iradiophilly | Culture - The unsung story of music industry's backup singer; "20 Feet From Stardom" playing at the Ritz 5

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The unsung story of music industry's backup singer; "20 Feet From Stardom" playing at the Ritz 5

by: JoeS - Springfield, PA
started: 07/23/13 10:22 pm | updated: 07/24/13 3:43 am

If you haven't seen 20 Feet From Stardom you are missing a real treat. The movie tells the story of a group of famous backup singers and in a more global way of all backup singers. In an era of synthesizers and Auto-Tune that has taken the risk, soul and human element out of singing, this movie lays bare the highs and lows of being a backup singer and a performer. This documentary has been critically acclaimed and I know why, it is 1.5 hours of pure love displaying the hidden greatness of these immensely talented women.

This movie has many clips that bring a smile to your face. Mick Jagger's smile and wit; Bruce Springsteenâ€™s appreciation of these singers; Sting's view of the role of luck/providence in stardom and , most of all for me, a clip of George Harrison are the backdrop that holds together the portrait of these backup singers.

The stories of these women are both sad and at the same time inspiring. Mary Clayton is a central figure in this movie that spans her transformational performance on â€œGimme Shelterâ€ to her eventual successful as a solo act. Darlene Love's stealth performances as leader singer for many hits produced by the evil genius Phil Spector demonstrates the dark side of the music business while her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shows the redemption.

Tata Vega, Judith Hill and numerous other singers have their stories told. Of all the performers the one that jumped off the screen at me was Lisa Fischer. Her voice is not just exceptional it is otherworldly. Her voice is a Stradivarius. Her talent shows it takes a lot more than a magnificent voice to be and want to be a star.

If you have an interest in music, in the music business, in people who sacrifice for their art or just want to be entertained, go see 20 Feet From Stardom at the Ritz 5 at 214 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

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by: iradioal - Philadelphia, PA | responded: 07/24 3:43 am

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