The most beautiful voice and song I ever heard...Since I heard it for first time,I never stopped playing it..Bobby Hatfield we miss you so much...Everytime I see you and hear you,,you melt my heart...I love you Bobby... Rest in Peace precious and beautiful soul ❤️
It wasn't a backing track; the orchestra was live as well, as it usually was on the show. Lovely arrangement, and different from the studio record arrangement. Bobby was a special performer, and this is so intimate. Still miss him, RIP.
I should have guessed really as this was common around this time! Makes the production more impressive to be honest! I do find it odd on some performances though, like joni Mitchell on the mama cass show having a string section playing off screen along with her - always felt out of place!
@@TheBunkhouseStudios Thats kind of just the way it was. Each variety show had their own musicians as did Johnny Carson's Tonight Show and they took any opportunity to showcase them and regularly had the guest performers rehearse with and utilize the house bands instead of their own. Most often with vocalists but not limited to them. For example Stevie Ray Vaughn performed on a number of the shows without Double Trouble.
OMG the Righteous Brothers music! Bobby owns this song. No one sang like he did. I'm 74 yrs and watched him sing this beautiful song on the Andy Williams show in 1964. Pure raw talent and no auto tunes. That didn't exist and this live on TV. Too bad we lost him in 2003. RIP Bobby! We miss hearing your beautiful voice! ❤🙏❤❤
@@TheBunkhouseStudios Bobby suffered terrible stage fright his whole career and his mum was in the audience at the time. Andy Williams' show had excellentvproduction back then.
I met both of them after a concert in NYS in the late 60s and sat and chatted with them for at least an hour. Greatest guys in the world even back then when they were at the top of their careers. Will never forget them for that. Both were awesome.
This is the first time I've ever heard anyone mention he seemed nervous. Interesting perception. I agrée Bobby appears humble. There's no ego involved at all in this performance, just pure talent. It's almost like he doesn't know how talented he actually is. ❤
@@TheBunkhouseStudios How you describe the song is exactly how Bobby was. He had no ego, you basically nailed the man himself. From what I've gathered he was an untrained singer also. Pure, natural talent. He was very humble throughout his career and didn't ever see himself as a star or a legend or any other title he was given. This has to be the most studied song in history. It has no equal imho.
CAN YOU BELIEVE A PERFORMANCE LIKE THIS FROM BOBBY HATFIELD BACK IN 1965. TRULY PHENOMENAL. THIS IS WHAT WE NOW CALL "X-FACTOR PLUS" SO SMOOTH, ELEGANT, CLEAN, PURE, CLASSY AND POWERFULLY B E A U T I F U L. HIS PERFORMANCE REALLY CAPTIVATED YOUR HEART
I have probably listened to this specific performance over 100 times and I still find it to be as amazing as I did the first time. His extreme vocal range combined with the apparent ease with which he can traverse the entire vocal range and do so smoothly and powerfully is to me something that is if not a gift only he had, then certainly a gift possessed by few others before or since.
@annieknight71 the only thing I don't like about this song is the fact that I cannot listen too it unless I'm alone... Because I cannot listen too it without singing along and trust me, nobody deserves to suffer through that lol.
Bobby Hatfield totally owns this song. The Righteous Brothers are the ONLY musical act in history to have a song go to number one when it was first released, then go to number one again years later when the movie Ghost came out.
Yes, this song made history! When the version for the movie “Ghost” hit the charts, it revived interest in the original studio version - and Righteous Brothers then had TWO versions of the same song simultaneously on the charts, each version competing with the other!
Bobby Hatfield is an absolute Legend. I don't think I ever watched a review where panties didn't fly off or men being in awe over his humble entrancing voice. +1
Bobby Hatfield did admit later that he was very nervous for this performance, as it was the first time his mother, who loved this song, was in the audience listening to him perform live.
The two of them, Bill and Bobby, had a coin toss between a show break, as to who would sing a solo. He won it. He was under the weather, with a cold. Yes, had nerves with his Mother in the audience..... yet, he sung as this!
You can see in the brief chat with Andy just before the song, that he was quite literally breathless 10 seconds before he sang it. Amazing performance!
Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley are two of the most humble superstars you ever saw. Now, you must hear and see the most played song of the 20th century, "You've Lost That Lovin' feeling." The black and white video. Anything they did was great, whether they solo or singing together. There are no words but great to describe either of them, but Bobby was very special. We all love and miss him. Thank you for your thoughtful analysis.
dawna, even the old b&w vid is a classic. I love how Bobby sits there quiety in silhouette and lets Bill do his thing and then quietly stands and joins in. All that is needed to make it the ultimate in cool is if he just dropped a cigarette and empty can as he do so. And then the end when they go back to their roots and are rocking out with the Baby, and really bring it on back ... I could watch them for hours. So much soul and emotion.
Bobby suffered stage fright. He was 25, his first time live on one of most popular TV shows, he had a cold, his mom was sitting behind him, Good grief, it’s a wonder he could sing let alone make the best live record eVER! Bobby was close to perfect as an entertainer and person.
True, his first and only time on the Andy Williams show. 😊Just adding more information/clarity: He had been on TV many times by that point including as a regular on the very popular Shindig. In fact, he sang Unchained Melody several months before on Shindig.
“The Righteous Brothers” are considered by most to be the Greatest Male Vocal Duet Of All Time. I agree. Between Bill Medley’s Lows and Bobby Hatfield’s Highs they can hit every note on an 73 key piano. No other male singers can do that. Legendary. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin” was the most played song on radio in the 20th Century. "Unchained Melody" - Bobby Hatfield Live 1965. Considered by most as The Greatest Live Male Vocal Performance In History... I agree. Bobby's use of "Runs" is brilliant. He is the master of the technique and started the trend. 7 notes just to say the word "I".... They created the sound and set the table that all Soul Music fed from for decades to come. They started performing at a club called John's Black Derby in Santa Ana, CA. According to Medley, they adopted the name "The Righteous Brothers" for the duo because black Marines from the El Toro Marine base started calling them "righteous brothers". At the end of a performance, a black U.S. Marine in the audience would shout, "That was righteous, brothers!" In 1983, in Newport Beach O.C. Calif. Bill and Bobby at the Jolly Roger Restaurant . I was 13 feet away for... "Unchained Melody"- "You've Lost That Lovin’ Feelin‘" - "Soul And Inspiration".... They were perfect, awesome, amazing, incredible......
