From Backup to Center Stage

A new documentary about the lives of big-time backup singers, "20 Feet From Stardom," sure sounds like a winner. But even without having seen it yet, interviews with two of its subjects -- Darlene Love (Rolling Stone) and Lisa Fischer (The New York Times)  -- have left me completely fascinated, hearing how their experiences in the business have been so night and day.

In "Let Love Rule: The Lost Years and Sweet Redemption of Darlene Love," David Browne reports:

The mood is light, until Love hears about some young pop star talking about how much they've suffered for their art. "These young performers, saying they paid their dues!" she exclaims. "Justin Bieber -- that's the one that got me. ... Do they even know how to spell 'dues'!? Please!"

Although she's ultimately grateful for the career being Phil Spector's go-to-gal gave her, Love is the quintessential case of the unrecognized backup singer whose voice was also frequently used as lead without crediting her. She received just $5,000 for singing "He's a Rebel," not realizing it would become a No. 1 hit ... for the Crystals ... then sang lead on "Da Doo Ron Ron" only to have her vocals removed and watch that go to No. 1 too. (The hits and misses never ended -- she even had a show at the Bottom Line about it in the '90s.)

On the flipside, Fischer -- who provides the “Rape, murder! It’s just a shot away" on tour with the Rolling Stones on "Gimme Shelter,” and has backed Tina Turner, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Sting, Dolly Parton, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and Aretha Franklin -- even found stardom as a solo artist, winning a Grammy for her first single, "How Can I Ease the Pain" (1992), but then never bothered to record a sophomore album, preferring the behind-the-scenes position.

In "The Voice Behind Mick (and Others)." Brooks Barnes reports:

“I reject the notion that the job you excel at is somehow not enough to aspire to, that there has to be something more,” Ms. Fischer explained. “I love supporting other artists.” She continued: “I guess it came down to not letting other people decide what was right for me. Everyone’s needs are unique. My happy is different from your happy.”

"20 Feet From Stardom" opens in theaters on Friday. Visit the official website HERE.