martin manning wrote:Back on topic, there is a film coming out called "20 Feet From Stardom" about back-up singers. There was a piece on NPR about it last week, and a segment on CBS Sunday Morning today featuring Merry Clayton, the former Ray-Lette who was called in the middle of the night to sing on Gimmie Shelter.
Thanks for bringing this up Martin. Heard a couple of interviews & short pieces on public radio within the last week. Should be a good film.
When- in Gimme Shelter - Merry's voice cracks on the 3rd repeat, geeze, "that's a TAKE!"
She was huge on Clapton's "461 Ocean Boulivard" and "Slowhand." She did "If I Can't Have You" from "Saturday Night Fever" and was also the voice of Mary Magdalene in "Jesus Christ Superstar."
Backing vocalist fans - on WNYC right now interview with director of "20 feet from stardom" including Merry Clayton & Darlene Love. Somewhere along here Claudia Linnear gets a mention too. You may be able to pick up this broadcast online from WNYC's website. A couple of music samples & lots of good interview.
Merry's performance in Gimme Shelter is absolutely otherworldly. The isoloated vocal track is awesome. Called in the middle of the night while pregnant. I wish my girl's voice could crack that good. Maybe I'm at fault...
She sang backup for SO many people. I heard her interviewed. She told the interviewer to name any artist. He named some and she told what songs she performed on. She was in demand.