I whole heartly agree they were the best. Rolling Stone magazine seems to have something against them as they ranked the Righteous Brothers 16! What the heck!!
@@Mckatt2 being a sound engineer wouldn't necessarily mean I'd find it easier to pick out. It all depends on how a backing track is recorded. If, say you recorded it live in the same way and space as you would it being played live, it probably would be very hard to tell. It's a testament to how well it was recorded and performed here that I didn't pick up on it being live in the studio.
‘Wasn’t expecting a sound engineer to honor the man behind the voice with such warmth! ‘Can’t get over Bobby’s power and delivery without a squirm; or even audibly and visibly gasping for breath.
From an LA Times article on his memorial: There aren’t many people who sing at their own funeral and get a standing ovation. But Hatfield did when a nearly 40-year-old video of him singing the hit “Unchained Melody” was played.
Its called Blue Eyed Soul; prominent in the sixties and a follow up to bee bop of the fifties. Bobby was the best at delivering his talented presentations with heart AND soul while touching ours. This iconic masterpiece showcases everything about him and is actually superior to the studio cut which charted twice despite bring released on the B side of a 45. RIP Bobby Hatfield you are missed. 1940-2003
Since this airing, countless other's have tried to do this same song justice. In my personal opinion we watched this live on the TV broadcast. Me personally it was perfection. No one since has ever come close to Bobby's performance on this one. Bobby past away in 2003.
Have to give a shout out to the composer: It was composed by the composer and conductor, Alex North, who was nominated for an Oscar 15 times, but only received a lifetime achievement award from the Academy. It was written for the 1955 movie, Unchained. Hy Zaret was the lyricist. The song itself was nominated for an Oscar by lost out to "Love is a Many Splendored Thing." There's a photo floating around the internet of Bobby Hatfield visiting with Mr. North.
Bobby might actually have had a bit of a rough start/anxiety at the very beginning. ...he had chronic and pretty profound stage fright and would usually throw up before a performance and then he'd get his professionalism up and go out on stage and totally kill it. His mom was also in the audience behind him on the stage. Also, Bobby had an incredible 4-octave range.
I think it only adds to the performance really - and makes it more impressive that he managed to overcome his stage fright and deliver such a great performance!
@@TheBunkhouseStudios Absolutely. That level of courage and professionalism in a young man ...not to mention disciplined talent... humbles me every time I see him perform.
His stage fright adds an awesome context to the first few seconds of this performance. You never see his teeth from when he picks up the mic until the first brief applause, then it's a genuine smile and he seems a lot more relaxed.
@@pcppbadminton @badminton He and Bill were genuine folk too. That little shy humble smile after Bobby's last note when he know he has delivered flawless magic .... man that can't be easily faked. Pinnacle of talent & professionalism in one so young. He & Bill were both born in 1940 so that would make them 26 at the time of this show.
I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction, as it added aspects I had not considered regarding Bobby's performance. One in particular was you noticing that he was a bit nervous at the start of the song. I had always sort of sensed that slight awkwardness, but you put it into words. But as you intimated, it doesn't detract from the beauty of the song; in a sense, it makes it more human. As a previous commenter noted, that was completely in line with Mr. Hatfield's character. Good review, sir. I've subscribed.
i liked your professional input about this song, one of my favorites. many "reaction" videos do love it, but don't have the expertise to critique, not just criticize, a singer's technical expertise along with emotions/heart/soul needed for a song like this; something that can never be taught or learned ... thanks!
I watched this live in 1965 on the Andy Williams tv show.. I was 15 at the time. This is the only time this was aired in 1965. dont think you were even born yet..
Yes it was done live, with Andy Williams orchestra; no autotune, one take performance. Bobby had a fominal octave range, being a contratenor. His range was off the charts; compared/similar to a female sopranoic voice. He is dearly missed after all these years. What a blessed individual with a god given voice.
Full Live Orchestra on Andy Williams. Your description of his lack of ego and natural feeling is spot on. He is a bit nasal in this performance,as he was suffering a head cold at the time. And yet....
Ich habe mehrmals gelesen das der text für den nicht sehr erfolgreichen film chained geschrieben wurde, im jahr 1955. Der autor war auch abgebildet. Gruss aus deutschland.
The song was from a 1955 movie called "Chained" about a chain gang prison. It was sung by a black opera singer named Todd Duncan (one of the prisoners) - it's on TH-cam. The song won an Academy Award in 1955. For the 1955 versions, check out Roy Hamilton and Sam Cooke (on TH-cam). But this version was the one that really took off. Bobby was the one that started singing "I need your love" up an octave, which other singers began emulating.
I'm happy to hear you mention how, while he did that little run, he didn't over do it and also talking about today's singers. I've said the same thing many times about Mariah Carey. I enjoyed her early music, but later it seems that she, and many others who copied it, tried to hit every note in the scale at the end of every line. That does nothing but detract from the melody of the song. It's like Ok, we know you can do it, but why?
I don’t like Mariah Carey because of that irritating habit. It has always sounded like “ listen to how good I am!” It ruins every song that she sings for me. Here, the embellishments are used to emphasise the emotion of the song. It’s a world of difference.
Definitely agree with you regarding the vocal gymnastics of latter singers. Bobby and his ilk certainly knew how to sing and had immense talent. Great reaction - I’m definitely on the same page as you .
Thanks! Yep personally for me I feel it's that next level of mastery as a performer - to be able to show technical prowess without needing to resort to being 'showy'. It's that lack of ego where it really just let's the art itself shine.
