The story of backing singer Claudia Lennear links with Jagger and Bowie

20 Feet From Stardom is an Academy Award nominated documentary film directed by Morgan Neville, telling the stories of the background vocalists behind many rock and pop hits, from the Rolling Stones to Sting. Starring Darlene Love, Judith Hill, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fisher and Táta Vega among others, it celebrates the supremely talented artists whose contributions to popular music have generally gone unnoticed. We learn Darlene Love is credited with inventing contemporary backing singing, and as a member of the Blossoms sang on sessions for the Beach Boys and Elvis Presley. Merry Clayton provided the emotive vocals for the Rolling Stones's Gimme Shelter, and Táta Vega performed with Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Sadly, many of their stories end in disillusionment with the business, when their solo careers fail to take off. Telegraph