Older black woman here. When the Righteous Brothers first hit the scene, EVERY BLACK WOMAN I KNOW was in love with Bill Medley. Period. My aunt, who was raised in the Jim Crow South, was in love with Bill. Any and all bias, prejudice, etc., went by the wayside because soul is soul. No matter the singer. And blue-eyed soul was a very big thing back then!
As an older white guy who grew up in buffalo..i was lucky enough to be subject to a LOT of different music.If it reaches my soul..i like it..does not matter which style of music.
I love your attitude. I’m an older white woman and I see all these clips where black men and women express amazement that a good singer is white. It’s kind of insulting. I never say oh my, what a great voice OMG he’s Black!
This is the America I love! I’m a 52 year old white man. Loved your take, loved your honest shock at them being white. Love that you said it too, makes it more real. And Vegasrenie’s comment is perfect. Thanks for the video, keep it up!! I grew up hooked on Ray as a young kid and still listen to him regularly. If you haven’t, you should do your take on “Seven Spanish Angels” the tv show version
I'm a 78 yr old black woman loved the righteous bro the music from 60's 70's & 80's is timeless. No auto tune just plain real music RIP BOBBY HATFIELD 😢
Plenty old white guy here. And Motown (Tempts, Four Tops, Aretha, Martha and the V., Smokey, Supremes…) were our heros. I knew I couldn’t be Gladys, but my Buddy’s and I practiced being Pips. Where were you when I was looking for someone to dance with?
so so very true, loved them then and love them now. Back then in addition to rock and pop I also listened to alot of R&B and jazz..The rule my parents taught me and my friends was color or background is not an issue in this house, if a person is good they are welcome to sit at our table, and if we hear someone who can make good music that touches your core it will be listened to often......My parents overcame his parents ways (my grandfather I was never allowed to meet) was affilliated (not full member) of a racist org...My dad moved several states away from them as soon as he could leave home just to get away from them....And he had a deep love for all people, and this duo was one of his favs even tho it was after he was in his40's and mostly listened to country music...but he even listened to 70's disco music...
Yup, my kids still enjoy a good bit of 70's rock, soul, jazz, and even some folk. When we go over to dinner and hit YT to share favorite stuff I'll pop something like a good Doobie Bros, Queen, Steely Dan, or whatever vid on, and they usually like it. Sometimes I get goofy and bring up something like Steve and the Seagulls doing AC/DC's Thunderstruck. If you haven't seen it, go take a look. And don't let the tractor entrance/shirtless overalls scare you away. Or the instruments, like wrench on anvil, banjo, double bass, spoons, accordion ... Seriously, go pull it up, it is not only funny, which I thought it was going to be at the beginning, but it is the most "out there" cover you will probably ever see. And it's GOOD entertainment. When I showed my son and his 'other', I couldn't get the TV back to show them anything else that night, he went through every cover they've done. Jacob Collier, Fifth Street (start with Fairly Odd Parents, if you choose to view, some killer a Capella, often jazz oriented covers), Home Free etc. was put on hold for the next time. :-)
“Soul” isn't black or white. Soul comes from our cores and shows why we are all brothers and sisters . Gives me hope for all of us. That’s what music can do ! Loved your honest reaction!
This was an era when you actually needed talent to become famous. No jumping around, no half-naked females, no 4 letter words, no talk of killing people or having sex, just talent.
As a 5-something white dude, I agree about the half-naked females, but disagree about the 4-letter words or talk of killing or sex. You can say it's not for you. Heck, it's not for me. But I don't think artists who play in those genres aren't talented. They're just genres I don't enjoy.
As a 73 year old blue eyed grandma, you are about the most adorable thing I have seen in years. Im glad you appreciate "old fogey" music. We were all young once. Soul doesn't come from the outside color, it comes from the very core of our being.
What I find funny is that videos like this always remind us that great music touches the soul. All preconceived notions are forgotten and you just feel the music.
All done on tube type equipment as far as I know. Even their mics probably had tubes in them. Yes, they do make vacuum tubes that small too. I used to sell them.
63 year old Asian woman here in Hawaii. It never mattered whether we were listening to white, black, Asian, Hispanic, Hawaiian singers. If it was great music it was great music. And great music is universal. Sometimes we were surprised like you because the voices didn't match the faces we imagined. But it was all good. Like you said, we're all brothers and sisters. More people today need this belief that we're all in this together. Dude! Your reaction is priceless!
70-year-old white woman here. I smiled through this entire video because I knew what was coming and your reaction absolutely cracked me up. These guys were beyond talented. Many of today's "artists" are walking on the road that was paved by The Righteous Brothers.
There was no racial divide when it came to music when I was growing up. The Righteous Brothers were as well respected as The Temptations or any other group. I miss those days when "real" music was loved by all.
Linda I'm old and gray headed now but I know what you're saying 60s music brought a togetherness to all of us it was wonderful, and fun to see the young people discover what we did 50+ years ago.
I am a 75 year young white guy. My girlfriend at the time danced to this through our high school years 1963 to 1967. Now in 2023 after 56 years of marriage we are still dancing to this great song. It takes us back to our young love and we know that it carry us through the rest of our remaining years. Thanks AB for posting this so that all people can appreciate the Righteous Brothers. Tim M. 8/9/2023
I heard that they played a nightclub in Harlem in the 60’s. When they walked out on the stage, the whole club booed them. They turned , looked at each other, shrugged, kept singing, and the whole club gave them a standing ovation by the time they were done.
