The little move that could about the the background singers that sometimes do, 20 Feet From Stardom, took home the Academy Award last night for best documentary, but it was Darlene Love who brought the house down.
20 Feet is the documentary, directed by Gil Friesen, that tells the story of the background singers behind the major stars over the years, including the stories of:
Darlene Love who sang lead on the Crystals’ He’s a Rebel and He’s Still the Boy I Love and went on to a successful solo career including the holiday perennial Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).
Merry Clayton who has sung with many big acts but is probably best known as the female vocalist on the Rolling Stones’ track Gimme Shelter.
Tata Vega who sang lead backup behind Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Madonna and others along with releasing four solo albums under her own name.
Lisa Fischer who has recorded behind Luther Vandross and Tina Turner along with being a regular member of the Rolling Stones’ touring entourage since 1989.
Jo Lawry who is a longtime backup singer for Sting.
Judith Hill who was hired to be Michael Jackson’s duet partner for the ill-fated This Is It tour.
Love joined the producer and director of the film on stage for the acceptance speech and wowed the crowd with her singing.
Watch the Darlene Love Oscar speech
Watch 20 Feet From Stardom trailer
Read more at VVNmusic.com
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