Twenty Feet from Stardom

This Oscar-winning documentary turns the spotlight on the backing vocalists who've added harmonies to some of the best-known pop songs in history but still remain largely anonymous. The likes of Merry Clayton and Phil Spector stalwart Darlene Love recall tales of struggle between engagements and acceptance of life in the shadows when solo fame eludes them, while superstars Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger and Stevie Wonder sing the praises of their less heralded employees. Director Morgan Neville skilfully blends modern-day interviews with reams of archive footage, although he occasionally tries too hard to make his subjects' circumstances fit a tidy Cinderella template. That said, the eye-opening anecdotes come thick and fast, as he celebrates the vital components of some truly great music.