Director: Morgan Neville
Actors: Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer
PlotIn the shadows of the bright lights of the music industry, a group of talented background singers live a life of paradoxical success and anonymity. These women, with voices as potent and soul-stirring as the lead artists they support, harbor dreams of their own stardom. Their stories unfold as they recount experiences from the heyday of the 1960s and 1970s, when rock and roll, soul, and R&B acts relied heavily on the depth and dynamism background singers brought to their music. Despite their vocal prowess, they remain unrecognized by the larger public, even as their voices resonate across airwaves worldwide.
Struggling with the stark contrast of their behind-the-scenes influence and the lack of public acclaim, these background singers, each with a unique tone and journey, share personal accounts of their careers. They highlight the challenges of breaking out as solo artists in an industry fixated on the image and brand of the star in the spotlight. Through their narratives, the film delves into the intricate dynamics of race, gender, and age that further complicate their paths to individual recognition, even as their talents remain pivotal to the success of some of music's most iconic hits.
MoreWriters: Morgan Neville
Release Date: 26 Jul 2013
Runtime: 91 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English, Spanish
Blu-ray
'20 Feet from Stardom' captivates with honest, emotional tales of unseen musical heroes, boasting superb audio and visuals. Recommended.
Read our review of 20 Feet from Stardom to find out more