@@TheBunkhouseStudios I have been enjoying watching the younger reactors discover the real talents I grew up hearing. There seems to be a hunger for real music done superbly which is so often missing these days.
I agree that there’s something understated about this performance, like he’s holding back but it seems deliberate. He definitely didn’t hold back on the studio version.
And to think he was nervous before the performance! It was magic. Once in a lifetime experience, and a performance that crosses time and generations. Other singers can cover this song, but they will never match the magic of this performance
This is the absolute best live performance I've personally ever seen. I'm no spring chicken either.haha His par3nts were in the audience during this performance. He was happy with the outcome. Why wouldnt he be right? lol. That orchestra was also live and not a background noise.
In your own objective, dispassionate way you give this performance the highest praise. About that last note: you’re absolutely right: Bobby nails it but doesn’t hold it, he just lets his voice sound out with the orchestra supporting him. Just magic !
Very much appreciated your reaction! Grateful that you could and did articulate what you did about the man, the musician and the performance. You must be a sought after sound engineer: insightful, intelligent and wholesome. Thank you for the reaction, from 🇬🇧 !
Yes he was live and so was the orchestra. This is sheer perfecion.Singers before him and after him have song this song no one can come close and I've heard many over the years. His performance was effortless . He has it all. The Righteous Bros.Bobby Hatfield was the tenor his partner Bill Melody was the baritone but combine they were terrific Maybe you should listen to a few of their songs.Also both did alot of solos.Back then you had to have real talent not like today.
I agreed pretty much with everything that you said, especially about the last note not being held long enough. But there is the context to consider. First, it was a live performance probably being broadcast throughout all of North America -- great pressure indeed. Second, Bobby's mom was in the audience for the first time which I understand added to his nerves. Third, Bobby suffered from stage fright and often threw up before a performance. Fourth, I understand that he had a cold. Fifth, I understand that he had been injured about an hour before his performance. Under these circumstances, I found his performance beyond amazing.
Bobby loved to sing, and wasn't deeply ambitious beyond that. He loved the acoustics in this hall and, in fact, worked with the arranger and conductor to expand the song. I thin k the tentativeness at the beginning is part of his interpretation, but I could be wrong. I will only add that Andy's orchestra was known as one of the best used.
Not only was Bobby not offensively over-reaching, he did not even consider himself equal in talent to Bill Medley. This comes across in the interview where Bobby admits he never thought of himself as a music legend - but Bill - yes-Bill is the legend (probably because of the recording engineer abilities that he picked up from Phil Spector and others). This humble earnest admission startled Bill - who was familiar with Bobby's very affable, gentle uplifting sense of humor!!! Witnessing Bobby's publicly aired admiration could only have been beneficial to him personally - as Bill had at least one very long-term and horrendously painful situation to go through: laboring to determine who had murdered his wife.
Bobby had severe stage fright which had to have been worse as his parents were there during this Andy Williams show performance. Bobby had a *four octave range* . What you seeing her is complete CONTROL in his singing. He didn't have to *strain* his high notes. Their song "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" holds the record as most song plays ever on the radio. If you REALLY want to listen to a true blue eyed soul listen to "I Just Want to Make Love With You". The ladies listen and get blushed.
Yep he has excellent control - the shifts between his octaves are very natural and effortless! It's interesting that I picked up on his nerves as I wasn't aware he suffered with stage fright!
@@TheBunkhouseStudios His nerves caused a lot of problems & his solutions contributed to his heart problems. Many of the girls in my generation had boyfriends who were in service & this song kept them firmly in our minds & hearts. I remember being so disappointed that the Osbornes were not going to be at this show but this song made me forget about them.
It is unfotunate that people hear the version in the movie 'Ghost. there is no comparision. Bobby Hatfield's RANGE, CONTROL, MODULATIONS and lack of any use of autotone-which wasn't available in 1965, makes this version by far the BEST.
Yes Bobby seemed to instinctively and because he performed so often, know not to overdo his singing with extra unnecessary vocal gymnastics as I've seen done by many pop singers like those you mentioned in a few of their songs. I'd also add to that list of singers who overdo their singing on some of their songs Christina Aguilera who can sing powerfully and beautifully on some songs and then just try way to hard to impress with vocal gymnastics that don't fit in other songs.
Yep Christina Aguilera is a great example. Very capable singer but tries too hard in most performances I have seen of hers. But she is from that ilk of vocalists where their selling point is showing off their vocal capabilities. Just not my thing I guess!
@@TheBunkhouseStudios have you watched LeAnn Rimes' 2018 performance of this song? She's a good singer, but watching the video, I felt she tried too hard on getting the notes 'just right.' Hatfield sang the song with such effortlessness, it was like the song was written specially for him.
Song was written in 1955 for, of all things, a prison movie! The convict, soon to be UNCHAINED (get it?) wonders if his wife/girlfriend still loved him, still wanted him to return to her. Full background here : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unchained_Melody .
Bobby also had a cold! AND THIS WAS A LIVE PERFORMANCE!! Back in the great 60’s era!! I was fortunate to grow up with these AMAZING SINGERS WHO TRULY HAD TALENTS.
The Righteous Brothers called their particular singing style "Blue-eyed Soul" and Bobby displays a bit of it here with his unusual phrasing. It is really obvious in many of their other arrangements. Cheers.
Thank you for your honest and insightful review of Bobby Hatfield’s performance of this beautiful song. He always reaches in and pulls at my heartstrings with this performance.
You should do the group "The Platters", "Smoke gets in your eyes". Their lead singer, Tony Williams, was among the best of that era. They also did "Only You", another big hit for them Enjoy!
Bobby majored in music in college. Of course he had training - with his level of virtuosity in breath control, dynamics, phrasing... I don't understand why people keep saying that when a simple Google search will show the truth.
Thank you for informative reaction. IMO this live performance is superior to the studio version played on the radio. Perhaps because his mother was in the audience, Bobby really put himself into this. His runs tend to be extended and embellished, and the multi-peaked crescendo at the end is more impressive.