I heard it ended with someone in the crowd telling them, "That was righteous, brothers." And that's how they got their name. Could be BS, but even so, great BS.
That’s MY music right there!!! I’m a white 74 year old grandma, but when I hear this song, I’m sweet sixteen all over again! I love seeing your reaction to the music that moved us back in the day…..❤
@Stephany Murdy.. Bravo! I'm a 71 year old granny.. Dont think it matters if I'm black or white.. (cue Michael Jackson 😀) yes that's MY music too.. How lucky were we to experience the best music ever in our lives? Love from the UK ❤️
66 year old blue-eyed, white, baby - boomer here. We grew up with this "quality"of music. So when you hear "olders" saying today's music is crap... believe it, we are telling you the TRUTH 😊
Amen, The Music came From Raw Talent, Soul, Love,. 60s, 70's 50s Great Musicians & Awesome music we All Can Relate to. ❤️, Peace, Compassion, Understanding. Let's Come Together ❤️
A lot of it is electronic or digital gimmicks. There is a tremendous quantity of really good talent today, but it is buried by the gimmicks. No emotion; just gimmicks. What group or individual today would attempt to cover this truly great song? Tears me up everytime I hear it.
Older white woman here; yours is the second video I’ve watched of young black men discovering the Righteous Brothers. I have laughed with delight at how shocked you all have been and how much you have liked them. When they were popular they were my most favorite singers of all and still are almost at the top of my list now. Enjoy their music!
Well said! Thank you! We seniors wish that young people could experience the wonderful music, art, friendliness, positivity, adventure, joy, and love of 1955-1970! Too many Americans LET our wonderful country develop negative things. Young people, step up, and make big, positive changes!
Bill is from Southern Calif. Born & bred.Bobbÿ came to Calif at a young age and attended his school years through college here. Soul has.. maybe it is too sophisticated for you: try thr Bee Gee no monopoly
Bahahahaha I LOVE when this happens!!! And absolutely NO offense taken… we need to embrace our differences AND similarities. We are ONE race: the HUMAN race. 🥰❤️
This is called blue-eyed soul. These guys were the best. Bobby Hatfield with his beautiful tenor voice & Bill Medley with his deep bass voice. They were magic together. And remember this is done live. No auto-tuning crap like today. And the songs had meaningful beautiful lyrics. Try "Unchained Melody" with Bobby Hatfield doing it solo. Best version ever!
The audio in this clip is the studio version, however the actual performance was live. You can still find clips of this performance with the original audio, and Bobby and Bill sound amazing, but the audio quality is crap.
I have to say this. I’m 66, originally from Montana, and as white as they come. I remember when this song hit the charts. I loved it. It never occurred to me that this was a very black, soul sound. It was just a beautiful song. I miss those days when it was just music and it didn’t matter where it came from. Nat King Cole, the Platters, the Lettermen, the Righteous Brothers. I couldn’t see color on the radio. Thanks for sharing this memory.
Raised in in the city of Chicago and at 14 in 1964 I heard lots of soul, R&B, as a young white girl with friends and the music we all listened to. When I got older we go to Buddy Guys and loved listening to him. Righteous Brothers were right there with the best.
I just loved seeing your reaction to the Righteous Brothers. I'm a 76 year old white woman and I think this is the way for us all to join together with a love of music. It's so sweet to see you young black guys getting off on the music that I grew up on. Great music doesn't care about color. Thank you and bless your heart for putting a big smile on my face and remembering being young.
@@ABtheKreator I can't help feeling a bit curious and would be glad to have your opinion: the Righteous Brothers' background did not stop them from letting their talents to soar. Nowadays, one's background is more important than anything. For example, a voice actor is not allowed to voice a character in an animation whose ethnic background is different from his own. What's your thoughts on this?
@@Seele2015au given that talent is more important than your race, generalization in either way happens. You assume and make a mistake, but I can see it to, as a white guy whom found out they weren't black about 10 years. Assuming is bad, but his reaction wasn't hateful but shock. He was what them older folks would refer to as, taken aback.
@@heres1for2day Assumption is one thing, but my point in my post was about acceptance: I specifically said that the popular culture these days has made "cultural appropriation", real or imagined, a taboo. For instance, a white voice actor is not allowed to play the part of a non-white character in an animated film, and even as far as white people are not allowed to eat "foreign" food (according to Lena Dunham). The opinion of someone who is proven to disagree with this mindset would be of value.
@@Seele2015au People stereotype people due to proclivity of those people's interests as reflected by reality. People don't really explore music at the club scene and most people spread music groups like this from word of mouth. I knew of people who thought the Bee Gees where black. If your parents or friends don't talk about race, you become shocked when you discover the truth. I see your question as just that, an untold fact coming to revelation beforehand.
It's amazing back in the day when they were famous and black artist were famous, we never looked at the race. We just enjoyed the music. Whites enjoyed black music blacks enjoyed white music. we just all enjoyed each other. Those were the days. How I miss them. What the new generation don't realize is that all races of groups jammed with each other at night after the concerts and shared what they knew, not stoled. And we, the fans, enjoyed what came out of those gatherings.
@kurtsnyder4752 I agree but I think these younger people doing the reaction videos of older songs and I mean older are realizing how it was and are enjoying it.
Not just no autotune, but no digital effects whatsoever. Studio time was (and still is) expensive and limited. They had to nail it, perfectly, with as few takes as possible.
Folks, I hate to burst your bubble. This recording was engineered using an equalizer, a compressor, and a large quantity of reverberation provided by a large suspended metal plate in an isolated room. We engineers work very hard to make the artist sound superhuman. Always have. It’s just a matter of how much is too much. Taste always rules the project. Bad taste gets you lots of gimmick sounds.
