<p>Tonight, I sit down with Grammy-winning vocalist, pianist, composer, and author Darlene Koldenhoven for an inspiring deep-dive into her five-decade career.<br /><br />We explore her journey from a strict Dutch Calvinist upbringing on Chicago’s South Side to becoming one of L.A.’s top first-call sopranos, featured on over a thousand recordings and iconic projects like Yanni Live at the Acropolis, the Sister Act films, and Pink Floyd’s A Momentary Lapse of Reason. Darlene shares vivid, behind-the-scenes stories—from high-pressure film sessions with Jerry Goldsmith to late-night rock dates with David Gilmour—along with hard-won lessons on preparation, professionalism, and perseverance.<br /><br />We also unpack her new memoir, Put Your Dress Down and Sing, and the companion album The Grand Memoir—born from awakening-dream compositions during the writing process. Darlene opens up about overcoming personal adversity, including a career-threatening hand injury and life-changing surgery, and how teaching, sonic therapy, and a service-first approach to performance fuel her definition of success today. If you need a masterclass in resilience, artistry, and showing up ready when opportunity knocks, this one’s for you.<br /><br />Guest: Darlene Koldenholven<br /><a href="https://darlenekoldenhoven.com" target="_blank">https://darlenekoldenhoven.com</a><br /><br />Watch LIVE:<br />Rumble.com/JoeRooz<br />YouTube.com/@JoeRooz<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p> <p> Watch and Follow<br /><a href="https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz</a><br /><a href="https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz</a><br /><br />FOLLOW US ON:<br />X: https://x.com/joerooz<br />Facebook: https://facebook.com/joeroozshow<br />Twitch TV: https://twitch.tv/joerooz<br />Instagram: https://instagram.com/notjoerooz<br />TikTok: https://tiktok.com/joe.rooz<br />Minds: https://minds.com/joerooz<br />GETTR: https://gettr.com/joerooz<br /><br />Special thanks to:<br />Executive Producer Wayne Rankin<br />Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin<br />Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez<br />Executive Producer Angela Wetuski<br />Executive Producer John Seeley<br /><br />Want to be a guest on The Joe Rooz Show?<br />Send Joe a message on #PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/joe<br /><br />Check out our partners:<br />Podhome.fm<br />Creative Edge<br /><br />Music: https://youtube.com/@pogo<br /><br />️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! <a href="https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864" target="_blank">https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864</a><br /><br /><p>(00:00:05) Cold open: playful banter and quick wrap</p><p>(00:03:40) Show intro: "The Joe Rue Show" kicks off</p><p>(00:04:07) Host welcome and tonight6;s special guest tease</p><p>(00:05:22) Housekeeping: website, contact, comments, live times</p><p>(00:07:16) Beat the algorithm: like, subscribe, share, where to listen</p><p>(00:08:40) Guest intro: Darlene Koldenhovend career highlights</p><p>(00:10:05) Piano preview: "Love and Devotion" from The Grand Memoir</p><p>(00:12:12) Early life: strict Dutch Calvinist upbringing</p><p>(00:14:31) Leap to Los Angeles and a rough start from nothing</p><p>(00:16:02) Breaking in: preparation, connections, and opportunity</p><p>(00:17:49) The moment it clicked: meeting George Duke and Flora Purim</p><p>(00:23:51) LA crash course: gopher gigs, setbacks, and a health crisis</p><p>(00:26:03) Rebuilding: couches, teaching piano, and first sessions</p><p>(00:28:08) Studio chops: versatility, sight-reading, and attitude</p><p>(00:31:13) What makes careers last: professionalism and reliability</p><p>(00:32:45) Baptism by fire: Poltergeist II film session story</p><p>(00:36:18) First-call standards: perform on the first read</p><p>(00:36:44) Teaching voice: myths, keys, and matching pitch</p><p>(00:39:06) Industry shifts: AI, streaming payouts, and survival</p><p>(00:43:12) Awards reality: the Grammy whammy and self-reliance</p><p>(00:44:10) Memoir time: why write 7Put Your Dress Down and Sing8</p><p>(00:45:46) Title origin: Easter solo, shyness, and a life motto</p><p>(00:47:02) Writing the book: massive draft, machete edits, and release</p><p>(00:50:09) Vulnerability on the page: tough chapters and purpose</p><p>(00:51:39) Audition mishap: choreography muscle memory strikes</p><p>(00:54:27) A second chance: TV spin-off and a song takes second</p><p>(00:56:40) Core lesson: action changes feelingsf put your dress down</p><p>(00:56:45) Injury and adaptation: right hand damage reshapes playing</p><p>(01:00:13) Dream gig: singing on Pink Floyd6s Momentary Lapse</p><p>(01:02:20) Studio dynamics: a delicate ask to David Gilmour</p><p>(01:05:01) Session craft: blend, pocket, and leaving the tour to pros</p><p>(01:06:12) Perseverance pays: no vacations and staying in line</p><p>(01:06:47) Most intimidating: Clare Fischer and sky-high soprano</p><p>(01:11:12) Wrapping reflections: redefining success and audience first</p><p>(01:13:38) Plugs and launch: site, August 7 party, and thanks</p><p>(01:17:21) Closing credits: producers, support, and sign-off</p><p> - <a href="https://joerooz.com" target="_blank" >Joe "Rooz" Russiello</a></p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com/support" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com/support</a></p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com</a></p></p>