossoms) lives. Personally … that was matched only, when Bruce Springsteen played the guitar solo on Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah during my performance at, and induction to, the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2011!
We’re looking forward to Darlene Love’s Garden Rocks debut May 13-15. You can catch the concert series performances at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the 90-day Festival. The Festival runs until May 30.
