'Twenty Feet From Stardom' documentary In 2012 I saw several impressive documentaries at the cinema, however the one that stood head and shoulders above everything else for me was the absolutely riveting and extremely moving 'Searching For Sugar Man' which told the story of Rodriguez, a struggling musician from Detroit, Michigan. This talented singer-songwriter released two excellent albums in the early 70's which completely flopped in the US. Thinking this was the end of his professional music career he carried on with the daily grind of normal life. However, unbeknown to him, his records enjoyed huge success in South Africa where he was regarded as big as Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones. A myth surrounded him and for decades his South African fans assumed he had died in strange circumstances. The documentary showed his story and in fact changed his life. My faith in 'Searching For Sugar Man' was somewhat on the money as the film eventually picked up an Oscar for Best Documenatry at this year's Academy Awards. It's journey began at Robert Redford's Sundance Film Festival (which showcases US independent movies) and while there was quickly snapped up for worldwide distribution.
Now comes a brand new music documentary which seems to be taking a similar path, and who knows, may even find itself in amongst the competitiors for next year's Oscars. The film is called 'Twenty Feet From Stardom' and looks at the world of the unsung heroes of the music business, namely the background singers whose job it is to support the main vocalist. Like 'Searching For Sugar Man', this film opened the Sundance Festival back on 17th January 2013 and through the very positive audience reaction it garnered, within two days had secured a major distribution deal. The idea for the movie originated from record executive Gil Friesen, the film's producer, who wondered what were the stories behind these singers who obviously had to be very good at what they did to get hired, yet stay in the back while the lead singers were allowed to shine up front and centre. He approached film maker Morgan Neville (who had previously produced/directed music documentaries on The Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, Carole King, James Taylor and Elton John & Leon Russell) to direct the project.
Now comes a brand new music documentary which seems to be taking a similar path, and who knows, may even find itself in amongst the competitiors for next year's Oscars. The film is called 'Twenty Feet From Stardom' and looks at the world of the unsung heroes of the music business, namely the background singers whose job it is to support the main vocalist. Like 'Searching For Sugar Man', this film opened the Sundance Festival back on 17th January 2013 and through the very positive audience reaction it garnered, within two days had secured a major distribution deal. The idea for the movie originated from record executive Gil Friesen, the film's producer, who wondered what were the stories behind these singers who obviously had to be very good at what they did to get hired, yet stay in the back while the lead singers were allowed to shine up front and centre. He approached film maker Morgan Neville (who had previously produced/directed music documentaries on The Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, Carole King, James Taylor and Elton John & Leon Russell) to direct the project.
Super-singers Darlene Love and Merry Clayton 'Twenty Feet From Stardom' looks primarily at six top background singers who have worked with many of the music industry's top heavyweights. The film examines their stories, their struggles, their ups and their downs. The singers profiled include Darlene Love who made her mark in the early 60's with (the now incarcerated and very infamous) record producer Phil Spector, then going on to work with Bette Midler, U2 and Cher. By the way, she not only sings, but can add actress to her many accomplishments. She played Danny Glover's wife in the 'Lethal Weapon' series. Another singing legend seen is Merry Clayton who worked extensively with The Rolling Stones in the 60's and 70's, even singing duet with Mick Jagger on their iconic 'Gimme Shelter'. The rest of this list of talented performers are Lisa Fischer, Tata Vega, Judith Hill and Claudia Lennear.
The common thread which seems to run with all of these performers is musical training in church, leading on to session work as their introduction into the music business followed by attempts to become solo artists. As we all know, sometimes things don't always go to plan, anbd I believe it is these stories along with the interaction between the ladies that may make this documentary special. Several high profile music folk show up to give their take on this phenomenon known as the backing singer, including Patti Austin, Sheryl Crowe, Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Stevie Wonder, plus there is the added bonus of archive footage of legends Ray Charles, Luther Vandross and Michael Jackson. I have yet to see 'Twenty Feet From Stardom', but the word I have been hearing is real music fans will thoroughly enjoy this documentary. The overall positive buzz is overwhelming. US audiences will get a chance to see it from 14th June 2013. Hopefully it will not be too long before it makes it's way to the UK.
Along with the official trailer, I have included a wonderful 10 minute interview given by director Morgan Neville, along with singers Merry Clayton and Darlene Love at the Sundance Festival about 'Twenty Feet From Stardom':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGu_n05S5YM
The common thread which seems to run with all of these performers is musical training in church, leading on to session work as their introduction into the music business followed by attempts to become solo artists. As we all know, sometimes things don't always go to plan, anbd I believe it is these stories along with the interaction between the ladies that may make this documentary special. Several high profile music folk show up to give their take on this phenomenon known as the backing singer, including Patti Austin, Sheryl Crowe, Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Stevie Wonder, plus there is the added bonus of archive footage of legends Ray Charles, Luther Vandross and Michael Jackson. I have yet to see 'Twenty Feet From Stardom', but the word I have been hearing is real music fans will thoroughly enjoy this documentary. The overall positive buzz is overwhelming. US audiences will get a chance to see it from 14th June 2013. Hopefully it will not be too long before it makes it's way to the UK.
Along with the official trailer, I have included a wonderful 10 minute interview given by director Morgan Neville, along with singers Merry Clayton and Darlene Love at the Sundance Festival about 'Twenty Feet From Stardom':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGu_n05S5YM
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