Fallon Revives Letterman’s Legacy with Darlene Love on ‘Tonight Show’
A Christmas visit from Darlene Love has become a cherished tradition for viewers of El-Balad’s Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. This year, Love will continue the legacy started by the late-night icon David Letterman, performing a holiday classic.
Darlene Love’s Upcoming Performance
On Thursday, December 18, Darlene Love will take the stage to perform “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” This will mark her third appearance on The Tonight Show. She will be accompanied by Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul and Paul Shaffer, longtime bandleader for Letterman.
Annual Tradition Resurrected
- Darlene Love first performed for Letterman in 1986.
- She continued the tradition on CBS’s The Late Show from 1994 until the show ended.
- The tradition resurfaced in 2023 on Letterman’s YouTube channel.
Love expressed her excitement in a Facebook post, stating, “I’m soooooo excited to announce that I’ve been invited back to perform my #1 holiday classic.” She emphasized the joy of bringing festive spirit to Fallon’s show.
Significance of the Performance
This year marks Shaffer’s return to The Tonight Show since his guest stint earlier this year. While Love is set to perform her holiday standard, there is potential for additional songs during her appearance. This performance will take place just a day after the 20th anniversary of the beloved Saturday Night Live short “Christmastime for the Jews,” in which Love provided vocals.
At 83 years old, Darlene Love is keen to celebrate her health and talent. “Tomorrow isn’t promised, but today I’m alive, healthy, and still blessed with the voice and the passion to perform,” she shared. Love is eager to create an unforgettable anniversary experience.
The anticipation for this performance highlights the revival of a beloved tradition, linking the legacy of David Letterman with the festive spirit of the holiday season.
