Site Title
GRAMMY® Winner
Darlene Koldenhoven's Memoir
Put Your Dress Down and Sing
Published by Sibylline Press
Coming August 7, 2026
Book, E-Book, Audiobook,
and Companion Album: A Grand Memoir.
Album excerpts included in the audiobook.
Pre Order Now
REVIEWS•INTERVIEWS•ARTICLES
“Put Your Dress Down and Sing is everything you want in a memoir. It's the riveting journey of a woman whose talent and perseverance have overcome every setback with strength, humor, and resilience.”
Gloria Loring, singer, actor, author Days of Our Lives
“A gripping memoir that weaves together an extraordinary journey of resilience, artistry, and deep personal sacrifice. Darlene’s story is not just about fame, but about the moments that define us. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the bonds of service and sacrifice, and the unexpected ways that the power of music can shape our lives.”
Colonel Andy DeRosa, USAF (ret) Bronze Star, OIF and OEF Veteran
“What happens when dreams and desires embolden a determined Dutch girl? She tosses her wooden shoes for stilettos, high-steps it to Hollywood, and sings her way into the spotlight, with spunk, sass, and sparkle. You might “put your dress down,” but you can’t put this book down.”
Leslie Zemekis, actor, author, award-winning documentary filmmaker, co-founder of Santa Barbara Literary Festival.
“Reading Darlene’s book is like hearing her sing: pitch perfect, full and rich, and faultless the first time through. For fifty years she has filled the world with music, and now we can all go along her journey with her, without fear, fail, or flaw.”
Don Davis, The Matrix films, Emmy-winning composer, DonDavis.net
“A unique career, a unique voice. It’s a fun, inspiring journey. I guarantee you will enjoy her life almost as much as she does.”
Ken Levine, Emmy-winning director, TV writer/producer,
MASH, Cheers, Frasier, The Simpsons
“Put Your Dress Down and Sing is powerful, honest, and triumphant. It encourages anyone who has ever felt silenced or diminished to reclaim their voice. Darlene’s life is a reminder that courage grows in the most unlikely places, and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is exactly what she learned to do: sing.”
Ricky Kej, 3X Grammy Winner, U.N. Goodwill Ambassador, RIckyKej.com
"Put Your Dress Down and Sing tells the story of, truly, one of the best voices of our generation! Nobody sings like Darlene! After her performance with Yanni at the Acropolis, you see, and hear, why she is the legend that she is!"
Christopher Ewing, Emmy Award-winning TV host, actor, ChristopherEwing.com
“Put Your Dress Down and Sing captures the depth, humanity, and resolve behind Darlene’s extensive accomplishments. Her influence extends far beyond charts or recognition. She leads by example — through integrity, generosity, and an unshakable belief in the power of music to serve, heal, and connect. For those already in this industry, and for those who aspire to be part of it, her journey offers both guidance and encouragement. This is the story of an artist who has stayed true to herself while continuing to grow, contribute, and inspire across generations.”
Kelly Milionis, promoter, producer, GRAMMY® Advocate on Capitol Hill
“With a more than humble beginning to a miraculous human triumph, Darlene Koldenhoven’s Put Your Dress Down and Sing is a deeply personal account of how music and hard work can fulfill your dreams. From grammar school debacle to Grammy Award-winning vocals, Koldenhoven has lived it all. Writing as if directing a symphony, Darlene’s heartfelt chronicle blends emotion, education, and entertainment to keep the reader occupied. A mother’s command starts it all. Great reading.”
R J Lannan, music journalist, ArtisanMusicReviews.com
“Darlene Koldenhoven's book is such fun! What a remarkable life this amazing lady has led. A musical prodigy who seems to have performed with practically every musical icon in show business. Her clarity and heartfelt wisdom shine through the extraordinary episodes of her life, both the ups and downs, in a career that spans decades, continents, genres, plus her journey into the world of New Age music and sound healing! Reading Put Your Dress Down and Sing is such an enjoyable experience that it is difficult to put down once you've begun. A genuinely entertaining read. We highly recommend it.”
Jonathan and Andi Goldman, sound healing pioneers, authors, award-winning musicians, HealingSounds.com
“Put Your Dress Down and Sing delivers a dynamic message of hope, resilience, and achievement against all odds, punctuated by her playful sense of humor."
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck, music journalist, MuzikMan.net
Being a successful female musician in Los Angeles isn’t just hard; it requires nerves of steel, a lifelong dedication to believing in yourself, and, oh, by the way, talent: big, strong, disciplined, inspired, and most of the time, genius-level lightning-only-strikes-once talent. Plus, for a female singer, add ephemeral and magical qualities. Darlene has and is all that, along with a heart and soul that have touched so many. Her memoir is not just a look at the music industry; it’s an amazing chronicle of a life well-lived, a sometimes-hair-raising life, and a many-times-rewarding life.
Dr. Sydney Lehman Steen, spiritual director, North Hollywood Oneness Center for Spiritual Living, pianist, composer
"It's truly amazing how a mother's well-meaning comment to her very shy little girl could be a motto for a long and very inspiring singing career, and even become the title of her memoir years later. Put Your Dress Down and Sing is a detailed account of a singer who started singing in church at 3 and went on to sing all over the world with a voice that has lifted the hearts of so many, including with Yanni at the Acropolis."
Kathy Parsons, music journalist, music educator, music editor, MainlyPiano.com
"An uplifting, deeply human, brutally honest memoir that goes far beyond the story of a successful music career. It is a true testament to perseverance, self-belief, reinvention, being true to oneself, and the transformative power of music... Koldenhoven writes with warmth, humor, humility, and vulnerability, making even extraordinary moments feel personal and relatable. It is balanced: motivational without ever being preachy, reflective without becoming self-indulgent (something I like best), and entertaining without sacrificing emotional depth...refreshing and interesting, you don't want to put it down."
Dyan Garris, New Age CDs Magazine
“Put Your Dress Down and Sing chronicles Darlene's many experiences in impressive detail . . . a life filled with creativity, determination, and opportunity."
Jeannie Reads, 6/20/26 Jenniereads.com
A Magazine Interview
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