@@audionmusic2787 I'm sure music has been engineered as long there has been a way to engineer it, and what has been done in the past has been nothing short of miraculous from thinking outside the box. My thought on it though is that back than Talent had to sound great to start with as the technology wasn't there (yet) to turn bad into good, now though with the use of incredibly powerful computers and editing software you can make a turd sound great.
I have watched dozens of people's react to this song; yours is now my favorite, because I think it comes closest to how those of us who were around then reacted. In 1964, we discovered songs by listening to the radio; if we loved a song enough, we bought the record and played it to death - and we never saw the artists unless the song was enough of a hit for them to come on TV. Also, in 1964, there were Black radio stations, and white radio stations. There was little crossover, but when it did happen, it was usually Black artists being played on white stations, not vice versa. So from the very first time that I heard this DEEP voice sing, "You never close your eyes..." on Louisville's Black radio station, WLOU, the possibility of the Righteous Brothers *not* being Black never occurred to me. When the song became a hit, and the Righteous Brothers made their first TV appearance, the producers of the show (I think it was "Hullabaloo") knew that nearly no one knew what they looked like, and how shocked we would all be when we saw them. So they eased us into it, by letting us feel the familiar caress of Bill Medlely's bass, before they showed us his unfamiliar face. And all across America, Black kids AND white kids (and any parents who were watching), said their version of "WHAAAAAATT????" Many people react to this video after having already seen another RB video (esp. "Unchained Melody"), so they don't experience anything like the shock that we did. And I feel a little bad for them, because for those us who saw that performance, and who already loved the song, Bill Medley's and Bobby Hatfield's emergence from the shadows was...A MOMENT.
Yes sir - 100%, there was so much going on in the music industry in that era. I grew up in LA County (SoCAL).We listened to everything back then on the radio both FM & AM. You are spot on about buying the 45 RPM singles when they came out, I had stacks of them. Thanks for the read, great stuff!!!
Who cared what they looked like when you listened on the radio. The music WAS and IS the thing! Soul is Soul whether the singer is black, white or sky-blue pink with orange dots! Remember, this was from a time when everything was pretty much live too; they really did sound like that. True talent.
The sad thing was that people did care what colors the artists had back then. Elvis had a hard time being played in many radio stations back then, until they enclosed a picture of him so they could se that he was white. The US is a very strange place, In WWII they fought the nazis and back home at the same time a black person couldn't even take a dump in the same toilet bowl as a white person. So yeah sadly people used to care about that.
@@nursetinalouise yes he was white he was from Mississippi. He was part Native American; Cherokee most specifically. His mothers grandmother was Jewish.
This cracks me up, and brings me joy. I grew up in the same area where these guys did, and have been a fan since before they were known nation-wide. It's nice to know that young audiences can appreciate simple, unadorned, two-part harmony. It seems that young black listeners are not aware that the Righteous Brothers got their name from black Marines who saw them perform in Orange County, near the El Toro Marine air station, and declared, "That's righteous, brother."
Also "Little Latin Lupe Lou"/ Also many years ago Bill Medley when a channel was signing off at midnight rather than sing the National Anthem he sang :'Peace brother peace"
Love watching when someone hears them for the first time. I think we had the best music back then. We had so many artists then that had so much talent.
They got their name when they were walking off stage at a small venue and someone said "That was rightious brother. They became the Rightious Brothers. Honey you are going into a very worthy rabbit hole. They never fail to impress. You've got to react to Unchained Melody next. What a treat it is.
The name was a bit more evolutionary than that. There are interviews with Bill & Bobby explaining it. Here's one of Bill (story starts about 43 seconds in). th-cam.com/video/fnT8lX0Wu3M/w-d-xo.html
@@wnsafford1854 Having heard the stories in interviews with them they have told the shortened version of it which is what I chose to go with here. But I am fine with you telling the unabridged version.
@@ABtheKreator oh the feels it created! I grew up on this. Along with the Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Beach Boys .... It was great times for music for a child born in the 1960s.
@@kkspencer8376 I believe it is great music for people born in all times. i am from the 70's and this is what we listened to in the house. I love the stuff to this day. I have many CD's from that era.
One Year Later Bobby Sang Unchained Melody, Was The Best Performance Of Live Vocals Of ALL Time, NO One Has Ever Matched His Rendition Of That Song In The 58 Years Since It Was Done Live, NO Autotune, NO Vocal enhancement Whatsoever, IT Stands The Testament To Time!👍😇🙏
You’ve made it sir. You’ve arrived at blue eyed soul. These two men crossed barriers the way that Elvis did. They were beyond talented. I’m 43 and grew up listening to them.
Hey---. This song came out when I was in high school. White, Black and Brown, we all thought the Righteous Brothers were Black. We had no instant music videos back then. When I finally saw them on TV I couldn't believe it. Pale faces, like me. Making incredible music. Soul really has no color.
I'm younger and when I'd listen to "Oldies" I'd be in shock that some folks were not lookin like I thought. I thought these guys were black, as well as Dusty Springfield (Son of a Preacher Man) and Three Dog Night. I was a bit shook when I found out they weren't. I also thought it was awesome too, because you really can't tell.
