Dreamgirls: The emerging music business of Detroit through the eyes of one group

Looking back to when the popularity of recorded music was picking up steam in the 1950s and 1960s, there are many amazing stories that can be told based on the lives of the musicians who made it big as well as those who tried but failed for numerous reasons. In the strife of racial hate at the time, it was very difficult for African American (Black) musicians to establish themselves; yet, the ones that did were quite remarkably talented and paved the way for others besides giving the world amazing music and new ideals to live by. Hence, it only makes sense that the lives of one such set of musicians should be celebrated in a musical-drama film as was done in the 2006 movie Dreamgirls.

While struggling to get some form of recognition in the early 1960s through small talent shows, Effie White, Deena Jones and Lorell Robinson are signed by car salesman turned artist manager Curtis Taylor Jr. as a girl group called The Dreamettes to be the backing act of R&B singer James ‘Thunder’ Early. The Dreamettes gain fame and recognition and go on to be a successful act by themselves when James Early’s career fizzles out. Lead singer Effie falls in love with Curtis but both her personal and professional life take a hit when Curtis decides to appoint sexier looking Deena as the lead singer of the group. Effie quits the group and wallows in misery as The Dreamettes go on to make a bigger name for themselves completely unaware of the condition that their former best friend and partner is now living in.

The film, directed by Bill Condon, is an adaptation of a musical of the same name which ran on Broadway in the 1980s. The film uses fiction to chronicle the lives of various people in the music business in Detroit from 1950 until 1980. The story is a direct nod to the R&B group called The Supremes which was headed by Diana Ross. Certain record artworks which are shown in the film were similarly crafted to resemble those released by The Supremes. Other supporting characters in the film are also representational of real-life musicians who performed for the top R&B label Motown started by Berry Gordy Jr in 1959 which is directly represented by Rainbow records started by Curtis Taylor Jr. in the film.

Being a musical, it would be expected that the soundtrack of the film would be exceptional; and it is. Employing the voices of Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson for most of the songs, the soundtrack of the film is a heavenly experience for anyone who enjoys R&B and soul music. Other personnel who have lent their talents to the making of the soundtrack have also done a fabulous job to tie up an excellent musical experience for the viewer.

The movie is a fictional account of true events that occurred in the music business in America’s 1950s, particularly for African American musicians who had a difficult life. The plot and music are the standout points for the film which is the best one can hope for from a drama-musical.