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In my opinion, this is the best version of the song ever recorded. He sang it live on the Andy Williams show. No auto tune. Just Bobby Hatfield's beautiful voice. Unmatched.
Sam Cooke called the Righteous Brothers "Blue eyed soul singers." They charted on Black radio stations a record nine times. They didn't try, they were that good, a duo who could stand there & sing. They were singing & a guy in the audience shouted, "That's some righteous singing, brother." He was a Black GI. That's how they got there name. They weren't actual brothers. Talent personified. ("their" name. )
The way he smiled at his mom in the audience afterwards was so heartwarming, like a kid saying 'look ma I did it" . Best version ever, his range is unreal
i have read that he was recovering from a cold at the time. His parents had never seen him sing in a public setting like this before, so he was very happy he hit all the hard notes and gave a little smile
Sir, I am 72 years old and this song meant so much to those of us who had loved ones in the service during the Vietnam years. Your voice is so mellow, perfect "radio voice" and your reaction so nice.
Marietta i know what you mean about how much this song ment to our loved ones. i was in the military during the Vietnam war and my wife would play this song every time i deployed .this was our first dance as husband and wife at our wedding reception . i am now 78 years old and this is still our song.
It’s a pity that most people have only ever heard the studio version used in “Ghost” - but this live performance is vastly superior…far more dynamic and powerful vocal. Truly one of the greatest live vocal performances in tv history. Bobby showing off his 3 octave countertenor voice…effortlessly.
1000000% accurate every dang word you said. Been listening to this for 30 years basically...long story before internet but it's just ridiculous perfection
Donn Baca I'm with you. Everyone knows the song from Ghost but wasn't that a different song? Might be thinking of a different movie but Bill H. sang a song in a movie with a woman. Didn't he?
@@bobbiewallace4008 Bobby Hatfield’s original studio/radio/record version was used in Ghost…and it is very different from this far superior live version. You are probably referring also to Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes [sp?] - duet “I Had The Time Of My Life” which was also a smash movie hit…featured in “Dirty Dancing”.
This is an old song that has been covered by so many excellent singers. Even Elvis did a very good version. But when everything is said and done Bobby Hatfield absolutely owns this song.
This was sung LIVE in 1965 .. no auto-tune, no naked dancers, no smoke or mirrors ... just pure raw talent and blue-eyed soul ... Bobby had an amazing range of 4+ octaves and could reach high notes that even some sopranos could not reach! Also, Bobby sang this while suffering from a head cold, and the high note he hit at the end was full voice, NOT FALSETTO!
The song ranges not quite two octaves, but your other points are well taken. When people talk about how many octaves a singer hits, it's usually bullshit or they don't understand the switch from chest to head voice. But, here, yes, no falsetto at all.
Actually, there were no falsettos. He was a contra tenor. Every note that he sang, was part of his natural range. Watch the video again, and look at his face as he sings. Even in the highest notes, there is absolutely no tension in his face. It was effortless for him. Contra tenor is the rarest of the singing voice types, and his personal voice, I think, is one of the finest examples of it.
It was indeed falsetto. Contratenors (also called countertenors) are basically tenors or even baritones who have an extended falsetto. The break between his chest voice and the higher falsetto is clearly heard.
Bobby Hatfield...the half of The Righteous Brothers was only 25 years old here. He suffered severe stage fright. His parents were in the audience. And he did THIS!!! Yes! Hatfield OWN this song completely.
I can't agree more, Bobby is like a god. I just like to pour up a glass of fine liquor, and sit and listen to the Righteous Brothers, in my armchair, just to enjoy their wonderful voices. I don't think there are more calming and soothing things to do in the world than that.
Saw the Platters live in Montreal Canada and loved how they sang it. Must admit though that I prefer the Righteous Brothers singing it. Bobby Hatfield's voice is beautiful.....soft as velvet, sweet as chocolate and soo soo sexy.
@Susan Jean You're right, Susan. I'm swept away every time I hear Bobby sing this song. I still can't believe it only reached #2 when it originally aired. It has endured as the most requested song of the 20th century, though. I'll give the Platters their song, "Only You." 😊
Yes, your face was so close and your eyes so intimate, evoking the sense of the song and the singing that we all are sharing the soulful sounds and emotions of.
Squeet: "This song stops time." For 56 years I've never heard a better explanation of the emotions I have felt every time I heard the Righteous Brothers / Bobby Hatfield fill the air and my soul with this song. Thank you!
Bobby's voice was magic and this song will always be his. He was an incredible singer with a beautiful soul, he was truly one of a kind. He is loved and missed.
Bobby owns this Song! Always has always will. Due to Bobby's blue eyes and voice people started the term "blue eyed soul". When he and Bill started singing together they had a set to do in a nightclub near a military base in Texas. There were quite a few black soldiers in the crowd. When they came on stage, the soldiers started snickering. When their performance was over the Soldiers loved them. Some shouted "You are some righteous Brothers!" Bill and Bobby liked that and kept the name. I saw Bobby and Bill on a TV Show back then and they said this is how they got the name.