I also was in my senior year and danced to unchanged melody, and the Righteous Brothers classics with my future wife now of 53yrs. Americans all, that was an awesome Era. God bless
I’m a white woman born in 1968, but my parents played all sorts of records in the house and always had the radio playing. I can’t remember a time I didn’t know this song and I LOVED your reaction. I was waiting for it, because when you kept saying “brothers,” I knew you were expecting a little something different. 😂 What fun! I’ll have to see what else you have on your channel and maybe subscribe. I love to watch genuine reactions like this. Thanks so much for your honesty and integrity. I heard you sing, too. You’ve got a little something in you, too! I can say that being a classically trained singer myself. ❤
This song was honored as the "Most Played Song on the Radio" in the 20th Century. I met the Brothers back in their prime days and it remains one of my favorite memories of my younger days!!
My dad was a black man born in 1929. He told me when I was a kid in the 80s that when he first heard these guys he knew for sure they were black. He couldn't believe it when he found out they were white. Because of him I still listen to them along with Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Johnny Ace, Fats Domino, The Platters etc. on occasion
Different time in music. Clothes looked respectable. You could understand every word. No bashing of anyone. No cussing. Just pure beautiful music and talent.
Eh~ Music is a form of art, and like any form of art, people are going to use it to express anger or lust or whatever. I personally really like protest songs: both older and more modern; from Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday to Land of the Free by Joey Bada$$. And protest songs understandably have cussing in it, just like anti-war visual art will probably have gore in it. Lustful songs are going to have cussing in it too, just like erotic visual art is probably going to show some boobs. Even the most "vulgar" of art can fossilize into "beautiful talent". Shakespeare is the ultimate example of that. Do you know how many sex jokes there are in the first 5 minutes of Romeo and Juliet alone? That's why "vulgarity" is kind of a weird metric by which to measure how good/bad art is. 🤷♂️
HONEST - one word to describe reaction. I'm a 70 year old female who 'doesn't look like you' and remember back to hearing them on the radio long before seeing them on TV. Maybe I was a weird kid, but the only thing that was important to me was how they sounded. And they ALWAYS sounded magnificent, they never failed to deliver. All before auto tune and lip syncing. Their voices were a gift that I was lucky enough to have heard first time around.
Me as well, Reva. Going on 73 this summer. When I grew up, we had a radio in the living room, in the kitchen, the three bedrooms, and dad’s “studio” (he was an artist and painter). One small black & white tv in the living room. I give you my go-to goodbye since Covid, stay safe and healthy Reva. - BG
No, you weren't 'wierd'. I (75 year old woman here), and ALL of my friends were the same. The media and a whole bunch of haters has done their best to divide us these last few years, but I'm not going to let them win. 🤗 Peace, Love, and Rock-n- Roll. ✌💞🎶
73 yr old white woman.....loved this video.......have been the music director at a black church for 17 years and they all have taught me so much about music that I had never experienced.....can't tear me away now.......love it (partly the tremendous love they have been so kind to show me , my husband and our mothers before they passed!) thank you for this gem
I’m 73 years old now. I grew up in the ‘60’s. My first job out of high school was at an am & fm radio station. You can bet I’ve heard it all and met many! These guys were great and humble
Who thinks he is going to listen to this 1000 more times and hear all their stuff. Still won't catch up to how much my generation appreciates the Righteous Brothers ! I am 72. Lol!
59 and grew up in the south. Listened to them, Elvis, Country and Western, easy listening etc... Like most commentators I listened to what I liked and never thought about the skin color of the artists.
Before my dad passed My dad started watching black TH-camr's reacting to 60's & 70's country and popular music of his era, this had become one of his favorite hobbies and he would share the videos that he loved. This video was by far his favorite. First, he couldn't believe you'd never heard this song and then he couldn't stop laughing at your reaction to finding out the Righteous Brothers, weren't actually "brothers" but actually brothers. This video warms my heart... Thank you. 🙂
You just saw/heard the Greatest male duo Ever. 14 when this topped the charts and still moved to tears today. Listen to Bobby do 'Unchained Melody' live. He OWNS the song.
I am a 64 year old white woman from Baltimore, Maryland and this is the first time I realized the Righteous Brothers were not Black! Thanks for enlightening me!!
This was the most played song of the 20th century. They finished a show one time, and one of the guys in the audience said "that was righteous brother!" That became their name.
The name didn't come from just a 1 time thing. It was more evolutionary. There are interviews with both Bill & Bobby explaining it. Here's one of Bill, that starts off with him telling the story. th-cam.com/video/fnT8lX0Wu3M/w-d-xo.html
“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 88 key piano. No other male singers can do that. Legendary. "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" was the most played song on the 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. Early in their career at a small venue after the show a black man said to them.... You two brothers are righteous.... the source of their name. 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......
Wait…the Everly Brothers are in there. No one ever did the absolute pristine harmony like Phil and Don. We had an abundance of talent back in the day when auto tune didn’t exist.
@Slade Mcalister Getty Lee isnt in the top 20 opf rock and pop music. Axle Rose, Freddy Mercury, John Taylor, Adam Lambert and Even Paul McCartney register a bigger range than Lee, plus many more.
Unchained melody, was written back in the 1950s by a member of the Platters who also sang it. But no one does it better than Bobby Hatfield, of Rightious Brothers.
It was written by Alex North and Hy Zaret for the 1955 movie Unchained. It was nominated for an Oscar, but didn't win. The Platters recorded it in 1969, I believe.
