Your analysis is spot on! 👍🏻 Bobby Hatfield stood and delivered! Every woman in America fell in love with Bobby on the Valentine’s special. Love. No gimmicks, no crass lyrics, dancers, lights, fog, blah, blah. I hunger for this type of music to return! I am 80. 😄
A MASTERPIECE! The late great Bobby Hatfield. This song is covered by over 670 artists but no one can touch this performance. What else can be said. Thx
The Righteous Bros are a duo. But they also did solos.Bobby Hatfield was the tenor voice and Bill Melody was the baritone voice they shouldn't have blended together but they did and it was pure magic. HIS live performance of Unchained Melody on the Andy Williams show was sheer perfection. So effortless and smooth a voice from the heavens above. They were inducted into the ROCK and ROLL HALL OF FAME in 2003 .A few months later Bobby passed away. BILL MELODY the other Righteous Bros still sings and performs today.
Yes, the transitioning is the miracle here: smooth vocalizing from a standard lyric tenor tessitura to some low-lying note (‘I need your love’) to some freakishly high ones ‘I-iii NEEED your love’). Any singer with a stable tessitura (the comfortable range of one’s voice) can sing parts of this song well, but to go from medium to low and then to high is difficult - fiendishly so if performed live and especially keeping that angel face throughout. Operatic tenors (Pavarotti for example) easily sail through vocal ranges, but they have decades of training and still sweat a bucket !
Bobby Hatfield was a major talent. Usually referred to as a tenor, he was really a countertenor/sopranist with a 4+ octave range. That last note (G7?) was something very few tenors can hit and he did it with such ease. He bites his lip at the end because he knows he nailed it. Amazing.
A live television broadcast (Andy Williams Show, 1965). His parents were in the crowd that evening; his little lip bite after the last note meant he KNOWS he did his best for them.
I enjoy watching the youth realize that there was immense singing talent before they were born and the rap culture celebrates a whole different form of entertainment.
You have it absolutely right--THAT IS PURE TALENT ! It's the incredible voice filled with heart, emotion and soul that makes this such a classic--and only Bobby Hatfield had it all--there is no one else who can compare to him. Cathy
I am 81 and remember quite a few singers doing this but Bobby's tops them all. I was heading to Viet Nam when his version can out. I can feel the loneliness in every word. Bill and Bobby always did one solo on each of there albums and while on tour. They both wanted to do Unchained, so they flipped a coin. The music was written as the theme for the little-known prison film “Unchained” (January 1955), hence the song title. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack. It has since become a standard and one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, most notably by the Righteous Brothers. The movie “Unchained” is about a man in prison and longing for his wife and children. Hoping his wife will still be there when he gets out. So you can now understand the meaning of the song. The movie was not very good, or so my friends told me. But we were all teenagers so what did we now. Several artists sang it and it made the billboard top 100. But no one can come close to Bobby Hatfield’s version. Bobby’s version hit the top ten chart. And did it again when it was used in the movie “Ghost” It has since become a standard and one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, most notably by Bobby. According to the song's publishing administrator, over 1,500 recordings of "Unchained Melody" have been made by more than 670 artists, in multiple languages.
Educated and instructive reaction to Bobby Hattfields performance of Unchained Melody. Heard lots of other performers sing this but he owned this song and still does no one has ever topped him
Listen to You've lost that loving feeling live with the both of them you'll be surprised. ALSO Your my soul and my heart,'s Inspiration. Think you will like both
Great reaction. Bobby's performances were always perfect, he never missed a note or a beat. A counter-Tenor his range was rare and amazing, from baritone to G5 and higher. NO falsetto. Bobby and Bill together are amazing. No other word for The Righteous Brothers. But this song...this is "Bobby's Song."
You have to understand we grew up listening to this so that's why we know all this information. The music today cannot compare to the music from the 60s, 70s and the 80s.
I couldn't watch the whole reaction. No one can talk and listen at the same time. You can't hear the lyrics because you talk through the song. How can you genuinely appreciate the artistry?
Thank you sir for playing this very beautiful song sung by Bobby Hatfield. Could you please play another solo that he sung called "Summertime"1965. I would appreciate it. Also of course your reaction of his musical abilities and tell me why back in the day that he and his other Righteous Brother partner Bill Hadley's music was referred to as Blue Eyed Soul. Once again sir I thank you. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Happy New Year.