El Toro Marine base in So. California. A little club off base. One night a Marine stood up and yelled, "That's Righteous, Brother!" A little while later on, Bobby suggested that they use that name.
I just love his sensational voice ! It touches me real deep that it makes me cry every time I listen to him sing this song .It melts anybody’s heart. It’s a magical voice!!!😢
He said that he was very nervous performing that night as it was his first time singing it with his mother in the audience. He had the voice of an angel
There are two or three points in this performance when you can hear his nasality (if that's a word). To a degree, I think his affected sinuses added instead of detracted from his delivery.
Bobby Hatfield had such a fantastic voice. Amazing control. Awesome range. I am moved to tears every time I hear this beautiful song. I'm not sure if I cry because of the powerful emotion he puts into it, or because I know that his voice has been silenced forever. Thank you for featuring this song and keeping his memory alive.
My heart, spirit, and soul expand and my eyes fill with tears when i hear and see this musical art. Not to be contrary, but his voice isn't silenced but is living on and moving so many of us daily.
This is the best version of this song ever, by anyone. The fact that he did this live is unbelievable. Everyone else who sings this is just trying for second best.
Always loved this song, it reaches down and grabs you in the feels. So many good song during this age of time by different artist. Wish we could go back to those days just for a day. Im 69 and truly miss all those songs. Have a great day.
I’ve been listening to the righteous brothers since they sang this song for the very first time and it still brings tears to my eyes. It’s time less ❤️
Bobby's parents were in the audience that night. That beautiful little smirk at the end, is Bobby's pride at knowing that his preformance was flawless.
He is not the original, the song had been covered over 60 times before the R. Brothers sang it, but this is definitely the definitive version for most people, Bobby's vocals are amazing!
No cover is as good as this. He just kills it.Been listening for53 yrs, Brilliant singer, R&B undertones. 85 million views says something. Glad I found this reaction MrLboyd. Good stuff.
I've been told that his mother was the lady in spex wearing a blue dress and fur stole, sitting just behind and to the left. I bet she was so proud, her boy singing on the Andy Williams show, which I believe was a big thing back then? He was so humble though, that little lip bite and grin at the end, no grown man has the right to be so adorable!
I usually want to lean away from this mother factor, but your two comments seem to touch the truth. Bobby at 25 was in a way in-between being a boy and a man. He exuded enough wholesome handsome sexiness and sensitivity to be appealing in all ways.
@@marymichael1211 I agree … especially since I believe his wife-to-be Joy Ciro was also there (one person I read made that comment and the timing would have been right). A couple of other points though; it was his mother’s favourite song and that was the first time she had been there in person to hear him sing professionally. And the Andy Williams Show was a big deal … a nationally broadcast prime-time program.
Sir, this is NOT falsetto. Bobby was a rare counter-tenor. He could go from Baritone range to G5 or higher. Watch as he reaches these high notes. No stress, no strain. That little lip bite at the end said "I nailed it!" The emotion and feeling in this song, he put into every performance. I believe he was singing this one to his new bride, Joy. I call this "Bobby's Song." And indeed, it is. Thank you for recognizing his greatness. Delve I to their music. You will find they are a truly great duo. Bobby is gone, but he left a legacy of beautiful music for new generations to discover. Bill, a great Baritone, is still performing at age 82.
"Falsetto" doesn't mean stress or straining. It's just a different part of one's voice range, often called "head voice" (especially for women), which has different acoustical properties. I don't get why comments on here are acting like a vocal coach doesn't know the difference between falsetto and chest voice. Bobby has a beautiful falsetto, very strong and with great vibrato, very much like modern trained classical countertenors. You can hear him clearly switch into it for a few of the high notes for the end, as the tone is quite different yet still amazing, loud, and clear -- which is how you become when you spend years training your high falsetto range as a man. (Most don't, even most trained singers.) If you haven't heard classical countertenors, I'd suggest listening to them, where you hear the same pure beautiful high notes... sung in head voice (a.k.a. "falsetto").
His version is the best …and, timeless. I so agree with all you said about his singing of this classic. Any of us who were young & of that era are immediately transported back in time …I can (almost) visualize where I was & what I was doing back there in the early-mid ‘60’s each time this was played. So bittersweet.
It is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and Bobby Hatfield took it to the next level. That this performance is live, with none of our modern enhancements available, is simply astounding. The emotion his delivery conveys almost brings me to tears, every time I hear it. Vale, Bobby.
Yes, indeed. Bobby was so impressed by Andy William’s orchestra and the acoustics…that he sat down and made the changes which made this performance so superior to even the studio versions.
Absolutely my favorite song ever , I’ve seen these guys in concert years ago many times and every time I hear it I still get goose bumps all over ,, Fabulous performance ! 😊
Heard it live on the Andy Williams show, 1965…age 14 loved it, 2025…will be 74, 50 years later love it still. To the point when we heard just the first few notes on the radio we dropped everything to listen to end. The ultimate torch song sung with soul and love by Bobby Hatfield. Unforgettable… We could hear understand every word, the poetry of a generation… I am glad younger generations are looking back on the wonderful music and great talents of the past.
