An Emotional Evening With Darlene Love

“You go, diva!,” a Darlene Love fan called out at the Cinegrill on Tuesday, as the legendary singer finished a spirited medley of the Phil Spector-produced hits that made her voice a staple of early-’60s pop: the Crystals’ “He’s a Rebel” and “He’s Sure the Boy I Love” and her own “(Today I Met) the Boy I’m Gonna Marry.”

Elegant in a red satin suit, the 60-year-old L.A. native was indeed unstoppable on the opening night of a five-day engagement, her first hometown performance in almost 20 years. With her peerless voice virtually unchanged, she infused her trademark blend of determination and vulnerability into classic rock ‘n’ roll, upbeat gospel tunes from her forthcoming “Unconditional Love” CD, and various pop selections.

Between numbers, the New York resident talked about her life and recent work, acknowledged friends and introduced her seven-piece band. The evening’s emotional impact often registered on her face, but Love’s singing never faltered. She poured her feelings back into her performance, culminating in an exquisite rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

Cooke’s inspirational words might once have been a beacon for this stellar talent, who in the late ‘70s found herself cleaning Beverly Hills mansions in order to make ends meet. It’s criminal that Darlene Love--who’s now a nominee for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame--ever had to scour anyone else’s bathroom, but at least now she’s back where she belongs.

BE THERE

Darlene Love, through Saturday at the Cinegrill, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Tonight at 8, $25 and $10 drink minimum. Friday and Saturday, 8 and 10:30 p.m., $30 and $10 drink minimum. (323) 466-7000. Love also sings on Sunday at the House of Blues’ gospel brunch, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, noon. $20-$29 (children under 12, $15). (323) 848-5100.