Review of 20 Feet from Stardom (2013) by Charlie M — 23 Feb 2015

The talent of the backup singer is the using their voice to skillfully blend in and support the music. They give up ego to be a part of the song, but some of the greats completely overshadow the lead singers and made the songs their own. Their voices can cause chills to run up your spine they're so beautiful. Merry Clayton's isolated vocals on Gimme Shelter is a thing of beauty. Gospel roots of these singers is explored in depth, as are the struggles of their efforts to keep their careers alive.

A Christmas Gift from Phil Spector is my favorite Christmas album, which of course features the beautiful vocals of Darlene Love. Her story is the most powerful within this doc as she is manipulated by Spector to the point where she quits the business and ends up cleaning houses and eventually redeem herself.

While this film won't change your worldview, it's still monumental for those who've gone long underappreciated in this joyously inspiring film.