Bobby Hatfield was as good as they get. I saw them over a dozen times over 25 years in venues from intimate settings in LA clubs to casinos in Nevada. He never missed those notes and sang with the same tones until the end if his career. Still loved and missed.
I'm 71 and I still get chills and choked up when the ypungef Righteous brother sings this song. Thank you for appreciating good music all these years later! I hear a lot of songs played now that were popularity my teenage years and earlier.
One of the greatest live performances EVER! This is what I feel like it sounds like when Angels in heaven sing. This song and performance touches your soul.
Amazing, right? But NOT falsetto. Bobby was a 'counter-tenor" with an unbelievable range. A lot of Sopranos couldn't hit the notes that Bobby Hatfield could. Continue your journey with Bobby and Bill, the Righteous Brothers. Blue eyed Soul, truly righteous! You won't be sorry.
Not only was he a counter-tenor, he was a bloody good one too, I'm a counter-tenor and my lil sis is a Soprano, and I can hit notes she can't but Bobby can hit notes I can't.
I can hit those notes been singing all my life since 4 years old but I try and pray to Bobby, I can do it and somehow I make it! No one can actually sing like Bobby, though! Love Bill too! They were The Righteous Brothers, The Best Singers in the World!! Love and Adored Bobby, as a young teen growing up! I have to hear this song every day and night, he is in my dreams and heart! 😘🤩❤️
Yes, he's a counter tenor. But the end of the song was head voice and it was falsetto. The only other singer in the present day who is a counter tenor and you can barely tell he's using falsetto is Mitch with Pentatonix. Mitch is fabulous. Both Bobby and Mitch have pitch perfect voices.
Not a falsetto, just a classicly trained tenor with a amazing range, in a live performance, who suffered with terrible stage fright, and his mother was in the audience that night as well. Oh an this song always has belonged to Bobby. :) Cheers.
Thank you for offering the accurate historical information Zanhar76. And it's accurate that Bobby Hatfield didn't sing falsetto but was a countertenor.
Naturally, this song has been reacted to by quite a few people. I almost always watch them when I come upon them because I do so love the song. Your reaction, however, was my favorite. It was beyond beautiful. Thank you for continuing to share your reactions, knowledge, and love of music with us.
Soar with the angels Bobby!!! That energy never dies!!! You can only rearrange energy !!! That energy, feeling, talent is somewhere!!! Love your soul/ spirit Bobby!!!
Awww!!! I absolutely love your reaction! Always wonderful to see young people react the way we did when we were young. 🌺🌺🌺. I think this is my favorite performance of all time.
No one can sing this like the late great Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers. What a voice. Does it with such ease. Please play their # 1 hit Soul and Inspiration. Thank you so much
This has always been one of my favorite songs. One of the best vocal performances ever. I also love Spector arrangements. Saw an interview with Bill Medley and he said that Bobby wanted to do another take after the recording and everyone in the studio went--NO!!!
Spector had nothing to do with either the studio recording or this performance. He did take credit for it when it became a hit. Don't know about everyone, but Bill wouldn't let him do another take. Bobby said I can do it better. Bill told him no you can't. I guess this performance shows he could.
@@janiceboyd2754 It's the Andy Williams show orchestra. I don't know the name of the arranger for the orchestra. Don't know the actual name of the orchestra either. Maybe someone can fill us both in. What I've read in other comments is that Bobby consulted with the conductor and the arranger. During rehearsal, he so liked the acoustics in the theater that he wanted to make the changes we got in this performance. EDIT: The studio recording: The LP lists 3 arrangers but doesn't say who did which song, Jack Nitzsche and Woody Woolrich and Bill Baker. Also, in my previous comment, I forgot to say that Bill was the producer of the studio recording.
Yes sir. You said it spot on. Many have sung this song and done a good job. But his rendition is the best of all time. It's all natural just Bobby singing his heart out. And he does have a wonderful range. Love the end where he bites his lip and flirts - he knows he has done his best and he is happy with it! 4:45
I just recently discovered these videos of you in the younger generations discovering the older songs. It's soooooo nice to see you enjoying them as I did. I'm 70 now, but the emotions played out in them are as strong as ever! Thank you!!! :)
I am an old guy who was serving with the 1st Air Cav in 1965 in the Central highlands of Vietnam and at night you could hear this song echo softly in the night in the various base camps. Brings back memories some good some not so good. Blue eyed soul at its best.
that look, at the end, he knows he nailed it. He was worried because, get this, His mom was watching, and he didn't want to disappoint her. That's fantastic
When I found out a little history of the song, I enjoyed it that much more. It was written of a man in Prison missing his girlfriend/ wife and stressing out if he should break out or wait until his time is up. He asked " are you still mine", and " time goes by so slowly." I've been in a similar situation, and I did wonder if this was the end or if she would be there when I got out. Your point of how you feel every word he sings is right directly spot on. One of my favorite songs. You did a great job critiquing this song.