Thanks for checking it out! I agree, there's definitely something special about this performance, it captures the essence of the song in a great way :)
He was sick at this time with a cold. That accounted for him taking a breath where he normally wouldn’t. He was also nervous because his mom was there in the audience, seeing him perform live for the first time. Note his little smile after hitting that last high C. He knew he nailed it ❤
You make a good point about how intimate it sounds. It's good to have another perspective (sound engineer). Most of these are from musicians or vocal coaches.
A sound engineer finally gets a real education lol. and screw the Ghost movie, I am so sick and tired of people saying they heard this song in the movie Ghost when this performance proves the song, melody and lyrics, and singer, was outstanding on their own merits long BEFORE "Ghost." Ghost, big deal, so what? THIS is the real deal here. the eprformance of a lifetime, for the ages, or so many hundreds wouldn't be reacting to it now on youtube.
Thats a bit unfair on those outside the U.S. or too young to have seen/heard this particular performance until TH-cam existed. I was just too young to have heard this song or You've Lost That Loving Feeling at the time they were hits. However, I was always mesmerised and thrilled when they were occasionally played on the UK radio in subsequent years. Only recently, thanks to You Tube, did I get to know what Bobbly and Bill looked like or heard more of their songs. (Have never seen Ghost, by the way, but millions have, and of course it was their first thrilling time of hearing this masterpiece. That's just an accident of time, not a crime!).
This is pure talent. The live backing musicians. I know I am sounding old but the so called multimillion dollars artist to in 2023 can’t hold a candle to him. What has happened to todays music and audience. Absolute rubbish compared to back then.
Thanks for the analysis - I enjoyed it. I remember this song well.....driving a convertible through the country side in a beautiful area with the music up loud and the exhaust note ( Healey 3000 ) burbling in the background. Bobby was by far my favourite singer and his range was astounding. Perhaps more important was the flavour of the times. We were less cynical and his vocals reflected the 1960's reality. Thanks again.
The most beautiful voice and song I ever heard...Since I heard it for first time,I never stopped playing it..Bobby Hatfield we miss you so much...Everytime I see you and hear you,,you melt my heart...I love you Bobby... Rest in Peace precious and beautiful soul ❤️
25, nervous, Mom in audience, no auto tune, no backing track. Just pure raw talent
He also had a bad cold. Amazing
Bobby's mom was in the audience?
His moms b hind him to his rite w the blue dress and brown fur w his dad too.
So true.
It wasn't a backing track; the orchestra was live as well, as it usually was on the show. Lovely arrangement, and different from the studio record arrangement. Bobby was a special performer, and this is so intimate. Still miss him, RIP.
I should have guessed really as this was common around this time! Makes the production more impressive to be honest! I do find it odd on some performances though, like joni Mitchell on the mama cass show having a string section playing off screen along with her - always felt out of place!
@@TheBunkhouseStudios Thats kind of just the way it was. Each variety show had their own musicians as did Johnny Carson's Tonight Show and they took any opportunity to showcase them and regularly had the guest performers rehearse with and utilize the house bands instead of their own. Most often with vocalists but not limited to them. For example Stevie Ray Vaughn performed on a number of the shows without Double Trouble.
The Andy Williams Show had a superb orchestra, because he was such a huge singing star as well.
Ummmm, well, no.
Yes that is true,I've read several articles on this performance, it is truly a live orchestra!!
Im pretty confident when I say, there will never be a better performance than this
So many have done this song ,including Elvis. No one has came close to Bobby.
Agree completely!
His version is the gold standard by which all others are judged by
Honestly, his studio version doesn't even compare to this live performance
Agreed!
Amen to that!
OMG the Righteous Brothers music! Bobby owns this song. No one sang like he did. I'm 74 yrs and watched him sing this beautiful song on the Andy Williams show in 1964. Pure raw talent and no auto tunes. That didn't exist and this live on TV. Too bad we lost him in 2003. RIP Bobby! We miss hearing your beautiful voice! ❤🙏❤❤
Funny you mentioned it. Bobby Hatfield was known for being ego free in real life. Very down to earth and humble.
Bobby and Bill hated to be treated like anything but "one of the guys."
Yeah I can definitely believe that!
@@TheBunkhouseStudios Bobby suffered terrible stage fright his whole career and his mum was in the audience at the time. Andy Williams' show had excellentvproduction back then.
I met both of them after a concert in NYS in the late 60s and sat and chatted with them for at least an hour. Greatest guys in the world even back then when they were at the top of their careers. Will never forget them for that. Both were awesome.
@@jeannegood9131 that's so cool! Thanks for sharing!
Bobby’s vocal range is amazing and his personality,his humor, his wit and humility are amazing as well
Perfection
No backing track....all live!!!! No lip syncing.....no auto tune......that’s why you needed talent in the 60’s....
It's very true that there was less to hide behind back then!
This is the first time I've ever heard anyone mention he seemed nervous. Interesting perception. I agrée Bobby appears humble. There's no ego involved at all in this performance, just pure talent. It's almost like he doesn't know how talented he actually is. ❤
According to the people who knew him, and those who briefly met him, he was indeed a humble man.
@@Aurora-tp3dy I love that so much. 🥰
True story his parents were in the audience and he didn't want to mess up and embarrass them on live TV and he nailed it 🥇💯
He really did!
I love do much how you loved it. Very great song and great watching
One word for this performance. Masterpiece.
It's a wonderful performance!
I could listen to this 20 times a day and never tire of it!
@@victoria2050nin and who could blame you, it’s so good.
please review Smokey Robinson singing Cruisin'.. Bobby, Bill and Smokey's singing blows out my ovaries every time!
@@TheBunkhouseStudios How you describe the song is exactly how Bobby was. He had no ego, you basically nailed the man himself. From what I've gathered he was an untrained singer also. Pure, natural talent.
He was very humble throughout his career and didn't ever see himself as a star or a legend or any other title he was given.
