Twenty Feet from Stardom

An often exhilarating, insightful but sobering account of those who don't quite make it to the first rank (ie, the front microphone) of the music business. The components of success (i.e. stardom) are revealed by interviews with the backup singers (including Merry Clayton, Darlene Love et al.) Some of the requirements are: talent, motivation ('killer instinct"), energy, songwriting ability, good business savvy, discipline, et al and that intangible: charisma. Whew! No wonder few make it. It's clear that those who do (eg. Sheryl Crow, Sting, Bruce Sringsteen) have a cool head on their shoulders. Fascinating film. I loved it!