One of the best stories I’ve heard about this song was one of a Vietnam Veteran’s wife who danced to this song before he left for war and it was “their song”. Luckily, he returned alive. I bet I’ve heard this song dozens of times just to watch reactions and it always gives me chills to think of how pure this song was live and what it meant to so many people during that time period. This is Bobby Hatfield’s song... not to mention that suit and diamond ring set the tone perfectly.
There was a lot of wives/girlfriends listening to this song & missing their Vet's & worrying if they would come home. I did not realize when I saw this performance how much the song would mean later. Letters from him meant a lot but thinking he was missing me as much as I was missing him helped.
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@Untold 35
Listen to Bobby sing
*"Ebb Tide"*
In my opinion, this is the best version of the song ever recorded. He sang it live on the Andy Williams show. No auto tune. Just Bobby Hatfield's beautiful voice. Unmatched.
No auto tune, and no warmup. He was joking around and Andy and partner Bill, grabbed the mic, and started singing.
Melodyland 1965 (across the street from Disneyland - I was there).
AMEN!
@@john13623 A memory to treasure.
Sam Cooke called the Righteous Brothers "Blue eyed soul singers." They charted on Black radio stations a record nine times. They didn't try, they were that good, a duo who could stand there & sing. They were singing & a guy in the audience shouted, "That's some righteous singing, brother." He was a Black GI. That's how they got there name. They weren't actual brothers. Talent personified.
("their" name. )
The way he smiled at his mom in the audience afterwards was so heartwarming, like a kid saying 'look ma I did it" . Best version ever, his range is unreal
i have read that he was recovering from a cold at the time. His parents had never seen him sing in a public setting like this before, so he was very happy he hit all the hard notes and gave a little smile
Sir, I am 72 years old and this song meant so much to those of us who had loved ones in the service during the Vietnam years. Your voice is so mellow, perfect "radio voice" and your reaction so nice.
Marietta i know what you mean about how much this song ment to our loved ones. i was in the military during the Vietnam war and my wife would play this song every time i deployed .this was our first dance as husband and wife at our wedding reception . i am now 78 years old and this is still our song.
TIMELESS!!! It's 2022 and people are still falling in love with this song( this version).
It’s a pity that most people have only ever heard the studio version used in “Ghost” - but this live performance is vastly superior…far more dynamic and powerful vocal.
Truly one of the greatest live vocal performances in tv history.
Bobby showing off his 3 octave countertenor voice…effortlessly.
the most beautiful version of this song, his voice is like angel wings
1000000% accurate every dang word you said. Been listening to this for 30 years basically...long story before internet but it's just ridiculous perfection
Donn Baca I'm with you. Everyone knows the song from Ghost but wasn't that a different song? Might be thinking of a different movie but Bill H. sang a song in a movie with a woman. Didn't he?
@@bobbiewallace4008 Bobby Hatfield’s original studio/radio/record version was used in Ghost…and it is very different from this far superior live version.
You are probably referring also to Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes [sp?] - duet “I Had The Time Of My Life” which was also a smash movie hit…featured in “Dirty Dancing”.
I watched it live. I agree.
His range was just unbelievable. I get chills every time I hear this version.
Me too and I'm an 80 year old guy - always loved Bobby Hatfield and this song...
@Zippy Knowitall He ended sharp of G5. He could actually go much higher. Crazy range.
No falsetto - Bobby Hatfield reportedly had range of 4 octaves..
Me too!
This is an old song that has been covered by so many excellent singers. Even Elvis did a very good version. But when everything is said and done Bobby Hatfield absolutely owns this song.
I totally agree one of my most favorite songs of all times and nobody singsvit like Bobby does I think ...
I have never heard a version I like more than Bobby's.
100%
@@khalaq2 I think elvis is more religous on his version ,gone back to Gospel near his death.
This rendition by the Righteous Brothers will ALWAYS be my favorite!!
No one can come close. There has been some try but just absolutely suck. I have not heard one person that can sing it better.
This was sung LIVE in 1965 .. no auto-tune, no naked dancers, no smoke or mirrors ... just pure raw talent and blue-eyed soul ... Bobby had an amazing range of 4+ octaves and could reach high notes that even some sopranos could not reach! Also, Bobby sang this while suffering from a head cold, and the high note he hit at the end was full voice, NOT FALSETTO!
The song ranges not quite two octaves, but your other points are well taken. When people talk about how many octaves a singer hits, it's usually bullshit or they don't understand the switch from chest to head voice. But, here, yes, no falsetto at all.
Thank you for the information 🙏😊
@@TheScottEF I am so glad that someone else knows that! Also 21 notes, ending in G5! Not bad for a 25 year old kid, eh?
Just beautiful music!!