I was 16 when I watched this live with my folks in 1965 on The Andy Williams Show..I still have all their 45 singles on vinyl and all their albums on 78 vinyl. They are still my favorite Duo of the 60's.
Thanks, Wilburn for your appreciation of Bobby - one thing that I super-loved about his vocals was that he never seemed to straining or reaching of those incredible notes.. just made it sound easy.. even LIVE -- and I also heard that in this particular performance he was nervous b/c his MOM was in the audience.. no doubt she was proud... lol
When I saw them live Bill introduced this song saying we do solo songs and duets in our performance and here is Bobby singing Unchained Melody he then sat down and watched Bobby blow it out of the water
You really need to check out something with both of them, it may be older music but I guarantee you'll love it, I've never seen or heard anyone who's heard one of their songs say that it was bad or that they didn't care for it. May I recommend "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" and "You're My Soul and Inspiration". I believe that's the title of that 2nd one, if not it's very close lol.
Bee Gees TOO MUCH HEAVEN....and take that journey.....they were AMAZING ALSO......they were from Australia originally as children. Had like a 50 ye career. God given talent is all one can say about it!!!!
I'm so glad I found your channel today Chod. In one day you've managed to work yourself to my top three reactors. And that's because you're real, natural and with no overacting of any kind, which I eventually find so exhausting in other channels, not to mention you give critiques, that's lacking in other channels too. Plus you listen to many styles, that's what I'm also looking for Keep up the great work.
Been listening for 53 yrs. You can hear the 60's soul influence when he sings. Incredible vocals. This was TV dude. He crushes it. No cover is this good. He passed away from a cocaine induced heart attack. Such a gift he was. This has stood the test of time, 84 million views. Happy I found you, enjoyed it, Thanks
I could see, in your face, just how you wish you were there. I was around then just too young; it holds a nostalgia for me as well, regardless. True talent,is right!
The story I heard was, that when they used to play live originally, a lot of brothers used to say "Right on brother, right on", hence the name Righteous Brothers"
Bless you son!! A 10 is what Bobby deserves for just this performance!! I've seen others rate this performance & don't give him a 10!!! You're first class son!! Listen to more of the. Righteous Brothers & together or doing their respective solos are hot!!! I'm so happy young people are getting to know them!! Blue~Eyed Soul of perfection!!! Pass them onto to others plz!! 😃🙋🏻♀️❤️❤️😁😃😘🤩🥰😍😍🌹❤️🥰
I have listened to this song perhaps 100 times with various people doing reviews. Yours is head & shoulders above the rest. Proud to be your most recent subscriber. PS. I am nearly 72 years old and remember watching this on TV that first night. Thought then and 55± years later still do feel it was the greatest live performance I ever witnessed.
This song takes on more meaning when understood in context...the song comes from a prison movie about a man doing time and singing to his love from prison...In 1954, Alex North was contracted to compose the score for the prison film (released in 1955).... North then asked Hy Zaret to write the lyrics, but Zaret initially declined, saying he was too busy painting his house. North was able to convince him to take the job, and together they wrote "Unchained Melody."...and the rest is history...maybe the most beautifully written romantic song of all time...and as I understand Zaret did eventually get his house painted
Many thanks for your reaction to this beautiful song performed by the great 'Bobby Hatfield' and the fantastic composition by musician 'Alex North' (Cleopatra, Spartacus, Misfits and many more)
You want to be COMPLETELY blown away by a voice?! Get to the b&w youtube video of Jackie Wilson singing "Danny Boy," from 1965. Then listen to the Platters. All these songs were the soundtrack of my youth. Back then you didn't need anything but voices. Whole different world. I miss it.
This is what music was like when I was growing up and I am so happy about that, we had the best music and I really feel sorry about the youth of our nation with what they have!
I reckon you'd enjoy the crystal clear, pure vocals of Maddie Prior, the lead singer of Steeleye Span, a UK folk-rock group from waaaay back, who I think, are still performing, over 50 years on!! 😲 They have a ton of videos on TH-cam, but my favourite is their most unusual, 'Gaudete' (pronounced gow-day-tay) a Gregorian chant, celebrating the birth of Christ! The song is hundreds of years old, but made the top 20 in the Christmas chart in the UK, in 1973!
Back then they referred to this as "blue eyed soul" So many great artist and songs. Definitely check out "you've lost that loving feeling". Also another soulful singer is Jeff Healy. Check out "angel eyes". You won't be disappointed.
