“20 Feet From Stardom” Movie Review from Stephanie Chapman

“20 Feet From Stardom” Movie Review from Stephanie Chapman

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October 11, 2020 4:01 pm |

Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in popular music, but we’ve had no idea who these singers are or what lives they lead, until now.

Most of us can name our favorite singer or band without hesitation. However, sadly most people cannot name one background singer, despite how integral they are to some of the most iconic music recordings of our lifetime.

Netflix has added “20 Feet From Stardom” to its lineup of films. A documentary written and directed by Morgan Neville in 2013, that explores the careers of some wonderfully talented and often times underappreciated background singers and the contributions they have made to the music we have grown to love over the years.

With the stories of singers like Patti Austin, Merry Clayton, Darlene Love and Mable John there was more than enough talent to complete multiple documentaries. These singers and so many more were highlighted along with their contributions to world famous artists like, The Rolling Stones, Phil Collins, Luther Vandross, Bruce Springsteen and Michael Jackson.

“20 Feet From Stardom” gives us a realistic glimpse into the life of background singers, which can be glamorous, exciting, and rewarding. However there is also the reality that many face of failed solo careers, manipulation by record executives and even a lack of appreciation from the same artists whose music they help create.

One thing that cannot be denied is their love of music and how much joy it brings them to peform. Whether that is on stage, as a session singer or singing the theme song to your favorite sitcom. They are (and will always be) a part of many of the memories you have created throughout your life. So next time you sing along to a classic tune remember, you’re not just appreciating the artist whose name is on the record but those who lent their voices to that iconic sound you have grown to love.

PCL Rating: Taste It

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: FRESH 🍅

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This post was written by Leftover Brian

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