Yes, the Platters are well known for their interpretation of this. However, "Unchained Melody" is a 1955 song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. North wrote the music as a theme for the prison film Unchained (1955), hence the song title. - BG
I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction. As a huge fan of the oldies, I was glad to come across your video. When you gave them credit for sounding like "brothas", I smiled. It's the compliment they deserve as we all know that The Temptations (my personal favorite of the oldies) were quite the chart topper. These men are so perfectly in sync with each other, have flawless vocals and range, give an amazing presence on stage and have the perfect song to showcase their talents. I hope everyone gets to experience this hit. They were magic!
“This brother, is NOT a brother!” made me laugh……I remember listening to the Righteous Brothers as a young boy in the ‘60’s….just quality, timeless and completely on point for ALL of us. I loved your reaction, thank you!
Omg you made me laugh out loud and I almost choked on my coffee. It’s called blue eyed soul and they were awesome! If you’ve never listened to the group the Animalz and their song House of the Rising Sun, you need to go there. Gravel in the guy’s voice can make your hair stand up. Love the 60s. Some of the best music made.
The Animals were an English rock group, and I believe the House of the Rising Sun was probably their best hit. They were a great band. I am in my '70s, and I must tell you that the rock and roll bands from the '60s and '70s and '80s, will beat any new group today.
@Karen Wiley.. Oh absolutely love you commenting on you tube. I'm 71 and yes great feelings listening to them.How lucky were we?Best time ever for music👍I wish you health and happiness. Love from the UK ❤️
I'm 68. Of course I know the Righteous Brothers! I laughed my ass off with your reaction. I knew it was coming with them in the dark before the spotlight hit. Great song of the era. Priceless reaction.
Oh my...I get such a kick from younger folk's reaction to hearing the Righteous Brothers for the first time! Yes they were & are still amazing! Glad you enjoyed it.
Hatfield and Medley both possessed exceptional vocal talent, with range, control, and tone that helped them create a strong and distinct duet sound (and perform as soloists). Medley sang the low parts with his deep, soulful baritone, with Hatfield taking the higher register vocals with his soaring tenor. They gained their name when an African-American Marine shouted out "That was righteous, brothers" at the end of a show. John Wimber, one of the founding leaders of the Vineyard Movement, played the keyboard in the band.
They told a great story about how they got the name. I knew someone in the audience called out. I didn't know it was an A-A Marine. That is really awesome. Regardless, they touched our hearts and souls. 'Unchained Melody' should be next for a response.
Musicians began integration in 40s and 50s with white musicians going to àfter- hours Black clubs to listen and learn. And if you've never heard the great Sarah -"Broken hearted melody " - Vaughn or the great Ella Fitzgerald and Many many more, do yourself a favor ànd listen (Billie Holiday
This was one of my Grandma's favorite groups......she told me how they got the name was they were doing a concert someone when they were starting out and there was a black Marine who got up after doing a jam and he said "That was righteous, brothers" and the Righteous Brothers were born. Good vid.
Older white woman here. I was 15 years old when the Righteous Brothers came on the screen. I had the pleasure of seeing them in person. And Bill Medley is still touring.
I was a 10 year old boy living in the heart of the South when this song aired the first time. When they did this song they had been touring together for several years and were one the few act who would entertain black troops at the USO shows they were part of. The legend is while they were singing for a unit of black soldiers one of the men in the audience yelled out "Bothers! You are RIGHTUOS!" and the crowd gave them a standing ovation. For me, they were Rightous then and still are 57 years later.
@@brooklynbridgealias the black men in military stuck together, and were mostly separated from whites.that's probably what he thought as a 10 year old don't forget it was 60s,when. Late 50s and 60s was when Martin Luther King marched for freedom, they still had segregation in 60s in clubs,lots of schools,hotels.this song came out in 1964,
@@brooklynbridgealias I agree but I lived in the south the law said they weren't segregated, but believe me they still got treated that way.even in the military it wasn't till Vietnam that they were fighting and became buddies with the white guys.but I do agree with it now being screwed up.both grandchildren in military keep me up to day what's going on.
Oh how I laughed! Thank you sweetie you made my day. I'm in my 60's and grew up listening to all genres of music. These guys were great then as they are now. Your reaction was priceless!🤣😂🤣😂😍😂
After a "new" study, It took Harvard university until 2019 to conclude that music is in fact the one true universal language. I've known that for as long as I can remember. The right song can turn a bad day into a good one and a good day into a great one! 8/2022
My husband gave me a cd with this song on it, for my December birthday - as he knew how much I enjoyed their music... & gave me no explanation; the next November, he told me he filed for divorce.... looking back ...he did me a great favor!
Unfortunately I have heard a few songs that could turn a good day into a bad one, too. (kidding, mostly, but not entirely) Music can be really really good all the way to really really bad, like anything else. I haven't had that much bad sex, though, now that I think of it. :-/ :-) Kind of a 'good' day at the office vs. a 'bad' day at fishing sort of thing. Sorry for the TMI.
UNCHAINED MELODY REACTION th-cam.com/video/t1WrXPKlmJM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HBqxOecDTShSd4rg
You need to check out the "Magnificent Men". Songs: "Peace of Mind", "Misty", "Stormy Weather".
The biggest selling, listened to song of the 20th century!.....doesn't get any better!...just a good feeling song!
Older black woman here. When the Righteous Brothers first hit the scene, EVERY BLACK WOMAN I KNOW was in love with Bill Medley. Period. My aunt, who was raised in the Jim Crow South, was in love with Bill. Any and all bias, prejudice, etc., went by the wayside because soul is soul. No matter the singer. And blue-eyed soul was a very big thing back then!
As an older white guy who grew up in buffalo..i was lucky enough to be subject to a LOT of different music.If it reaches my soul..i like it..does not matter which style of music.