I also heard somewhere that he was a chain smoker too, which also led to his early demise.
Bobby Hatfield... one of the greatest voices ever in music.
There are absolutely no equals to this performance. He is the master.
Yes, he was an amazing , AMAZING singer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Has had NO equals. Rip, sir.
I agree!
Actually, there were no falsettos. He was a contra tenor. Every note that he sang, was part of his natural range. Watch the video again, and look at his face as he sings. Even in the highest notes, there is absolutely no tension in his face. It was effortless for him. Contra tenor is the rarest of the singing voice types, and his personal voice, I think, is one of the finest examples of it.
It was indeed falsetto. Contratenors (also called countertenors) are basically tenors or even baritones who have an extended falsetto. The break between his chest voice and the higher falsetto is clearly heard.
Bobby Hatfield...the half of The Righteous Brothers was only 25 years old here.
He suffered severe stage fright. His parents were in the audience. And he did THIS!!!
Yes! Hatfield OWN this song completely.
Plus he apparently had a head cold! Andy Williams stated that after the performance. God, Bobby was gorgeous...
He's the absolute best. I enjoyed The Platters singing it when I was a child but Bobby Hatfield owns this song hands down.
I can't agree more, Bobby is like a god. I just like to pour up a glass of fine liquor, and sit and listen to the Righteous Brothers, in my armchair, just to enjoy their wonderful voices. I don't think there are more calming and soothing things to do in the world than that.
Saw the Platters live in Montreal Canada and loved how they sang it. Must admit though that I prefer the Righteous Brothers singing it. Bobby Hatfield's voice is beautiful.....soft as velvet, sweet as chocolate and soo soo sexy.
@Susan Jean You're right, Susan. I'm swept away every time I hear Bobby sing this song. I still can't believe it only reached #2 when it originally aired. It has endured as the most requested song of the 20th century, though. I'll give the Platters their song, "Only You." 😊
true
Ty I'll have to check their version out!
Love the way he takes care of EVERY note. No throwaways.
That is a spot on way to put it.
I loved your facial expressions within 10 seconds of him singing.....priceless!
Bro was getting misty
Yes, your face was so close and your eyes so intimate, evoking the sense of the song and the singing that we all are sharing the soulful sounds and emotions of.
One of the greatest love songs of all time. This song stops time. Absolute perfection.
Squeet: "This song stops time." For 56 years I've never heard a better explanation of the emotions I have felt every time I heard the Righteous Brothers / Bobby Hatfield fill the air and my soul with this song. Thank you!
@@candykay2585 you're welcome my friend
The smile on the coach's face says it all...
Bobby's voice was magic and this song will always be his. He was an incredible singer with a beautiful soul, he was truly one of a kind. He is loved and missed.
Bobby had the amazing ability of countertenor that most sopranos can't master. Simply amazing!!
Bobby owns this Song! Always has always will. Due to Bobby's blue eyes and voice people started the term "blue eyed soul". When he and Bill started singing together they had a set to do in a nightclub near a military base in Texas. There were quite a few black soldiers in the crowd. When they came on stage, the soldiers started snickering. When their performance was over the Soldiers loved them. Some shouted "You are some righteous Brothers!" Bill and Bobby liked that and kept the name. I saw Bobby and Bill on a TV Show back then and they said this is how they got the name.
El Toro Marine base in So. California. A little club off base. One night a Marine stood up and yelled, "That's Righteous, Brother!" A little while later on, Bobby suggested that they use that name.
@@dawnaberry8452 Thank you..it was a long time ago!
No one can touch his song like him. I watched this on TV when he did it. Went and brought it the next day.
This song and his voice just reaches down and grabs you and wakes your soul up.
Bravo!! An excellent statement describing Bobby and his....HIS.....song
Outstanding performance. No one can sing like this. Real
My dad went to high school with Bobby Hatfield in Anaheim, CA, and he told me that Bobby performed at school dances. Wow! What an amazing experience!
wow i'm jealous of your dad..this is really awesome..Bobby is a worldwide Legend..together with Bill Medley..
!
And Bobby Hatfield was student body president in high school.
I just love his sensational voice ! It touches me real deep that it makes me cry every time I listen to him sing this song .It melts anybody’s heart. It’s a magical voice!!!😢
“Masterful” is the perfect word. Nothing more to say. 🥰
This is far more than the best version of the song. This is the best solo live performance of all time.
R.I.P.Bobby. We love and miss you dearly .🙏🏼
He said that he was very nervous performing that night as it was his first time singing it with his mother in the audience.
He had the voice of an angel
And he had a cold when he did that. A COLD. The man was sick and still did THAT. 💜💚💛🤘🔥✌️
Hmm, I hadn't heard that. I heard about his usual stage fright compounded by his mom being in the audience, but I hadn't heard that he was sick.
There are two or three points in this performance when you can hear his nasality (if that's a word). To a degree, I think his affected sinuses added instead of detracted from his delivery.