This has to be the most studied song in history. It has no equal imho.
I wouldn't change a thing. It's just purely beautiful.
The best vocal performance ever. No doubt. That pitch on hunger is ridiculous.
CAN YOU BELIEVE A PERFORMANCE LIKE THIS FROM BOBBY HATFIELD BACK IN 1965. TRULY PHENOMENAL. THIS IS WHAT WE NOW CALL "X-FACTOR PLUS"
SO SMOOTH, ELEGANT, CLEAN, PURE, CLASSY AND POWERFULLY B E A U T I F U L. HIS PERFORMANCE REALLY CAPTIVATED YOUR HEART
I will hear angels in heaven with Bobby Hatfield leading them! Absolutely heavenly!
His jaw is so relaxed, it seems impossible to sound like that. Gorgeous. Thank you.
I can’t believe that a sound engineer thought it was a backing track when it was live.
I have probably listened to this specific performance over 100 times and I still find it to be as amazing as I did the first time. His extreme vocal range combined with the apparent ease with which he can traverse the entire vocal range and do so smoothly and powerfully is to me something that is if not a gift only he had, then certainly a gift possessed by few others before or since.
I love this and Summertime, and which one I listen to❤❤❤ it’s my favorite keeps changing to what I’m listening to.
@annieknight71 the only thing I don't like about this song is the fact that I cannot listen too it unless I'm alone... Because I cannot listen too it without singing along and trust me, nobody deserves to suffer through that lol.
Bobby Hatfield totally owns this song. The Righteous Brothers are the ONLY musical act in history to have a song go to number one when it was first released, then go to number one again years later when the movie Ghost came out.
he really does make it his own, which is not an easy thing to do!
That also happened with “ you lost that loving feeling” the most listened to song in the 20th century! And that has both Righteous Brothers singing!
Yes, this song made history! When the version for the movie “Ghost” hit the charts, it revived interest in the original studio version - and Righteous Brothers then had TWO versions of the same song simultaneously on the charts, each version competing with the other!
Bobby Hatfield is an absolute Legend. I don't think I ever watched a review where panties didn't fly off or men being in awe over his humble entrancing voice. +1
Bobby Hatfield did admit later that he was very nervous for this performance, as it was the first time his mother, who loved this song, was in the audience listening to him perform live.
You can tell it meant a lot to him as that comes across in the delivery of his performance I think!
The two of them, Bill and Bobby, had a coin toss between a show break, as to who would sing a solo. He won it. He was under the weather, with a cold. Yes, had nerves with his Mother in the audience..... yet, he sung as this!
@@ginnywithag5046 That's really interesting to know, thanks!
You can see in the brief chat with Andy just before the song, that he was quite literally breathless 10 seconds before he sang it. Amazing performance!
Must have made his mother so proud
Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley are two of the most humble superstars you ever saw. Now, you must hear and see the most played song of the 20th century, "You've Lost That Lovin' feeling." The black and white video. Anything they did was great, whether they solo or singing together. There are no words but great to describe either of them, but Bobby was very special. We all love and miss him. Thank you for your thoughtful analysis.
Thanks for watching! They certainly were both one of a kind!
dawna, even the old b&w vid is a classic. I love how Bobby sits there quiety in silhouette and lets Bill do his thing and then quietly stands and joins in. All that is needed to make it the ultimate in cool is if he just dropped a cigarette and empty can as he do so. And then the end when they go back to their roots and are rocking out with the Baby, and really bring it on back ... I could watch them for hours. So much soul and emotion.
Bobby suffered stage fright. He was 25, his first time live on one of most popular TV shows, he had a cold, his mom was sitting behind him, Good grief, it’s a wonder he could sing let alone make the best live record eVER! Bobby was close to perfect as an entertainer and person.
True, his first and only time on the Andy Williams show.
😊Just adding more information/clarity:
He had been on TV many times by that point including as a regular on the very popular Shindig. In fact, he sang Unchained Melody several months before on Shindig.
“The Righteous Brothers” are considered by most to be the Greatest Male Vocal Duet Of All Time. I agree. Between Bill Medley’s Lows and Bobby Hatfield’s Highs they can hit every note on an 73 key piano. No other male singers can do that. Legendary.
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin” was the most played song on radio in the 20th Century.
"Unchained Melody" - Bobby Hatfield Live 1965. Considered by most as The Greatest Live Male Vocal Performance In History... I agree. Bobby's use of "Runs" is brilliant. He is the master of the technique and started the trend. 7 notes just to say the word "I".... They created the sound and set the table that all Soul Music fed from for decades to come. They started performing at a club called John's Black Derby in Santa Ana, CA. According to Medley, they adopted the name "The Righteous Brothers" for the duo because black Marines from the El Toro Marine base started calling them "righteous brothers". At the end of a performance, a black U.S. Marine in the audience would shout, "That was righteous, brothers!"
In 1983, in Newport Beach O.C. Calif. Bill and Bobby at the Jolly Roger Restaurant . I was 13 feet away for... "Unchained Melody"- "You've Lost That Lovin’ Feelin‘" - "Soul And Inspiration".... They were perfect, awesome, amazing, incredible......
I whole heartly agree they were the best. Rolling Stone magazine seems to have something against them as they ranked the Righteous Brothers 16! What the heck!!
Bobby Hatfields version of this song was perfection.
A beseeching tone. Hits me in the heart every time.
Definitely!
There is an old adage so appropriate: "What comes from the heart... goes to the heart."
One note here,theres no backing track here,it's the Andy Williams Orchestra playing live with Bobby - otherwise,astute reaction.
Yep a few people have pointed this out to me - I should have guessed really as this was a common way of doing TV performances at the time
@@TheBunkhouseStudios all good dude,it's an easy assumption to make,as a backing track is often used.
Yes I was very surprised that does sound engineer didn’t know that!
@@Mckatt2 being a sound engineer wouldn't necessarily mean I'd find it easier to pick out. It all depends on how a backing track is recorded. If, say you recorded it live in the same way and space as you would it being played live, it probably would be very hard to tell. It's a testament to how well it was recorded and performed here that I didn't pick up on it being live in the studio.