I’ve tried explaining to the young people I work with what “blue eyed soul” is. They’ve never heard the term or the artists. Older white woman here.
I love your attitude. I’m an older white woman and I see all these clips where black men and women express amazement that a good singer is white. It’s kind of insulting. I never say oh my, what a great voice OMG he’s Black!
This is the America I love! I’m a 52 year old white man. Loved your take, loved your honest shock at them being white. Love that you said it too, makes it more real. And Vegasrenie’s comment is perfect. Thanks for the video, keep it up!!
I grew up hooked on Ray as a young kid and still listen to him regularly.
If you haven’t, you should do your take on “Seven Spanish Angels” the tv show version
Amen, girl. Blue eyed soul was amazing!
I'm a 78 yr old black woman loved the righteous bro the music from 60's 70's & 80's is timeless. No auto tune just plain real music RIP BOBBY HATFIELD 😢
Plenty old white guy here. And Motown (Tempts, Four Tops, Aretha, Martha and the V., Smokey, Supremes…) were our heros. I knew I couldn’t be Gladys, but my Buddy’s and I practiced being Pips.
Where were you when I was looking for someone to dance with?
@@RichardBoardman-y6d Love Areta Franklin
Dancing with someone else.😂@@RichardBoardman-y6d
Those are timeless years. We were spoiled musically.
It's fun for us Senior Citizens to watch young people discover the music we knew and loved when we were their age.
so so very true, loved them then and love them now. Back then in addition to rock and pop I also listened to alot of R&B and jazz..The rule my parents taught me and my friends was color or background is not an issue in this house, if a person is good they are welcome to sit at our table, and if we hear someone who can make good music that touches your core it will be listened to often......My parents overcame his parents ways (my grandfather I was never allowed to meet) was affilliated (not full member) of a racist org...My dad moved several states away from them as soon as he could leave home just to get away from them....And he had a deep love for all people, and this duo was one of his favs even tho it was after he was in his40's and mostly listened to country music...but he even listened to 70's disco music...
Absolutely it is
Yeah I'm one too.
Yup, my kids still enjoy a good bit of 70's rock, soul, jazz, and even some folk. When we go over to dinner and hit YT to share favorite stuff I'll pop something like a good Doobie Bros, Queen, Steely Dan, or whatever vid on, and they usually like it. Sometimes I get goofy and bring up something like Steve and the Seagulls doing AC/DC's Thunderstruck. If you haven't seen it, go take a look.
And don't let the tractor entrance/shirtless overalls scare you away. Or the instruments, like wrench on anvil, banjo, double bass, spoons, accordion ... Seriously, go pull it up, it is not only funny, which I thought it was going to be at the beginning, but it is the most "out there" cover you will probably ever see. And it's GOOD entertainment.
When I showed my son and his 'other', I couldn't get the TV back to show them anything else that night, he went through every cover they've done. Jacob Collier, Fifth Street (start with Fairly Odd Parents, if you choose to view, some killer a Capella, often jazz oriented covers), Home Free etc. was put on hold for the next time. :-)
I’m watching kids discover who Kurt Cobain is. Lol I love it
I wish they could feel the power these people had in their prime
“Soul” isn't black or white. Soul comes from our cores and shows why we are all brothers and sisters . Gives me hope for all of us. That’s what music can do ! Loved your honest reaction!
That's what music did back in the 60s
One thing we all share is the love of music. I’m a 60’s fan and also love R&B . Everyone loved music and dancing in the early 60’s and 70’s
Well said, blue-eyed soul is still soul
Love ☮️ ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️ 💕 ☮️ ❤️
You said it! I'm white on the outside, black on the inside. Never had a prejudiced bone in my body! I loooove soul music
This was an era when you actually needed talent to become famous. No jumping around, no half-naked females, no 4 letter words, no talk of killing people or having sex, just talent.
So well said and true
WoW! Did you ever hit the nail on the head.
As a 5-something white dude, I agree about the half-naked females, but disagree about the 4-letter words or talk of killing or sex. You can say it's not for you. Heck, it's not for me. But I don't think artists who play in those genres aren't talented. They're just genres I don't enjoy.
@@PeterDrake You're a smart man Peter. Can tell your a smart guy
Absolutely you said it!
As a 73 year old blue eyed grandma, you are about the most adorable thing I have seen in years. Im glad you appreciate "old fogey" music. We were all young once. Soul doesn't come from the outside color, it comes from the very core of our being.
Amen!
I agree! I’m turning 68 tomorrow and I love him!! ❤
What I find funny is that videos like this always remind us that great music touches the soul. All preconceived notions are forgotten and you just feel the music.
@@thefrenchknot Happy Birthday!
Blue Eyed Soul. Best of the Best. When all music of our great 60s was top shelf.
No auto-tune, no over dub, no studio tricks. Just plain raw TALENT!
PREACH!
All done on tube type equipment as far as I know. Even their mics probably had tubes in them. Yes, they do make vacuum tubes that small too. I used to sell them.
@Erik Pinochet Yes, I work on many tube projects, but only for myself. I work on old tube radios and old tube type Geiger counters and scintillators.
Truly amazing
Listen to Unchained Melody, solo performanc by Bobbie
63 year old Asian woman here in Hawaii. It never mattered whether we were listening to white, black, Asian, Hispanic, Hawaiian singers. If it was great music it was great music. And great music is universal. Sometimes we were surprised like you because the voices didn't match the faces we imagined. But it was all good. Like you said, we're all brothers and sisters. More people today need this belief that we're all in this together.