This song was 10 years old when Bobby sang it. Originally it was written for the prison movie, _Unchained,_ which came out in 1955. It has been covered by numerous artists both before and after this version, but IMO none of them come close. Some are quite good, like Elvis' version, but the Righteous Brothers will forever own it. BTW, I even prefer this live Andy Williams Show rendition over the studio one. Bobby uses runs and his range a lot more here. Folks say he wanted to show off to his parents, who were in the audience. "Mom, do you still wish I were a dentist?" 😉
No auto-tune in I don't think started until your generation back in my day there was no lip-syncing or anything like that and the voice dubbing it was pure natural voice this is how songs were meant to be
Because of his unique voice I read that his mother was in the audience and he was very nervous about that so considering that and it's good as he sounded
Bobby Hatfield was 25 when he sang this live on the Andy Williams Show (a musical variety show) in 1965. The "other brother" Bill Medley was also there, but Bobby did this song solo. They had tossed a coin over it, and Bobby won. The song was from the prison movie "Unchained" from the late 1950's, where a lonely inmate was longing for the love of his life and pleading for her to wait for his release. The film didn't do so well, but the song caught on and has since been covered over 600 times. However, Bobby really made it his own, so that his became the definitive version, at least for my generation and older. Not even Elvis could match him. It has also been used in many other films, including "Ghost", where a whole new generation discovered it. For a complete contrast, check out "I Just Wanna Make Love To You", where the "other brother" Bill Medley leads: th-cam.com/video/Udyqprq46b0/w-d-xo.html (I like this even better than Muddy Waters' original.) As I'm sure other commentors have mentioned, "Soul and Inspiration" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" are also classics, along with almost everything else they did. I heard they got their name when someone in the audience of one of their early concerts shouted out "That's righteous, brothers!" 🙂
Your analysis is spot on! 👍🏻 Bobby Hatfield stood and delivered! Every woman in America fell in love with Bobby on the Valentine’s special. Love. No gimmicks, no crass lyrics, dancers, lights, fog, blah, blah. I hunger for this type of music to return! I am 80. 😄
I am a professional singer and this is in my estimation a PERFECT performance in every way. PERFECT!
Amen to that!
One of the greatest live vocal performances in history. Glad it was filmed.
A MASTERPIECE! The late great Bobby Hatfield. This song is covered by over 670 artists but no one can touch this performance. What else can be said. Thx
The Righteous Bros are a duo. But they also did solos.Bobby Hatfield was the tenor voice and Bill Melody was the baritone voice they shouldn't have blended together but they did and it was pure magic. HIS live performance of Unchained Melody on the Andy Williams show was sheer perfection. So effortless and smooth a voice from the heavens above. They were inducted into the ROCK and ROLL HALL OF FAME in 2003 .A few months later Bobby passed away. BILL MELODY the other Righteous Bros still sings and performs today.
Sang it with ZERO attitude or pretense. Amazing!!!
No auto tune just pure natural talent.
This song is a TIMELESS MASTERPIECE.
Yes, the transitioning is the miracle here: smooth vocalizing from a standard lyric tenor tessitura to some low-lying note (‘I need your love’) to some freakishly high ones ‘I-iii NEEED your love’). Any singer with a stable tessitura (the comfortable range of one’s voice) can sing parts of this song well, but to go from medium to low and then to high is difficult - fiendishly so if performed live and especially keeping that angel face throughout. Operatic tenors (Pavarotti for example) easily sail through vocal ranges, but they have decades of training and still sweat a bucket !
Bobby Hatfield was a major talent. Usually referred to as a tenor, he was really a countertenor/sopranist with a 4+ octave range. That last note (G7?) was something very few tenors can hit and he did it with such ease. He bites his lip at the end because he knows he nailed it. Amazing.
Absolutely enchanting performance by the immortal Bobby Hatfield. Pure - beautiful - incomparable! ⭐ 💖
Truly amazing!
@Jeremy Timothy Not something I would be bragging about. 🙅🏻♀️👎🏻 🛑
@Michael Lachlan 🙅🏻♀️👎🏻 🛑
A live television broadcast (Andy Williams Show, 1965). His parents were in the crowd that evening; his little lip bite after the last note meant he KNOWS he did his best for them.
I'm on old guy and really enjoy watching the youth react to some of these songs! Thanks.
Same here. I appreciate their knowledge and they recognize the talent and beauty behind the mic no matter the era.
Well said! ME TOO!!
I enjoy watching the youth realize that there was immense singing talent before they were born and the rap culture celebrates a whole different form of entertainment.
You have it absolutely right--THAT IS PURE TALENT ! It's the incredible voice filled with heart, emotion and soul that makes this such a classic--and only Bobby Hatfield had it all--there is no one else who can compare to him. Cathy
No one - I always look forward to and agree with all your comments. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
If I had to listen to only one song for the rest of my life, it would be this song, this performance.
He aced it. That’s a masterpiece.
Absolutely the BEST live vocal ever!
I am 81 and remember quite a few singers doing this but Bobby's tops them all. I was heading to Viet Nam when his version can out. I can feel the loneliness in every word. Bill and Bobby always did one solo on each of there albums and while on tour. They both wanted to do Unchained, so they flipped a coin. The music was written as the theme for the little-known prison film “Unchained” (January 1955), hence the song title. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack. It has since become a standard and one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, most notably by the Righteous Brothers. The movie “Unchained” is about a man in prison and longing for his wife and children. Hoping his wife will still be there when he gets out. So you can now understand the meaning of the song. The movie was not very good, or so my friends told me. But we were all teenagers so what did we now. Several artists sang it and it made the billboard top 100. But no one can come close to Bobby Hatfield’s version. Bobby’s version hit the top ten chart. And did it again when it was used in the movie “Ghost” It has since become a standard and one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, most notably by Bobby. According to the song's publishing administrator, over 1,500 recordings of "Unchained Melody" have been made by more than 670 artists, in multiple languages.
Educated and instructive reaction to Bobby Hattfields performance of Unchained Melody. Heard lots of other performers sing this but he owned this song and still does no one has ever topped him
He had a cold, he was nervous, as his parents were in the audience, and yet, he gave a stellar performance.
Listen to You've lost that loving feeling live with the both of them you'll be surprised. ALSO Your my soul and my heart,'s Inspiration. Think you will like both
Great reaction. Bobby's performances were always perfect, he never missed a note or a beat. A counter-Tenor his range was rare and amazing, from baritone to G5 and higher. NO falsetto. Bobby and Bill together are amazing. No other word for The Righteous Brothers. But this song...this is "Bobby's Song."
You have to understand we grew up listening to this so that's why we know all this information. The music today cannot compare to the music from the 60s, 70s and the 80s.
love your reactions, we were so lucky ,all the great talent around.
“You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” will give you both members and great song.
I couldn't watch the whole reaction. No one can talk and listen at the same time. You can't hear the lyrics because you talk through the song. How can you genuinely appreciate the artistry?
@@tonyv-ph Its a REACTION go watch the original.
@@tonyv-ph I must agree some of the reactors stop them so many times you just lose the flow.
That was a live performance!!! The Andy Williams show. His mother was in the audience!!
Thank you sir for playing this very beautiful song sung by Bobby Hatfield. Could you please play another solo that he sung called "Summertime"1965. I would appreciate it. Also of course your reaction of his musical abilities and tell me why back in the day that he and his other Righteous Brother partner Bill Hadley's music was referred to as Blue Eyed Soul. Once again sir I thank you. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Happy New Year.
Great review Sir. I grew up with that music and it is more special than many people realize. Thank you for bringing it out for more people to enjoy.
He is hitting over 20 notes..amazing
RIP BOBBY, your legacy and voice marches on
I was 16 when I watched this live with my folks in 1965 on The Andy Williams Show..I still have all their 45 singles on vinyl and all their albums on 78 vinyl. They are still my favorite Duo of the 60's.
I was 6 and remember watching with my parents.
Thanks, Wilburn for your appreciation of Bobby - one thing that I super-loved about his vocals was that he never seemed to straining or reaching of those incredible notes.. just made it sound easy.. even LIVE -- and I also heard that in this particular performance he was nervous b/c his MOM was in the audience.. no doubt she was proud... lol
So effortless! Bobby doesn't even break out in a sweat, even though he was nervous about his mother being in the audience.
They never die while we still have their music.
Raw talent of both brothers in You've Lost That Lovin Feelin
Righteous Brothers- you've lost that loving feeling! Both brothers sing! Amazing
I was 12yo when this was released. Now I feel very old.
When I saw them live Bill introduced this song saying we do solo songs and duets in our performance and here is Bobby singing Unchained Melody he then sat down and watched Bobby blow it out of the water
He was simply the best
Great reaction and review
You really need to check out something with both of them, it may be older music but I guarantee you'll love it, I've never seen or heard anyone who's heard one of their songs say that it was bad or that they didn't care for it. May I recommend "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" and "You're My Soul and Inspiration". I believe that's the title of that 2nd one, if not it's very close lol.
Not only, but also, a LIVE TV broadcast, with a Live audience !
So glad this performance is captured and available to all still today.
I was born in 65 and I always wonder if my mother was listening to them then. Have loved their music even now 55 years later
Well done Wilburn,so glad you appreciated what you heard. 👍
Bee Gees TOO MUCH HEAVEN....and take that journey.....they were AMAZING ALSO......they were from Australia originally as children. Had like a 50 ye career. God given talent is all one can say about it!!!!
I'm so glad I found your channel today Chod. In one day you've managed to work yourself to my top three reactors.
And that's because you're real, natural and with no overacting of any kind, which I eventually find so exhausting in other channels, not to mention you give critiques, that's lacking in other channels too. Plus you listen to many styles, that's what I'm also looking for
Keep up the great work.
Welcome to blue-eyed soul! You have so much more great music to explore.
Been listening for 53 yrs. You can hear the 60's soul influence when he sings. Incredible vocals. This was TV dude. He crushes it. No cover is this good. He passed away from a cocaine induced heart attack. Such a gift he was. This has stood the test of time, 84 million views. Happy I found you, enjoyed it, Thanks
Great to see the younger generation enjoying music of the simpler times!
THE BEST VOICE THAT EVER LIVED, BOBBYS GIFT TO US, WAS THIS SONG, THAT NOBODY ELSE COULD DO.
Thank you for saying no auto-tune! He was amazing!
I could see, in your face, just how you wish you were there. I was around then just too young; it holds a nostalgia for me as well, regardless.
True talent,is right!
The story I heard was, that when they used to play live originally, a lot of brothers used to say "Right on brother, right on", hence the name Righteous Brothers"
That's what love and respect for your craft looks and sounds like.
I love the end when he bites his lower lip. It deals the deal. A beautiful and honest song and performance
No BS auto tune with this group, just pure blue eyed Soul.
This performance always amazes me. You’re right, it’s the man, a microphone and his talent.
You need to listen to the brothers sing You've lost that loving feeling! It's awesome!!!
I'm a sucker for the violins floating through the background of songs in this era of music
Bless you son!! A 10 is what Bobby deserves for just this performance!! I've seen others rate this performance & don't give him a 10!!! You're first class son!! Listen to more of the. Righteous Brothers & together or doing their respective solos are hot!!! I'm so happy young people are getting to know them!! Blue~Eyed Soul of perfection!!! Pass them onto to others plz!! 😃🙋🏻♀️❤️❤️😁😃😘🤩🥰😍😍🌹❤️🥰
You should hear their song, I lost that loving feeling. Both of them sing that one.
This was the key song in the movie Ghost with Patrick Swayze And DemiMoore!👍🏻❤️☮️
I have listened to this song perhaps 100 times with various people doing reviews. Yours is head & shoulders above the rest. Proud to be your most recent subscriber. PS. I am nearly 72 years old and remember watching this on TV that first night. Thought then and 55± years later still do feel it was the greatest live performance I ever witnessed.
Please react to Bobby singing Ebb Tide, My Prayer, Summertime, and his version of The wonder of you is my favourite. It will blow you away
I was 15 when this song came out. What you said about his voice is RIGHTEOUS my man.
Great reaction thank you. He was amazing. Thank you again.
The oldies are pure gold
Pure! Respect
This song takes on more meaning when understood in context...the song comes from a prison movie about a man doing time and singing to his love from prison...In 1954, Alex North was contracted to compose the score for the prison film (released in 1955).... North then asked Hy Zaret to write the lyrics, but Zaret initially declined, saying he was too busy painting his house. North was able to convince him to take the job, and together they wrote "Unchained Melody."...and the rest is history...maybe the most beautifully written romantic song of all time...and as I understand Zaret did eventually get his house painted
Bobby Hatfield had a 4 octave range with perfect pitch. If he had had classical training, he could have been a world class opera tenor.
