Sparkle

In 1968 Detroit, aspiring record label executive Stix approaches the Anderson sisters – eldest Tammy aka "Sister", middle child Delores aka "Dee", and Sparkle, the youngest – to form a girl group after he sees Sister perform a song that Sparkle wrote at a nightclub. The girls are raised by their mother Emma, who disapproves of them singing outside of church.

Dee agrees to join the group, reasoning she will perform until she has earned enough money to pay for medical school. Though Sister is initially undecided, Sparkle convinces her that if they win a local talent show, she could use the prize money to finally move out of Emma's home. Stix becomes romantically involved with Sparkle, and his cousin Levi also becomes involved with Sister.