It’s truly remarkable how a mother’s well-meaning comment to her shy little girl could become a motto for a long and very inspiring career in music and eventually become the title of her memoir many (we won’t say how many!) years later. Darlene Koldenhoven’s Put Your Dress Down and Sing is a detailed account of an artist who started singing solos in church as a young child and went on to sing at the Acropolis (with Yanni’s tour) and all over the world with a voice that has lifted the hearts and spirits of so many. (Darlene is also an amazing pianist and composer!) But, that’s just part of the story of a girl who was raised in a very strict religious (Dutch Calvinist) family that considered creativity to be a sin (she could take piano lessons, but was not allowed to compose or improvise). Despite that and many other obstacles, Darlene became a studio singer backing an impressive list of big-name artists, worked on and acted in both Sister Act movies with Whoopi Goldberg, won a Grammy (and was nominated for three others), has released fourteen albums and quite a few singles, and has performed on stages internationally. In the process, she overcame many serious illnesses, cancelled her ticket at the last minute on a doomed airplane flight, broke quite a few bones, and came through all of that with her big, glowing smile and positive attitude!

There is no argument that Darlene was born with a huge amount of talent, but anyone who thinks that talent alone makes breaking into the music industry an easy task will definitely have their mind(s) changed while reading Darlene’s book! Hard work, perseverance and a positive attitude are qualities that resonate throughout Darlene’s memoir, whether she was co-ordinating back-up singers for recording sessions, composing and recording her own music, recovering from serious illnesses and injuries, or just dealing with life itself. Put Your Dress Down and Sing is an inspiring and eye-opening account of a young girl’s quest for a life in music and the ups and downs of getting there - AND staying there! I’ve read the book twice (so far) and thoroughly enjoyed my time with it both times. (The memoir will be released as a printed book, an E-book and an audiobook. The audiobook will include music from Darlene’s companion album, A Grand Memoir, which will be released at the same time as the book and is also reviewed here on MainlyPiano.com as of 6/27/2026.)

In addition to the memoir itself, the book includes a broad range of short quotes about the book (including mine!), a forward by Brad Cole, an “overture” by Darlene that introduces the book, a glossary of musical terms, an “about the author” section, lots of photos, acknowledgements, an “In Memorial” section, study guide questions, and information about Darlene’s Tune Your Voice: Singing and Your Mind’s Musical Ear.

Candid and very honest, Put Your Dress Down and Sing is an amazing book that is very well-written and hard to put down! It will be released on August 7, 2026 and can be pre-ordered now. Prepare to be inspired!