Backup Singers Get Their Due

"When I was invited to attend a recent screening of the film 20 Feet from Stardom at Nashville’s Belcourt Theater, and then participate in an assembled panel of local backing vocalists, I immediately began daydreaming about who I’d like to share the stage with. Be careful what you wish for — that day, my idols in this business and my good friends Vicki Hampton, Kim Fleming and Wendy Moten all sat beside me and sucked up all the oxygen in the room!" said Local Board member Bob Bailey.

The film came first, and it was a revelation. It follows some of the world’s most recognizable and influential vocalists in the modern recording era: Merry Clayton, Lisa Fisher, TaTa Vega, The Waters Family, Gloria Jones, Patti Austin, Darlene Love, Cindy Mizelle and others, who have made history with their unique talents, gifts and skills, and have contributed to the success of chart-toppers such as Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Sting, Elton John and Bette Midler, to name but a few.

A panel discussion followed, with questions posed by attendees wanting to know our personal impressions of the film, and how it relates to what happens in Music City. "All in all, it was a delightful moment to gain a new perspective on the fascinating lives we live every day in this crazy music business, to be reminded that we don’t struggle alone and that our labors are not always forgotten or dismissed, but make a unique and lasting contribution," added Bailey.

This originally appeared in the local newsletter.