Episode Details

Tonight, I sit down with Grammy-winning vocalist, pianist, composer, and author Darlene Koldenhoven for an inspiring deep-dive into her five-decade career.

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.

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.

Guest: Darlene Koldenholven
https://darlenekoldenhoven.com

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Special thanks to:
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Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
Executive Producer Angela Wetuski
Executive Producer John Seeley

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(00:00:05) Cold open: playful banter and quick wrap

(00:03:40) Show intro: "The Joe Rue Show" kicks off

(00:04:07) Host welcome and tonight6;s special guest tease

(00:05:22) Housekeeping: website, contact, comments, live times

(00:07:16) Beat the algorithm: like, subscribe, share, where to listen

(00:08:40) Guest intro: Darlene Koldenhovend career highlights

(00:10:05) Piano preview: "Love and Devotion" from The Grand Memoir

(00:12:12) Early life: strict Dutch Calvinist upbringing

(00:14:31) Leap to Los Angeles and a rough start from nothing

(00:16:02) Breaking in: preparation, connections, and opportunity

(00:17:49) The moment it clicked: meeting George Duke and Flora Purim

(00:23:51) LA crash course: gopher gigs, setbacks, and a health crisis

(00:26:03) Rebuilding: couches, teaching piano, and first sessions

(00:28:08) Studio chops: versatility, sight-reading, and attitude

(00:31:13) What makes careers last: professionalism and reliability

(00:32:45) Baptism by fire: Poltergeist II film session story

(00:36:18) First-call standards: perform on the first read

(00:36:44) Teaching voice: myths, keys, and matching pitch

(00:39:06) Industry shifts: AI, streaming payouts, and survival

(00:43:12) Awards reality: the Grammy whammy and self-reliance

(00:44:10) Memoir time: why write 7Put Your Dress Down and Sing8

(00:45:46) Title origin: Easter solo, shyness, and a life motto

(00:47:02) Writing the book: massive dr