They’ve sung behind everyone from Michael Jackson to Springsteen to the Rolling Stones, but you’ve never known their names.
Meet the backup singers who bring your favorite songs to life—and finally step into the spotlight.
My favorite is Merry Clayton on “Gimme Shelter” — bang!
Thanks to Eric Sternbach for moving this up in my queue.
Trailer for “20 Feet from Stardom”
Watch “20 Feet from Stardom”
You can watch it for free on Hoopla at https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/16513859 (this is where I watched it — you just need your library card).
You can find the latest streaming options at https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/20-feet-from-stardom (it was on Roku (with ads) for free last I checked (Nov. 27, 2024)
Ratings:
- My Rating: 95/100
- IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 82/100 (Users); 99/100 (Critics)
Release Date: June 14, 2013
My Review of “20 Feet from Stardom”
The most unforgettable voices in music often aren’t the ones you think—they’re the ones you never knew.
You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up
Merry Clayton recorded her famous part in “Gimme Shelter” after getting a late-night call to sing with some band called the “Rolling something”.
She was pregnant and wearing curlers but went to the studio anyway.
Mick and Keith were waiting.
Her voice cracked from emotion during the session (singing “Rape…., Murder….”), but it was so powerful they left it in the song.
I love this scene!:
The Story of the Unsung Heroes
“20 Feet from Stardom,” directed by Morgan Neville ((known for the “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain”, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” “Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces”, “Shangri-La” ,”The Music of Strangers” and 2 segments of “Abstract: The Art of Design”), tells the story of backup singers whose voices defined some of the greatest songs ever recorded.
The doc runs for 90 minutes and uses interviews, concert footage, and studio clips to uncover a strange truth: these singers are wildly talented, yet most people don’t know their names.
You’ll meet Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, and Lisa Fischer, whose voices helped create hits for legends like the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, and Bruce Springsteen.
Darlene sang on “He’s a Rebel” and joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but she also had to clean houses to make ends meet.
The Almost-Famous Life
This film shows the tough balance between chasing dreams and accepting reality.
Lisa Fischer won a Grammy as a solo artist but found more joy as a backup singer.
She didn’t need the spotlight; she just loved the music. Claudia Lennear, another featured singer, left music altogether when her career hit a dead end.
The doc also highlights how sexism and racism held these singers back.
While their voices were often the heart of a song, the attention always went to the lead singer.
Lesser-Known Gems
- Tina Turner’s Influence: Claudia Lennear shared how working with Ike and Tina Turner helped her handle the music world’s ups and downs.
- Michael Jackson’s Thriller Sessions: Judith Hill talks about being chosen by Michael Jackson for his This Is It tour. Her stories about working with him are touching and bittersweet.
- Session Musicians: The doc shows how backup singers and studio musicians like the Wrecking Crew worked together to make hit songs, even though neither group got much credit.
- Phil Spector’s Control: Darlene Love explains how producer Phil Spector limited her career, even as her voice powered his biggest hits.
The Emotional Impact
This documentary is moving because it lets the singers tell their stories honestly.
Lisa Fischer talks about leaving a solo career despite winning a Grammy. She chose collaboration over fame, which seems almost radical in a business focused on stardom.
But this movie isn’t all sad. It also celebrates the resilience of these artists. Darlene Love’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a highlight.
After years of being overlooked, she finally got her moment in the spotlight.
Wrap Up
I think “20 Feet from Stardom” is the best documentary on backup singers.
After watching, songs like “Gimme Shelter” and “Young Americans” will never sound the same.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc