Review of 20 Feet from Stardom (2013) by Stephen C — 03 Sep 2014

With the X Factor on out screens like a rash maybe one should sit Simon Cowell down and show him the real god given talent on these unknown ladies display.

The reason most backing singers are unknown is because the music industry isn't too willing to give credit where credit is due.

But finally this film charts the path of some of the greatest singers in the business.

It all starts with Darlene Love who was called on by Phil Spector to lay down vocals on certain tracks.

Love was responsible for such classics as He's a rebel and he's sure the boy I love but Spector Chose to credit the Crystals leaving Darlene mightily upset.

We also get a profile of Merry Clayton who sang on The Rolling Stones classic Gimme Shelter .

The film also follows the problems these singers faced in there careers and how finally thanks to stars such as Bruce Springsteen and Bette Midler the backing ladies move to front of house.

The film is truly uplifting and outstanding on every level with some superb vocal turns along the way.

My hero of the film is of course Darlene Love who decided to kick ass and get her rightful credit when she was reduced to cleaning houses to make ends meet and she heard one of her vocal's on the radio.

Her guts and determination show that we should revere the backing singer .