I missed that the 2014 Academy Award for best documentary film went to a movie about background vocalists in pop music titled 20 Feet From Stardom. But I made up for that recently and watched the film, attracted to it because I recognized the names of the stars.

I am an voracious reader. If it’s printed word I consume it, so it is no surprise that I recognized the names from liner notes of pop albums, especially the albums of my teen years – the print on vinyl record covers was a lot bigger than that found on CD or cassette covers. And nowadays I guess albums don’t have liner notes. So I knew I had to watch a movie starring Merry Clayton, Claudia Lennear, Darlene Love and others. Their voices were a good part of the soundtrack to my youth.

I wasn’t disappointed. The film gave a sometimes fascinating look at people that are rarely in the spotlight, and who are for the most part comfortable with that. There were also interviews with some of those in the spotlight, the artists who employ the backup singers, people like Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Mick Jagger (of the Rolling Stones).

Of course there are stories that didn’t get told in the movie. Bruce Springsteen didn’t mention that he married his backup vocalist. Also, there was no mention of Clare Torry, who was paid 30 British pounds for her vocals on Pink Floyd’s “Great Gig in the Sky” on their Dark Side of the Moon album. Basically she made up the part vocal in the studio – and eventually sued for recognition and a writing credit, which she got more than 20 years after the album’s release. Given that the record has sold more than 50 million copies I expect that she has done very nicely financially from it.

The singers featured in the film seem for the most part to be content with their backup role, despite early ambitions of stardom. Some singers realize they don’t have what it takes to make it to the top, some realize they don’t want the stress (they just love to sing) and others just don’t get the breaks. All three types are featured in 20 Feet From Stardom.

One thing I noticed, that the singers themselves mentioned, was the formative influence the Christian church had on their singing. That is where they got started, that is where they learned their craft and that is where their performance is rooted. They see music, and their talent, as a gift.

To some extent the longing for stardom is still in the voices when they speak about their careers. But there is an acceptance also, a realization that they are very good at what they do, an acknowledgement that perhaps that should be sufficient for them. They may be 20 feet from the front of the stage, but they are still on the stage, and that counts for a lot.

I am always pleased when people are comfortable in their skin, when they understand that they have certain gifts and talents that they can use, and don’t obsess over the talents they don’t have. It seems to me that when you can do that you will have a happier life. I am not saying you shouldn’t have ambition, just that it be tempered with a little realism. As I have said before, no matter how much I might want to be a hockey star, it just isn’t going to happen.

I could criticize some aspects of the film: it’s mostly Americans and only one male backup was interviewed (okay two if you count the Winters family). But that would be quibbling, and I don’t know about the film’s deadlines and budget – and perhaps some people just didn’t want to talk.

Bottom line is, it was an entertaining and informative look at an aspect of the music business that you probably take for granted. You should check it out.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChONufP0FEs