Bobby Hatfield had such a fantastic voice. Amazing control. Awesome range.
I am moved to tears every time I hear this beautiful song. I'm not sure if I cry because of the powerful emotion he puts into it, or because I know that his voice has been silenced forever.
Thank you for featuring this song and keeping his memory alive.
My heart, spirit, and soul expand and my eyes fill with tears when i hear and see this musical art. Not to be contrary, but his voice isn't silenced but is living on and moving so many of us daily.
This is the best version of this song ever, by anyone. The fact that he did this live is unbelievable. Everyone else who sings this is just trying for second best.
Agreed!
That was fantastic
I'm 81 and it still brings me to tears it's so beautilul.
Exactly Hazel - they are THE ORIGINALS and BEST! Very emotionally charged. :)
Always loved this song, it reaches down and grabs you in the feels. So many good song during this age of time by different artist. Wish we could go back to those days just for a day. Im 69 and truly miss all those songs.
Have a great day.
I am 62, and am right with you on this. Thankfully we can still find and listen to these magic songs.
I've watched this performance many times and it still gives me goosebumps
I’ve been listening to the righteous brothers since they sang this song for the very first time and it still brings tears to my eyes. It’s time less ❤️
I get goose bumps. Never get tired hearing this song.
Nothing today comes close. You may not like the song, and that's fine, but the sheer natural talent of this man is extraordinary.
One of the greatest love songs ever recorded.
Bobby's parents were in the audience that night. That beautiful little smirk at the end, is Bobby's pride at knowing that his preformance was flawless.
There are many outstanding versions of this classic, but this is the best by far. And it was freakin' live.
Absolutely the best version,I’ve always have loved this song sung by Him.Why because He’s the original ♥️
He is not the original, the song had been covered over 60 times before the R. Brothers sang it, but this is definitely the definitive version for most people, Bobby's vocals are amazing!
Bobby was 25 at the time and his parents were in the audience for the first time. ROCKED IT!!
No cover is as good as this. He just kills it.Been listening for53 yrs, Brilliant singer, R&B undertones. 85 million views says something. Glad I found this reaction MrLboyd. Good stuff.
This was on live television, and his mother was in the front row. Imagine how proud she was of her boy.
I've been told that his mother was the lady in spex wearing a blue dress and fur stole, sitting just behind and to the left. I bet she was so proud, her boy singing on the Andy Williams show, which I believe was a big thing back then? He was so humble though, that little lip bite and grin at the end, no grown man has the right to be so adorable!
I usually want to lean away from this mother factor, but your two comments seem to touch the truth. Bobby at 25 was in a way in-between being a boy and a man. He exuded enough wholesome handsome sexiness and sensitivity to be appealing in all ways.
@@marymichael1211 I agree … especially since I believe his wife-to-be Joy Ciro was also there (one person I read made that comment and the timing would have been right). A couple of other points though; it was his mother’s favourite song and that was the first time she had been there in person to hear him sing professionally. And the Andy Williams Show was a big deal … a nationally broadcast prime-time program.
I have always ABSOLUTELY loved this song , and The artists !!! My FAV !!!
Best critique of this rendition ever. I think it's the most wonderful version ever. Tear-jerking and heartfelt!
This song makes me cry....every..single..time..
You said it - a person FEELS every bit of that song. It is by far one of my favourites.🇨🇦👍👍
One of the greatest slow dance songs of all time. Imagine holding her close to you and gently swaying to the rhythm.
Oh for the slow dance days.
Forgot all about dancing to that song. Thanks for bringing the memories back.👍👍👍
It was still played at school dances in the early 70s at times.
That’s the best version. Goes right to your soul. Beautiful
I remember my dad singing this when it came on the radio, he's passed now, but Everytime I hear it, I remember those times!! 💕
After all these years this Bobby's version of this song still gives me goosebumps!!!
Sir, this is NOT falsetto. Bobby was a rare counter-tenor. He could go from Baritone range to G5 or higher. Watch as he reaches these high notes. No stress, no strain. That little lip bite at the end said "I nailed it!" The emotion and feeling in this song, he put into every performance. I believe he was singing this one to his new bride, Joy. I call this "Bobby's Song." And indeed, it is. Thank you for recognizing his greatness. Delve I to their music. You will find they are a truly great duo. Bobby is gone, but he left a legacy of beautiful music for new generations to discover. Bill, a great Baritone, is still performing at age 82.
yes, indeed this is Bobby Lee Hatfield's song.
"Falsetto" doesn't mean stress or straining. It's just a different part of one's voice range, often called "head voice" (especially for women), which has different acoustical properties. I don't get why comments on here are acting like a vocal coach doesn't know the difference between falsetto and chest voice. Bobby has a beautiful falsetto, very strong and with great vibrato, very much like modern trained classical countertenors. You can hear him clearly switch into it for a few of the high notes for the end, as the tone is quite different yet still amazing, loud, and clear -- which is how you become when you spend years training your high falsetto range as a man. (Most don't, even most trained singers.) If you haven't heard classical countertenors, I'd suggest listening to them, where you hear the same pure beautiful high notes... sung in head voice (a.k.a. "falsetto").