That wasn't a backing track he was singing along with that was a full live orchestra as was the case most of the times on the Andy Williams Show.
Yep other people have also pointed this out to me! :)
Like what you said about Bobby's performance! Wish Bobby were here to hear all the accolades! RIP Bobby Hatfield.
No electronic gimmicks to help and enhance his singing performance.. Just pure natural GOD given talent.
Gottgegeben?? Er studierte an der south california university und hat sicher viel gearbeitet. Das sieht man auch an seiner atemtechnik.
Brilliant reaction...you are quite intuitive ❤❤
thanks so much!
‘Wasn’t expecting a sound engineer to honor the man behind the voice with such warmth!
‘Can’t get over Bobby’s power and delivery without a squirm; or even audibly and visibly gasping for breath.
Thanks! He is a wonderful performer that's for sure
It's said his parents were in the audience and he was very nervous.His voice is pure,gentle and powerful all at the same time
Great description of his voice!
He also had a cold. Can you imagine adding that to mom and stage fright.
From an LA Times article on his memorial:
There aren’t many people who sing at their own funeral and get a standing ovation. But Hatfield did when a nearly 40-year-old video of him singing the hit “Unchained Melody” was played.
Thanks for sharing!
Its called Blue Eyed Soul; prominent in the sixties and a follow up to bee bop of the fifties. Bobby was the best at delivering his talented presentations with heart AND soul while touching ours. This iconic masterpiece showcases everything about him and is actually superior to the studio cut which charted twice despite bring released on the B side of a 45. RIP Bobby Hatfield you are missed. 1940-2003
Everything was live....including the orchestra. True professionals without aid of electronics.
Since this airing, countless other's have tried to do this same song justice. In my personal opinion we watched this live on the TV broadcast. Me personally it was perfection. No one since has ever come close to Bobby's performance on this one. Bobby past away in 2003.
Yeah I've never liked any other versions tbh!
Have to give a shout out to the composer: It was composed by the composer and conductor, Alex North, who was nominated for an Oscar 15 times, but only received a lifetime achievement award from the Academy. It was written for the 1955 movie, Unchained. Hy Zaret was the lyricist. The song itself was nominated for an Oscar by lost out to "Love is a Many Splendored Thing." There's a photo floating around the internet of Bobby Hatfield visiting with Mr. North.
Bobby might actually have had a bit of a rough start/anxiety at the very beginning. ...he had chronic and pretty profound stage fright and would usually throw up before a performance and then he'd get his professionalism up and go out on stage and totally kill it.
His mom was also in the audience behind him on the stage.
Also, Bobby had an incredible 4-octave range.
I think it only adds to the performance really - and makes it more impressive that he managed to overcome his stage fright and deliver such a great performance!
@@TheBunkhouseStudios Absolutely. That level of courage and professionalism in a young man ...not to mention disciplined talent... humbles me every time I see him perform.
His stage fright adds an awesome context to the first few seconds of this performance. You never see his teeth from when he picks up the mic until the first brief applause, then it's a genuine smile and he seems a lot more relaxed.
@@pcppbadminton @badminton He and Bill were genuine folk too. That little shy humble smile after Bobby's last note when he know he has delivered flawless magic .... man that can't be easily faked.
Pinnacle of talent & professionalism in one so young. He & Bill were both born in 1940 so that would make them 26 at the time of this show.
🌹 It's not about ego it's respect and passion for singing
I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction, as it added aspects I had not considered regarding Bobby's performance. One in particular was you noticing that he was a bit nervous at the start of the song. I had always sort of sensed that slight awkwardness, but you put it into words. But as you intimated, it doesn't detract from the beauty of the song; in a sense, it makes it more human. As a previous commenter noted, that was completely in line with Mr. Hatfield's character. Good review, sir. I've subscribed.
No Autotune, pure vocal. I know this song was at the end of movie Ghost i have listened to Righteous Brothers since mid 60's.
Yes I'd forgotten it was used in that film!
i liked your professional input about this song, one of my favorites. many "reaction" videos do love it, but don't have the expertise to critique, not just criticize, a singer's technical expertise along with emotions/heart/soul needed for a song like this; something that can never be taught or learned ... thanks!
I watched this live in 1965 on the Andy Williams tv show.. I was 15 at the time. This is the only time this was aired in 1965. dont think you were even born yet..
Wow that's cool! I love this era of music TV shows. And nope I wasn't born for another 26 years!
Saw it as well, slightly younger.
I liked how you picked up the humbleness in his voice. It's all about the music not the ego.
Couldn't agree more!
Well said. I love it when one knows what he is talking about. Thanks you for your great reaction.
Thanks for the kind words! And thanks for watching the video :)
It wasn't a backing track, it was done live.
Yes it was done live, with Andy Williams orchestra; no autotune, one take performance. Bobby had a fominal octave range, being a contratenor. His range was off the charts; compared/similar to a female sopranoic voice. He is dearly missed after all these years. What a blessed individual with a god given voice.
What more can I say Bloke? "G-R-O-O-V-Y Daddy'o". Simply "G-R-O-O-V-Y'.
'
Full Live Orchestra on Andy Williams. Your description of his lack of ego and natural feeling is spot on. He is a bit nasal in this performance,as he was suffering a head cold at the time. And yet....
His little grin at end really reflects his humbleness. Incredible song. It was written by a prisoner in the 40's if I am correct.
Written for a prison film named Unchained.
Ich habe mehrmals gelesen das der text für den nicht sehr erfolgreichen film chained geschrieben wurde, im jahr 1955. Der autor war auch abgebildet. Gruss aus deutschland.
The song was from a 1955 movie called "Chained" about a chain gang prison. It was sung by a black opera singer named Todd Duncan (one of the prisoners) - it's on TH-cam. The song won an Academy Award in 1955. For the 1955 versions, check out Roy Hamilton and Sam Cooke (on TH-cam). But this version was the one that really took off. Bobby was the one that started singing "I need your love" up an octave, which other singers began emulating.
