Twenty Feet From Stardom

In select theaters
June 14^th 2013

pg13

91 minutes

English

99%

Millions know their voices, but no one knows their names. In his compelling new film TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM, award-winning director Morgan Neville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the film is both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and style to popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices and rewards of a career spent harmonizing with others. These gifted artists span a range of styles, genres and eras of popular music, but each has a uniquely fascinating and personal story to share of life spent in the shadows of superstardom.

starring...

Darlene Love

Merry Clayton

Lisa Fischer

Tata Vega

Judith Hill

Director

Morgan Neville

Producer

Gil Friesen

Producer

Caitrin Rogers

Editor

Jason Zeldes

Editor

Kevin Klauber

Supervising Editor

Doug Blush

Director of Photography

Nicola B. Marsh

Director of Photography

Graham Willoughby

97% on the CINEMETER

98.6% - Apr 21, 2013

A wonderful investigation of a little-known story - with fantastic music, of course.
Greater New Haven Member

Seeing these wonderful women talk about their lives and art was such a thrill!
Greater New Haven Member

One of the best documentaries I've ever seen. An obvious contender for documentary Oscar.
Greater New Haven Member

BOS

96.2% - Apr 21, 2013

A big smile and a big inspiration just when most needed! There is indeed such a thing as a soul, and such a thing as justice.
Boston Member

A thrill to go back to an incredible time, as one singer said, of joy in music and crises in the world. Sadly, part of that crisis was and is the disregard of talented people of color and doubly so, for women of color.
Boston Member

What I wouldn't give to have this playlist on my ipod! Terrific editing - balance between the exuberating highs and poignancy if unrecognized talent and unfulfilled careers.
Boston Member

MIL

100% - Apr 28, 2013

For everyone who loves music but never aspired to stardom. I feel like I've been waiting to see this documentary all of my life.
Milwaukee Member

I absolutely loved this movie. So moving and interesting and important to spotlight these background stars.
Milwaukee Member

I didn't expect to like this as much as I did! A great story that needs to be told!
Milwaukee Member

ATL

94.3% - Apr 28, 2013

Is there any more emotionally powerful art than film and music together? This film is a fun walk down memory lane, note by note.
Atlanta Member

What a pleasure to actually put faces to some of the most influential backup singers in some of the most influential songs. I could watch documentaries like this all day.
Atlanta Member

What an antidote to cheeseball "American Idol." In a way, this film was akin to ZELIG. You revisit familiar watershed moments in history with guides who were there in plain sight yet somehow invisible.
Atlanta Member

STL

96.3% - Apr 28, 2013

Not only was the music fantastic and a joy to hear but the background stories were insightful and touching. Bravo! Today's young aspiring singers should definitely see this -- raw, innate talent is not enough.
St. Louis Member

If you love music -- or even if you lived through the 70s to the present -- you gotta love this movie. Insightful, loving tribute.
St. Louis Member

A fine journey down memory lane for a lot of the audience. Well-paced, characters well-etched through the interviews. The sad fact is that the very best in any profession may not get to the top. Passion is not enough.
St. Louis Member

98.4% - Apr 21, 2013

This film conveyed the journey of these singers and I felt involved and invested in their highs and lows. Outstanding!
San Francisco Member

What a joy - I had a smile on my face and was tapping my feet throughout. One particular filmmaking choice stands out - as the voiceover talks about the need for back-up voices to merge and blend a flock of birds is shown in magical formations. A perfect image for that idea.
San Francisco Member

I will never regard back-up singers in the same way. The film made us aware of what has always been right in front of our eyes.
San Francisco Member

94.3% - Apr 21, 2013

I LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!!! I was a lead singer because I did not have enough talent to sing background. This film will be with me for a very long time.Melanie DeMore
Washington, DC Member

Seeing Merry Clayton return to the studio and nod her head along while the soundtrack played 'Gimmee Shelter' brought a tear to my eye. And then seeing Lisa Fischer singing the same part on tour with the Rolling Stones decades later was remarkable.
Washington, DC Member

I ask myself, what's wrong with this movies? What didn't I like about it? Then I realize, it's perfect! It was inspiring, relevant, balanced .. I expect to see it again and again and again!
Washington, DC Member

Radius-TWC