His version is the best …and, timeless. I so agree with all you said about his singing of this classic. Any of us who were young & of that era are immediately transported back in time …I can (almost) visualize where I was & what I was doing back there in the early-mid ‘60’s each time this was played. So bittersweet.
It is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and Bobby Hatfield took it to the next level. That this performance is live, with none of our modern enhancements available, is simply astounding. The emotion his delivery conveys almost brings me to tears, every time I hear it.
Vale, Bobby.
This is the absolute best live performance I've ever seen in my 52 years. Easily and the orchestra was also live.
Yes, indeed. Bobby was so impressed by Andy William’s orchestra and the acoustics…that he sat down and made the changes which made this performance so superior to even the studio versions.
Absolutely my favorite song ever , I’ve seen these guys in concert years ago many times and every time I hear it I still get goose bumps all over ,, Fabulous performance ! 😊
Bobby was so nervous. His mom was in the audience and he was so worried that he wouldn't be able to hit that last note. :)
4:54 he bites his lip holding back his emotions for his mother. It was an emotional moment for him.
He also had a cold and is why he was worried.
...And he was sick with either a cold or flu at the time of this performance, as well.
I'm guessing mom was pretty proud. Probably had tears in her eyes.
Heard it live on the Andy Williams show, 1965…age 14 loved it, 2025…will be 74, 50 years later love it still. To the point when we heard just the first few notes on the radio we dropped everything to listen to end. The ultimate torch song sung with soul and love by Bobby Hatfield. Unforgettable…
We could hear understand every word, the poetry of a generation…
I am glad younger generations are looking back on the wonderful music and great talents of the past.
He made it look so effortless.
This song touched a lot of soldiers who were far from home in Vietnam at the time.
Ooooh, that brings back memories! Absolutely love the music of the 60’s and 70’s
Bobby Hatfield was as good as they get. I saw them over a dozen times over 25 years in venues from intimate settings in LA clubs to casinos in Nevada. He never missed those notes and sang with the same tones until the end if his career.
Still loved and missed.
I'm 71 and I still get chills and choked up when the ypungef Righteous brother sings this song. Thank you for appreciating good music all these years later! I hear a lot of songs played now that were popularity my teenage years and earlier.
One of the greatest live performances EVER! This is what I feel like it sounds like when Angels in heaven sing. This song and performance touches your soul.
Amazing, right? But NOT falsetto. Bobby was a 'counter-tenor" with an unbelievable range. A lot of Sopranos couldn't hit the notes that Bobby Hatfield could. Continue your journey with Bobby and Bill, the Righteous Brothers. Blue eyed Soul, truly righteous! You won't be sorry.
You can hear the difference. This is a true, floated note at the end, with none of the breathiness of a falsetto.
Not only was he a counter-tenor, he was a bloody good one too, I'm a counter-tenor and my lil sis is a Soprano, and I can hit notes she can't but Bobby can hit notes I can't.
I can hit those notes been singing all my life since 4 years old but I try and pray to Bobby, I can do it and somehow I make it! No one can actually sing like Bobby, though! Love Bill too! They were The Righteous Brothers, The Best Singers in the World!! Love and Adored Bobby, as a young teen growing up! I have to hear this song every day and night, he is in my dreams and heart! 😘🤩❤️
Yes, he's a counter tenor. But the end of the song was head voice and it was falsetto. The only other singer in the present day who is a counter tenor and you can barely tell he's using falsetto is Mitch with Pentatonix. Mitch is fabulous. Both Bobby and Mitch have pitch perfect voices.
True counter-tenors are a rare breed.
Not a falsetto, just a classicly trained tenor with a amazing range, in a live performance, who suffered with terrible stage fright, and his mother was in the audience that night as well. Oh an this song always has belonged to Bobby. :) Cheers.
Remarkably, Bobby had no formal training at all. He and Bill learned by listening to their favourite singers on the radio and 45s
Thank you for offering the accurate historical information Zanhar76. And it's accurate that Bobby Hatfield didn't sing falsetto but was a countertenor.
Absolutely!
That song belongs to Bobby Hatfield!
@@marymichael1211 he was 100% incredible and my all time favorite but he in fact does use his falsetto voice here.
Naturally, this song has been reacted to by quite a few people. I almost always watch them when I come upon them because I do so love the song. Your reaction, however, was my favorite. It was beyond beautiful. Thank you for continuing to share your reactions, knowledge, and love of music with us.
I can never get enough of this one!
This may be the purest performance of all time.
This gets to the essence of it all.
Love love this song. Still number one classic. Even in 2021.
Soar with the angels Bobby!!! That energy never dies!!! You can only rearrange energy !!! That energy, feeling, talent is somewhere!!! Love your soul/ spirit Bobby!!!
Thank you for expanding the space and spirit of this experience.