Wilburn says " you better sing " Bobby says " hold my beer "
Great reaction man. He really is super talented and, as you said...UNIQUE!!!
Many thanks for your reaction to this beautiful song performed by the great 'Bobby Hatfield' and the fantastic composition by musician 'Alex North' (Cleopatra, Spartacus, Misfits and many more)
You want to be COMPLETELY blown away by a voice?! Get to the b&w youtube video of Jackie Wilson singing "Danny Boy," from 1965. Then listen to the Platters. All these songs were the soundtrack of my youth. Back then you didn't need anything but voices. Whole different world. I miss it.
Minnie Ripperton song Lovin' You. A beautiful song . R.I.P.died of breast cancer.
She's Maya Rudolph's Mom. Great voice!
This is what music was like when I was growing up and I
am so happy about that, we had the best music and I really
feel sorry about the youth of our nation with what they have!
I reckon you'd enjoy the crystal clear, pure vocals of Maddie Prior, the lead singer of Steeleye Span, a UK folk-rock group from waaaay back, who I think, are still performing, over 50 years on!! 😲
They have a ton of videos on TH-cam, but my favourite is their most unusual, 'Gaudete' (pronounced gow-day-tay) a Gregorian chant, celebrating the birth of Christ!
The song is hundreds of years old, but made the top 20 in the Christmas chart in the UK, in 1973!
Some guy watched them sing and afterwards he said, that was righteous brother and the name stuck.
Back then they referred to this as "blue eyed soul" So many great artist and songs. Definitely check out "you've lost that loving feeling". Also another soulful singer is Jeff Healy. Check out "angel eyes". You won't be disappointed.
This song was 10 years old when Bobby sang it. Originally it was written for the prison movie, _Unchained,_ which came out in 1955. It has been covered by numerous artists both before and after this version, but IMO none of them come close. Some are quite good, like Elvis' version, but the Righteous Brothers will forever own it. BTW, I even prefer this live Andy Williams Show rendition over the studio one. Bobby uses runs and his range a lot more here. Folks say he wanted to show off to his parents, who were in the audience. "Mom, do you still wish I were a dentist?" 😉
You nailed that reaction, brother!
Hi glenn from here great show and the best live performance you will ever see god bless Bobby
And that was just on a talk show, The Andy Williams Show, not a concert!
Lots of babies born because of this song. :-)
Top shelf blue eyed soul brother.
No auto-tune in I don't think started until your generation back in my day there was no lip-syncing or anything like that and the voice dubbing it was pure natural voice this is how songs were meant to be
No auto tune just pure natural talent
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏Can't beat him!!!
never to be repeated, its all about the voice, 12 out of 10
Miss the classic masters, Otis. Marvin, Rigjtwous Brothets, and on and on
Pure soul
Great reaction!
You are right!!!! For the most part --- Singing styles that just doesn't exist anymore ... very very few have the ability.
Wonderful reaction
Blue eyed soul
I enjoy your insightful reviews! Aloha from Hawaii!
That’s a fact. You either had it back in the 60’s and 70’s or you didn’t. You couldn’t hide bad anyway you tried.
Because of his unique voice I read that his mother was in the audience and he was very nervous about that so considering that and it's good as he sounded
The High note ending was only done on Live shows.... Checkout " Soul & Inspiration " by both guys...
Bobby Hatfield was 25 when he sang this live on the Andy Williams Show (a musical variety show) in 1965. The "other brother" Bill Medley was also there, but Bobby did this song solo. They had tossed a coin over it, and Bobby won.
The song was from the prison movie "Unchained" from the late 1950's, where a lonely inmate was longing for the love of his life and pleading for her to wait for his release. The film didn't do so well, but the song caught on and has since been covered over 600 times. However, Bobby really made it his own, so that his became the definitive version, at least for my generation and older. Not even Elvis could match him. It has also been used in many other films, including "Ghost", where a whole new generation discovered it.
For a complete contrast, check out "I Just Wanna Make Love To You", where the "other brother" Bill Medley leads: th-cam.com/video/Udyqprq46b0/w-d-xo.html (I like this even better than Muddy Waters' original.) As I'm sure other commentors have mentioned, "Soul and Inspiration" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" are also classics, along with almost everything else they did.
I heard they got their name when someone in the audience of one of their early concerts shouted out "That's righteous, brothers!" 🙂