Backup singers finally take centre stage in this beautiful film, writes Christine Powley.
Director: Morgan Neville
Cast: Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Claudia Lennear, Lisa Fisher, Judith Hill, David Lasley, Tata Vega
Rating: (M)
5 stars out of 5
Of all the branches of the entertainment industry, music is probably the most vicious. Even the biggest of superstars are mismanaged and exploited by record companies.
20 Feet from Stardom (Rialto) examines the highs and lows of the backup singers. Normally the best singer at any recording session, they have to accept that no-one will ever know their name even though theirs is the vocalisation that the public normally sings along to.
Darlene Love was kept in the studio by Phil Spector singing hits issued with the Crystals name on them. She got away from Spector, signed a contract and then her new record company sold her back. So, in despair, she left the industry and turned to cleaning work.
Lisa Fisher had a solo record that won a Grammy but she lacked the determination to keep pushing through and her second album never came together. Fisher has the most stunning voice, which seems to be able to go in any direction. She works with Sting and the Rolling Stones. She seems happy with her lot, but as a consumer I feel robbed of all the beautiful music she would have made if only she had been matched with the right producer.
Other backing singers are not so content. They got record deals that came to nothing but they are still plugging away. Others are grateful not to have made it, aware that success would have led to excess that most likely would have killed them. The stories are many and varied and all fascinating.
Best thing: Hearing these women sing.
Worst thing: There is no CD to rush out and buy.
See it with: Anyone who knows what the Shoop Shoop Song is.