"You've lost that lovin' feelin'" by the Righteous Brothers is another great one, both sing in that one and you will love it as well, I think.
Live performance. No autotune. The real deal. Awesome!!!!
Awww!!! I absolutely love your reaction! Always wonderful to see young people react the way we did when we were young. 🌺🌺🌺. I think this is my favorite performance of all time.
No mixing! no production of his voice! just live on Andy Williams show, beautiful xx
You're damn right this is the best version of this song. Bobby OWNS it. Elvis covered this song, but doesn't come up to Bobby's standard.
My favorite song of all time... Thanks 👍
No one can sing this like the late great Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers. What a voice. Does it with such ease. Please play their # 1 hit Soul and Inspiration. Thank you so much
One of our greats from the past.. makes you feel every note..love his music
He IS the original singer bro. And you're right. An absolute unequalable MASTERPIECE for ALL TIME......
Yes. This gives me shivers and makes me short of breath.
I've heard other versions. He is "Unchained Melody." He was born to sing it. It's as if he's singing from his soul.
🌹🍃What makes his performance more AMAZING, it was without modern, digital enhancement, not in a recording studio, but LIVE!
Oh. Yes. Fantastic Singer/ Song ‼️ Wish he was still here.
This has always been one of my favorite songs. One of the best vocal performances ever. I also love Spector arrangements. Saw an interview with Bill Medley and he said that Bobby wanted to do another take after the recording and everyone in the studio went--NO!!!
Spector had nothing to do with either the studio recording or this performance. He did take credit for it when it became a hit. Don't know about everyone, but Bill wouldn't let him do another take. Bobby said I can do it better. Bill told him no you can't. I guess this performance shows he could.
@@Aurora-tp3dy Do you know who did string arrangement?
@@janiceboyd2754 It's the Andy Williams show orchestra. I don't know the name of the arranger for the orchestra. Don't know the actual name of the orchestra either. Maybe someone can fill us both in. What I've read in other comments is that Bobby consulted with the conductor and the arranger. During rehearsal, he so liked the acoustics in the theater that he wanted to make the changes we got in this performance. EDIT: The studio recording: The LP lists 3 arrangers but doesn't say who did which song, Jack Nitzsche and Woody Woolrich and Bill Baker. Also, in my previous comment, I forgot to say that Bill was the producer of the studio recording.
@@Aurora-tp3dy Actually, I was referring to the original recording. It's still my favorite version.
@@janiceboyd2754 see my edit above.
Yes sir. You said it spot on. Many have sung this song and done a good job. But his rendition is the best of all time. It's all natural just Bobby singing his heart out. And he does have a wonderful range. Love the end where he bites his lip and flirts - he knows he has done his best and he is happy with it! 4:45
I listen today with a broken heart. This song sung by this amazing artist is exactly what I needed to hear. ❤💔
As you said his ability to convey emotions is insane .....
I just recently discovered these videos of you in the younger generations discovering the older songs. It's soooooo nice to see you enjoying them as I did. I'm 70 now, but the emotions played out in them are as strong as ever! Thank you!!! :)
Bobby Hatfield hit an amazing 20 separate notes in this song!!! Unbelievable 🎼🎶🎵🕺👍
I am an old guy who was serving with the 1st Air Cav in 1965 in the Central highlands of Vietnam and at night you could hear this song echo softly in the night in the various base camps. Brings back memories some good some not so good. Blue eyed soul at its best.
Thank you for sharing these scenes.
Absolutely NOT falsetto. Bobby's range is both completely natural and astonishing. Beautiful performance!! 👍
So effortlessly sung...no one, and I mean no one emoted to this song than Bobby!
Another great Bobby Hatfield solo is Ebb Tide. One of the most romantic and emotional songs I have ever heard.
One of the best live performances EVER!
that look, at the end, he knows he nailed it. He was worried because, get this, His mom was watching, and he didn't want to disappoint her. That's fantastic
The little lip bite…he knew…nailed it.
When I found out a little history of the song, I enjoyed it that much more. It was written of a man in Prison missing his girlfriend/ wife and stressing out if he should break out or wait until his time is up. He asked " are you still mine", and " time goes by so slowly." I've been in a similar situation, and I did wonder if this was the end or if she would be there when I got out. Your point of how you feel every word he sings is right directly spot on. One of my favorite songs. You did a great job critiquing this song.
One of the best stories I’ve heard about this song was one of a Vietnam Veteran’s wife who danced to this song before he left for war and it was “their song”. Luckily, he returned alive.
I bet I’ve heard this song dozens of times just to watch reactions and it always gives me chills to think of how pure this song was live and what it meant to so many people during that time period.
This is Bobby Hatfield’s song... not to mention that suit and diamond ring set the tone perfectly.
There was a lot of wives/girlfriends listening to this song & missing their Vet's & worrying if they would come home. I did not realize when I saw this performance how much the song would mean later. Letters from him meant a lot but thinking he was missing me as much as I was missing him helped.