I third that. They're like the wings beneath the feet. Often the "stars" couldn't make it without them, especially when said stars get older. But the stars get all the money and credit. I hope they share.
Darlene Love's story had me in tears. I'd heard some of it before, but not all. Wow. She has the heart of a lion. So glad she persevered and broke through, at long last. Wonderful movie.
I remember seeing this movie in the theater..and crying my eyes out!!! I knew then this was going to with an academy award..(for best documentary!!!) It was very very moving..and still is!!
omigoodness, chills down my spine and tears in my eyes! This the definition of the love for music. When music flows through your veins like blood itself you can really understand it!!! This is remarkable. I would’ve loved to be a background singer, songwriter, lyricist and artist!!! Blessings ladies
the 80's Scottish band Simple Minds had the best backup vocalist ever. Her name was Robyn Clark & lead singer Jim Kerr often said that the band would have been nothing without her wonderful voice. Playing a live concert, Jim would often stop mid song and let her sing alone.
A BIG Shoutout to one of The Greatest Background Singers of ALL TIME, Ms. Louvain Demps, of The Andantes, A Beautiful Soul, and Friend to All, sang on more than Twenty Thousand recordings at Motown,, ( Smile )
I finally got to see the wonderful back up princess that sang in gimmie shelter that would wake me up emotionally with that loss of voice desperate outreach of pasion. whoooool wee
Glad they are getting attention very often back up singers sing better than the artist they have to in order to learn songs on the spot and in every condition.
I'm an English singer and songwriter living in Ireland. A few original songs, such as I COULD COME HOME TO YOU, STRANGE OLD DAY!, HOPEFULLY, EMILY and others are on RU-vid, along with musical theatre and pop ballad covers. Any feedback appreciated. Thanks. Andrew Hawcroft
EPIC FAIL on not interviewing the backup singers behind Pink Floyd's Great Gig in The Sky - undoubtedly one of if not THE the greatest backup vocal performance EVER…. !!!!! THAT SAID... Sometimes (as a musician 30 yrs) its sad to say that a person can be talented musically and have shit taste ….. or not be a very good songwriter… (songs are everything) Some people are great songwriters but shitty performers… some people are great performers and songwriters but just have no aptitude for touring and press… All the talent in the world won't help you if you can't do a host of other things well also… some people are only mediocre at everything but they can DO everything - so they make it…. its a combination of all these things plus image … then add luck of the draw…. Its the freaking lottery… seriously cheers charliewired
Clare Torry sang that piece of Heaven on Dark side of the moon. So many of the all time great bands and solo performers have ridden to fame on the backs of women like Clare and Merry. Their authentic voice gives a "star" with showmanship but an otherwise weak voice an acceptable degree of legitimacy. Lou Reed, Bruce Springsteen, the Talking Heads, none of them could sing there way out of a paper bag, but they ride on coat tails of their backup singers.
Knowing these women really never got paid fairly, nor were properly recognized, to end this with the comment “They found their own way to be happy, and that’s more important than being famous”.. this is so tone deaf and insulting and gross, in spite of the grace the ladies show.
Judith Hill, one of the featured singers in the movie, worked with Michael Jackson and Prince. Both mentors are now dead. Prince even produced a couple of her songs to boost Judith’s career. What happened? IMO, the music industry is opportunistic, heartless, and controlling (in a sickening kind of way.) They prefer to work with vulnerable people who are willing to sell their souls for fame and money.