Directed By Morgan Neville
There were a lot of documentaries last year with heavy topics, about genocide, murder, and Sea World. The documentary that won the Oscar was 20 Feet From Stardom. It’s actually a great documentary, even if the subject matter is a big light. You really feel the careers of these women over the years, and it’s really eye opening to see all the tracks they were featured on, and essentially “ghost sang” on. You think you’re listening to the artist, but you’re actually listening to a background vocalist.
Amazing singers. Hard working artists. They love their craft, and they impart a lot of knowledge over their history in the music business. What’s equally great to see are all the musicians that turn out for interviews, from Sting to Mick Jagger, everyone has nothing but praise for the vocalists that flesh out their recordings. And the movie features The Voice breakout star Judith Hill.
I definitely want to listen to these singers after watching the film. Merry Clayton? Yes please. And I definitely need more Lisa Fischer in my life. These ladies are music, and life. Even though “fuck” is dropped twice in casual conversation during the movie, I’d still say this is an uplifting movie for everyone in the family to watch. Especially if you have someone in the family who wants to be a singer when they grow up.
FINAL GRADE: A