Dude! Your reaction is priceless!
70-year-old white woman here. I smiled through this entire video because I knew what was coming and your reaction absolutely cracked me up. These guys were beyond talented. Many of today's "artists" are walking on the road that was paved by The Righteous Brothers.
65 year old baby boomer here..
Love it...
I love how music can bring everyone into the same space..
God Bless music 🎶
A young buck, but same here. Just knew the reaction was going to be good.
65. Love so watching the young folks listening. ❤❤❤❤
Me too
Just now found u love your reaction Man U have really missed out on a lot! Sorry but glad u are finding this now in alll this different genre!
There was no racial divide when it came to music when I was growing up. The Righteous Brothers were as well respected as The Temptations or any other group. I miss those days when "real" music was loved by all.
I totally agree 👍
Linda I'm old and gray headed now but I know what you're saying 60s music brought a togetherness to all of us it was wonderful, and fun to see the young people discover what we did 50+ years ago.
Agreed
@@martysheets6882: Same here. As a matter of fact, all of my grandkids listen to oldies because I listen to it.
Real music…and all musicians dressed CLASS.
Oh my Lord. When you noticed that they were white, I almost died laughing. Thanks for an awesome funny reaction.
Lmao 🤣 and they are great! Color doesn’t bother me 🙌🏾🔥🔥🔥
Not gonna lie, loved his reaction!
Me too! 😂😂😂
A lot of the music from that era came from R&B
Me too. Made my day. These brothers are real brothers lol
I am a 75 year young white guy. My girlfriend at the time danced to this through our high school years 1963 to 1967. Now in 2023 after 56 years of marriage we are still dancing to this great song. It takes us back to our young love and we know that it carry us through the rest of our remaining years. Thanks AB for posting this so that all people can appreciate the Righteous Brothers. Tim M. 8/9/2023
You are just charming...your wife is a lucky woman! ❤❤❤
This song transcends generations. I don’t know any woman who doesn’t love this song.
Transcends race and genre, too, like all good music! His reaction was genuine and hilarious. And revealing ...
I heard that they played a nightclub in Harlem in the 60’s. When they walked out on the stage, the whole club booed them. They turned , looked at each other, shrugged, kept singing, and the whole club gave them a standing ovation by the time they were done.
Thats the same reaction that Buddy Holly and the Crickets got at the Harlem.
I heard it ended with someone in the crowd telling them, "That was righteous, brothers." And that's how they got their name. Could be BS, but even so, great BS.
Yes that really happened
How about Tiny Tim?
Happened all the time to White Artists, while White fans attended the shows of black artists without injecting race into it, just as we do today!!!
That’s MY music right there!!! I’m a white 74 year old grandma, but when I hear this song, I’m sweet sixteen all over again!
I love seeing your reaction to the music that moved us back in the day…..❤
@Stephany Murdy.. Bravo! I'm a 71 year old granny.. Dont think it matters if I'm black or white.. (cue Michael Jackson 😀) yes that's MY music too.. How lucky were we to experience the best music ever in our lives? Love from the UK ❤️
@Stephany Murdy.. Hi. No idea what ur talking about re giving u a thumbs down😳I gave ur a review a thumbs up and sent a very positive reply!!
@@lindagourlay1892 Must have been a mistake. Anyway, thanks for your reply!
75 HERE --- STILL PLAYING MY MUSIC FROM THE 60s.
80 here….the late 50s, and 60’s my time for falling in love. Loved it then, love it now!
66 year old blue-eyed, white, baby - boomer here. We grew up with this "quality"of music. So when you hear "olders" saying today's music is crap... believe it, we are telling you the TRUTH 😊
Amen, The Music came From Raw Talent, Soul, Love,. 60s, 70's 50s Great Musicians & Awesome music we All Can Relate to. ❤️, Peace, Compassion, Understanding. Let's Come Together ❤️
67 yr old brown eye white baby boomer here. Love this song!
Have to say, I did like the disco days too.
@@sharoncrawford7192 Me too...& I partied away the 1980's too! But I don't believe that the 1960's can be beaten re "quality" ...
A lot of it is electronic or digital gimmicks. There is a tremendous quantity of really good talent today, but it is buried by the gimmicks. No emotion; just gimmicks. What group or individual today would attempt to cover this truly great song? Tears me up everytime I hear it.
Older white woman here; yours is the second video I’ve watched of young black men discovering the Righteous Brothers. I have laughed with delight at how shocked you all have been and how much you have liked them. When they were popular they were my most favorite singers of all and still are almost at the top of my list now. Enjoy their music!
Well said! Thank you! We seniors wish that young people could experience the wonderful music, art, friendliness, positivity, adventure, joy, and love of 1955-1970! Too many Americans LET our wonderful country develop negative things. Young people, step up, and make big, positive changes!
Bill is from Southern Calif. Born & bred.Bobbÿ came to Calif at a young age and attended his school years through college here.
Soul has.. maybe it is too sophisticated for you: try thr Bee Gee no monopoly
10:07 10:07 10:07
I hope that you are aging like fine wine, sweetheart! Good Luck, and God Bless.
Bahahahaha I LOVE when this happens!!! And absolutely NO offense taken… we need to embrace our differences AND similarities. We are ONE race: the HUMAN race. 🥰❤️
YES
Exactly we are one , we are humans with amazing talents.. those who try to separate and divide us are evil ..
Exactly!