I'm happy to hear you mention how, while he did that little run, he didn't over do it and also talking about today's singers. I've said the same thing many times about Mariah Carey. I enjoyed her early music, but later it seems that she, and many others who copied it, tried to hit every note in the scale at the end of every line. That does nothing but detract from the melody of the song. It's like Ok, we know you can do it, but why?
Agreed! It does annoy me when singers jump over the melody too much - ends up being distracting and takes away from the song!
I don’t like Mariah Carey because of that irritating habit. It has always sounded like “ listen to how good I am!” It ruins every song that she sings for me. Here, the embellishments are used to emphasise the emotion of the song. It’s a world of difference.
@@ldavies3280 have to agree with you there!
Definitely agree with you regarding the vocal gymnastics of latter singers. Bobby and his ilk certainly knew how to sing and had immense talent. Great reaction - I’m definitely on the same page as you .
Thanks! Yep personally for me I feel it's that next level of mastery as a performer - to be able to show technical prowess without needing to resort to being 'showy'. It's that lack of ego where it really just let's the art itself shine.
@@TheBunkhouseStudios I have been enjoying watching the younger reactors discover the real talents I grew up hearing. There seems to be a hunger for real music done superbly which is so often missing these days.
I agree that there’s something understated about this performance, like he’s holding back but it seems deliberate. He definitely didn’t hold back on the studio version.
Yep, for me it adds to what makes the performance so great. Its real and human!
And to think he was nervous before the performance! It was magic. Once in a lifetime experience, and a performance that crosses time and generations. Other singers can cover this song, but they will never match the magic of this performance
Absolutely! Totally agree!
This is the absolute best live performance I've personally ever seen. I'm no spring chicken either.haha His par3nts were in the audience during this performance. He was happy with the outcome. Why wouldnt he be right? lol. That orchestra was also live and not a background noise.
All talent, no trickery
This is the definitive treatment of this song, in my opinion. Bobby had such a unique sound.
We never realized what a treasure they were... heaven forgive us...
In your own objective, dispassionate way you give this performance the highest praise. About that last note: you’re absolutely right: Bobby nails it but doesn’t hold it, he just lets his voice sound out with the orchestra supporting him. Just magic !
Practically operatic!
That last bit is done with perfect opera technique.
Very much appreciated your reaction! Grateful that you could and did articulate what you did about the man, the musician and the performance. You must be a sought after sound engineer: insightful, intelligent and wholesome. Thank you for the reaction, from 🇬🇧 !
You're too kind! Thanks for such a lovely comment - made me smile! Really glad you enjoyed the video :)
This is the best review I’ve ever heard...thank you.
Wow, that's high praise, thanks! Appreciate you watching 😊
Yes he was live and so was the orchestra. This is sheer perfecion.Singers before him and after him have song this song no one can come close and I've heard many over the years. His performance was effortless . He has it all. The Righteous Bros.Bobby Hatfield was the tenor his partner Bill Melody was the baritone but combine they were terrific Maybe you should listen to a few of their songs.Also both did alot of solos.Back then you had to have real talent not like today.
I agreed pretty much with everything that you said, especially about the last note not being held long enough. But there is the context to consider. First, it was a live performance probably being broadcast throughout all of North America -- great pressure indeed. Second, Bobby's mom was in the audience for the first time which I understand added to his nerves. Third, Bobby suffered from stage fright and often threw up before a performance. Fourth, I understand that he had a cold. Fifth, I understand that he had been injured about an hour before his performance. Under these circumstances, I found his performance beyond amazing.
Bobby loved to sing, and wasn't deeply ambitious beyond that. He loved the acoustics in this hall and, in fact, worked with the arranger and conductor to expand the song. I thin k the tentativeness at the beginning is part of his interpretation, but I could be wrong. I will only add that Andy's orchestra was known as one of the best used.
Not only was Bobby not offensively over-reaching, he did not even consider himself equal in talent to Bill Medley. This comes across in the interview where Bobby admits he never thought of himself as a music legend - but Bill - yes-Bill is the legend (probably because of the recording engineer abilities that he picked up from Phil Spector and others). This humble earnest admission startled Bill - who was familiar with Bobby's very affable, gentle uplifting sense of humor!!! Witnessing Bobby's publicly aired admiration could only have been beneficial to him personally - as Bill had at least one very long-term and horrendously painful situation to go through: laboring to determine who had murdered his wife.
Absolutley magnificent. The musical arrangement is so special.
Really nice job. Enjoyed your analysis and its presentation.
Thanks - really pleased you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching :)
Bobby had severe stage fright which had to have been worse as his parents were there during this Andy Williams show performance. Bobby had a *four octave range* . What you seeing her is complete CONTROL in his singing. He didn't have to *strain* his high notes. Their song "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" holds the record as most song plays ever on the radio. If you REALLY want to listen to a true blue eyed soul listen to "I Just Want to Make Love With You".
The ladies listen and get blushed.
Yep he has excellent control - the shifts between his octaves are very natural and effortless! It's interesting that I picked up on his nerves as I wasn't aware he suffered with stage fright!
@@TheBunkhouseStudios His nerves caused a lot of problems & his solutions contributed to his heart problems. Many of the girls in my generation had boyfriends who were in service & this song kept them firmly in our minds & hearts. I remember being so disappointed that the Osbornes were not going to be at this show but this song made me forget about them.
It was played on the movie Ghost.
@@GwenByrd-d4k yep 👍
It is unfotunate that people hear the version in the movie 'Ghost. there is no comparision. Bobby Hatfield's RANGE, CONTROL, MODULATIONS and lack of any use of autotone-which wasn't available in 1965, makes this version by far the BEST.
It's a fantastic performance that's for sure! Sometimes the more 'raw' nature of a live performance can work better than a studio recording.
