OWN to Adapt DARLENE LOVE Memoir Into Network's First Original Film

OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK continues to expand its scripted slate announcing today it has acquired the rights to adapt singer Darlene Love's memoir "My Name is Love: The Darlene Love Story" into the network's first original TV movie. The scripted project will be executive produced by Oprah Winfrey and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Morgan Neville, with Love to serve as executive producer.

Love was recently featured in the Academy Award-nominated documentary film "Twenty Feet From Stardom," directed by Neville. In addition, OWN has licensed the first broadcast window on cable television to air "Twenty Feet From Stardom" beginning in 2015. The documentary features the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century.

As one of popular music's iconic voices of the 1960s, Darlene Love sang on such memorable hits as "He's a Rebel" and "He's Sure The Boy I Love" and other greatest hits such as "Today I Met The Boy I'm Gonna Marry" and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)."

"The fantastic life journey of music great Darlene Love is the perfect choice for our first original scripted movie," said Sheri Salata, president, OWN. "There are a handful of stories brought to the screen of daring American women who walked through fire and back to make their dreams come true and Darlene is one of the heroes on that list. From her first hit song to her darkest days cleaning houses in Beverly Hills to make ends meet, to the triumphant comeback that made rock and roll history, Darlene is a true living legend who worked with many of the greatest talents in music from Elvis Presley and Tom Jones to Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin and Bruce Springsteen."

Right out of high school, Love began cutting records for legendary producer Phil Spector. As part of The Blossoms, she was a regular on the hit 1960s TV show "Shindig!," and toured the country as part of Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans. As lead vocalist for The Blossoms, she rose to fame for their unforgettable sound and harmonies. Later, she sang backup for acts that included The Mamas and The Papas, Dionne Warwick, and Sonny and Cher, and along the way, collected scintillating backstage stories. Whether it was the wild parties Tom Jones used to throw, how Elvis came on to her backstage at his 1968 comeback special, or her love affair with Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers, Love holds nothing back as she recalls the exciting events that make up her life. This is the dishy and dramatic story of a woman who had it all, lost it all, but never, ever refused to give up.

About OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand - and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications. The network debuted on January 1, 2011 and is available in 85 million homes. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own and www.press.discovery.com/us/own.

Need more TV Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...