"20 Feet from Stardom" is a riveting movie that explores the roles that African-Americans played in creating the sound of current pop music and the ways that supporting artists have contributed to the careers of the biggest names in music. This movie, directed by Morgan Neville, is a documentary that has received positive reviews from some of the largest media outlets. Critics have noted that this movie offers a moment of fame to the background singers of the last century.
Starting with digging into older gospel music, this movie delves into the sounds that famous white musicians began with and the roots of that music. Later, background singers who helped to pave the way for African-Americans singers speak about what they had to do to support famous musicians. In some cases, this even included giving credit to others for their own singing.
This movie is a must for all music lovers, as it reveals many little-known facts about the songs that people have heard their whole lives. With interviews with singers who have done voice acting for major movies and others who backed stars like Michael Jackson, "20 Feet from Stardom" showcases the work of those who worked with some of the best-known names in music. Supporting artists interviewed for this film include Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, and Judith Hill. There are also more famous artists weighing in, such as Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen.
Throughout the film, special camera techniques and editing styles are used to bring out the personality of each singer interviewed. Each woman featured has a story about the successes and struggles through her life, as well as rare footage of interviews with them years ago. Even unique graphics taken from the music and movie posters decades ago will help to keep you completely absorbed in this film from the beginning to the end.
Of course, no film is exciting without some tragedy. Following the stories of artists who managed to break free from the shadows and forge a spotlight of their own are some sad ones. Luther Vandross was originally a supporting singer for David Bowie and had trouble getting any exposure without the help of other artists. Another background singer worked around the famous but had to supplement her income by cleaning the house of a former Playboy model. Other women fear that they put their professional careers at risk each time they sing a supporting role to a more famous artist.
Another more thought-provoking topic discussed is cases where those who are singing in the background are more musically talented than those whom they are supporting. For reasons that are more financial and political, they are never able to create a successful solo career. So, they end up singing in the shadows and helping to build the careers of artists who are not quite as talented. Whether this is because the market isn't right for them to enter into or that they have yet to write any music of their own, it can seem like an injustice to those who feel as though they should have a spotlight of their own.
Ultimately, this is a tastefully done documentary that takes a more serious look at what it takes to launch a successful musical career and the parts that others can play. With commentary from both those who have worked as supporting artists and the big names themselves, it is easy to draw conclusions about what has happened with pop music over the last century. Clearly, becoming a big name is something that needs to be done with the help of others, and there is the chance that an artist who doesn't have the talent can draw on the skills of those on their team to improve their own career.
It also asks important questions about who should be given the limelight. Should this simply be given to the artist who is the most marketable, or the one who has the most talent? What can be done for those who are currently playing less important roles, and who may have the talent to make it big? It seems as though there are challenges and hurdles that even those who do make it out from the shadows face, and it is never easy to be twenty feet away from the start, waiting for the chance to take the lead. This is a movie that will hold almost anyone's attention from beginning to end.