Yes Bobby seemed to instinctively and because he performed so often, know not to overdo his singing with extra unnecessary vocal gymnastics as I've seen done by many pop singers like those you mentioned in a few of their songs. I'd also add to that list of singers who overdo their singing on some of their songs Christina Aguilera who can sing powerfully and beautifully on some songs and then just try way to hard to impress with vocal gymnastics that don't fit in other songs.
Yep Christina Aguilera is a great example. Very capable singer but tries too hard in most performances I have seen of hers. But she is from that ilk of vocalists where their selling point is showing off their vocal capabilities. Just not my thing I guess!
@@TheBunkhouseStudios have you watched LeAnn Rimes' 2018 performance of this song? She's a good singer, but watching the video, I felt she tried too hard on getting the notes 'just right.' Hatfield sang the song with such effortlessness, it was like the song was written specially for him.
@@mayloo2137 I haven't no, had no idea she'd covered it! It was definitely his song, I don't think I've heard anyone do it as well as he did
Song was written in 1955 for, of all things, a prison movie! The convict, soon to be UNCHAINED (get it?) wonders if his wife/girlfriend still loved him, still wanted him to return to her. Full background here : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unchained_Melody .
I had no idea, that's really interesting - thanks for sharing!
This was a LIVE PERFORMANCE
I think we are all aware of that haha?
Bobby also had a cold! AND THIS WAS A LIVE PERFORMANCE!! Back in the great 60’s era!! I was fortunate to grow up with these AMAZING SINGERS WHO TRULY HAD TALENTS.
The Righteous Brothers called their particular singing style "Blue-eyed Soul" and Bobby displays a bit of it here with his unusual phrasing. It is really obvious in many of their other arrangements.
Cheers.
Thank you for your honest and insightful review of Bobby Hatfield’s performance of this beautiful song. He always reaches in and pulls at my heartstrings with this performance.
I liked your analysis and reaction to this wonderful performance.
Thanks so much and thanks for watching!
MASTERFUL!!!
Excellent review in my opinion.
Thanks! :)
You should do the group "The Platters", "Smoke gets in your eyes". Their lead singer, Tony Williams, was among the best of that era.
They also did "Only You", another big hit for them
Enjoy!
Absoulty agree.
No auto tune...pure talent! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Pure talent indeed!
Well Diagnosed! Welcome to the 60's!
Thanks! :)
It's all Pure talent from God. Bobby never had voice lessons like thousands have had, and many still can't sing
Das stimmt so nicht. Er studierte an der south california university und man hört es nicht nur, man sieht die atemtechnik.
Bobby majored in music in college. Of course he had training - with his level of virtuosity in breath control, dynamics, phrasing... I don't understand why people keep saying that when a simple Google search will show the truth.
Thank you for informative reaction. IMO this live performance is superior to the studio version played on the radio. Perhaps because his mother was in the audience, Bobby really put himself into this. His runs tend to be extended and embellished, and the multi-peaked crescendo at the end is more impressive.
Thanks for checking it out! I agree, there's definitely something special about this performance, it captures the essence of the song in a great way :)
He was sick at this time with a cold. That accounted for him taking a breath where he normally wouldn’t. He was also nervous because his mom was there in the audience, seeing him perform live for the first time. Note his little smile after hitting that last high C. He knew he nailed it ❤
There was a live band behind him, though they were hard to see. Andy Williams was a singer and music was the center of the show.
There was no “ backing track” this was a live performance in 1965
As a performance, it is one long crescendo.
You make a good point about how intimate it sounds. It's good to have another perspective (sound engineer). Most of these are from musicians or vocal coaches.
A sound engineer finally gets a real education lol. and screw the Ghost movie, I am so sick and tired of people saying they heard this song in the movie Ghost when this performance proves the song, melody and lyrics, and singer, was outstanding on their own merits long BEFORE "Ghost." Ghost, big deal, so what? THIS is the real deal here. the eprformance of a lifetime, for the ages, or so many hundreds wouldn't be reacting to it now on youtube.
Thats a bit unfair on those outside the U.S. or too young to have seen/heard this particular performance until TH-cam existed. I was just too young to have heard this song or You've Lost That Loving Feeling at the time they were hits. However, I was always mesmerised and thrilled when they were occasionally played on the UK radio in subsequent years. Only recently, thanks to You Tube, did I get to know what Bobbly and Bill looked like or heard more of their songs. (Have never seen Ghost, by the way, but millions have, and of course it was their first thrilling time of hearing this masterpiece. That's just an accident of time, not a crime!).
This is pure talent. The live backing musicians. I know I am sounding old but the so called multimillion dollars artist to in 2023 can’t hold a candle to him. What has happened to todays music and audience. Absolute rubbish compared to back then.
Agree, great performance. Loved ur comments. Thank you
Thanks for the analysis - I enjoyed it. I remember this song well.....driving a convertible through the country side in a beautiful area with the music up loud and the exhaust note ( Healey 3000 ) burbling in the background. Bobby was by far my favourite singer and his range was astounding. Perhaps more important was the flavour of the times. We were less cynical and his vocals reflected the 1960's reality. Thanks again.
Great comment! Yep we definitely live in very different times now - in both good and bad ways!
If he was nervous, every singer should be that nervous! Anyone who doesn't rate this as 10 out of 10 shouldn't be reviewing any song!
Well said. I appreciate your professional opinion. It makes a lot sense.
Thanks! :)
This was live...
Thank you so much for your sensitivity and knowledge in reacting to this great musician, as you call him!
Thank you! Thanks for checking out the video :)
@@TheBunkhouseStudios Yes, thanks to you, I now understand why I fell in love at first sight with his masterful and authentic performance
@@mariaangelicabrunellsolar7086 thank you! That's very kind of you to say. Reading comments like this makes my day :)
There was no backing track it was the Andy Williams orchestra it was live.
Yep plenty of people have commented this haha!
Yep . Live Orchestra , in Studio . Live Crowd too .
The Biggest pantie Dropper of all time .