💯👍
Truth
This is called blue-eyed soul. These guys were the best. Bobby Hatfield with his beautiful tenor voice & Bill Medley with his deep bass voice. They were magic together. And remember this is done live. No auto-tuning crap like today. And the songs had meaningful beautiful lyrics. Try "Unchained Melody" with Bobby Hatfield doing it solo. Best version ever!
counter tenor voice for bobby, higher then tenor and clearer
The audio in this clip is the studio version, however the actual performance was live. You can still find clips of this performance with the original audio, and Bobby and Bill sound amazing, but the audio quality is crap.
Also: I Just Want To Make Love To You. It's a must do. I'm asking for it softly.
All facts Dagmar!!!!!🔥🔥🙏🏾🙏🏾💙💙💙💙
@@allenpierce4575 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
This is my FAVORITE reaction to this video of the Righteous Brothers!!! YOU are awesome!
"What in the Andy Griffith, hip hop, R&B, soul is going on today, huh?" might be the best thing I've heard all week. Love this.
one of the greatest off the cuffs i've heard in ages. rolling on the floor after that one lol
Love these guys!!
That was the best!
Hilarious!
I have to say this. I’m 66, originally from Montana, and as white as they come. I remember when this song hit the charts. I loved it. It never occurred to me that this was a very black, soul sound. It was just a beautiful song. I miss those days when it was just music and it didn’t matter where it came from. Nat King Cole, the Platters, the Lettermen, the Righteous Brothers. I couldn’t see color on the radio. Thanks for sharing this memory.
You're my age Dee and I couldn't agree more!
@Carol ann oh I LOVE southern accents!! Hi from Ireland 😊
Raised in in the city of Chicago and at 14 in 1964 I heard lots of soul, R&B, as a young white girl with friends and the music we all listened to. When I got older we go to Buddy Guys and loved listening to him. Righteous Brothers were right there with the best.
Amen, sister!
back before the media tried to poison our minds with division tactics!
The Righteous Brothers were called "Blue-eyed Soul" back then. No autotune... just pure talent.
I just loved seeing your reaction to the Righteous Brothers. I'm a 76 year old white woman and I think this is the way for us all to join together with a love of music. It's so sweet to see you young black guys getting off on the music that I grew up on. Great music doesn't care about color. Thank you and bless your heart for putting a big smile on my face and remembering being young.
Totally agreed
And that's true talent, no auto-tune, no remixing, no synthesizer just pure voices.
Blue-eyed soul. Our generation had music. No auto tune, no filters. You either had talent or you didn't.
They are Brothers of another Color, and one of the best Duo's in Music History ♥♥♥
They are great!!!!
@@ABtheKreator I can't help feeling a bit curious and would be glad to have your opinion: the Righteous Brothers' background did not stop them from letting their talents to soar. Nowadays, one's background is more important than anything. For example, a voice actor is not allowed to voice a character in an animation whose ethnic background is different from his own. What's your thoughts on this?
@@Seele2015au given that talent is more important than your race, generalization in either way happens. You assume and make a mistake, but I can see it to, as a white guy whom found out they weren't black about 10 years. Assuming is bad, but his reaction wasn't hateful but shock. He was what them older folks would refer to as, taken aback.
@@heres1for2day Assumption is one thing, but my point in my post was about acceptance: I specifically said that the popular culture these days has made "cultural appropriation", real or imagined, a taboo. For instance, a white voice actor is not allowed to play the part of a non-white character in an animated film, and even as far as white people are not allowed to eat "foreign" food (according to Lena Dunham). The opinion of someone who is proven to disagree with this mindset would be of value.
@@Seele2015au People stereotype people due to proclivity of those people's interests as reflected by reality. People don't really explore music at the club scene and most people spread music groups like this from word of mouth. I knew of people who thought the Bee Gees where black. If your parents or friends don't talk about race, you become shocked when you discover the truth. I see your question as just that, an untold fact coming to revelation beforehand.
It's amazing back in the day when they were famous and black artist were famous, we never looked at the race. We just enjoyed the music. Whites enjoyed black music blacks enjoyed white music. we just all enjoyed each other. Those were the days. How I miss them.
What the new generation don't realize is that all races of groups jammed with each other at night after the concerts and shared what they knew, not stoled. And we, the fans, enjoyed what came out of those gatherings.
Especially in the disco era.
So true ... and sad.
Politicians make that divide.
@kurtsnyder4752 I agree but I think these younger people doing the reaction videos of older songs and I mean older are realizing how it was and are enjoying it.
No auto-tune back then.
This is pure talent.
I wish I could tap dance on the like button here on this on
Not just no autotune, but no digital effects whatsoever. Studio time was (and still is) expensive and limited. They had to nail it, perfectly, with as few takes as possible.
PURE talent. My God, what have we allowed technology to do to us? This is what it took away from us.
Folks, I hate to burst your bubble. This recording was engineered using an equalizer, a compressor, and a large quantity of reverberation provided by a large suspended metal plate in an isolated room.
We engineers work very hard to make the artist sound superhuman. Always have. It’s just a matter of how much is too much. Taste always rules the project. Bad taste gets you lots of gimmick sounds.
@@audionmusic2787 I'm sure music has been engineered as long there has been a way to engineer it, and what has been done in the past has been nothing short of miraculous from thinking outside the box. My thought on it though is that back than Talent had to sound great to start with as the technology wasn't there (yet) to turn bad into good, now though with the use of incredibly powerful computers and editing software you can make a turd sound great.
I have watched dozens of people's react to this song; yours is now my favorite, because I think it comes closest to how those of us who were around then reacted. In 1964, we discovered songs by listening to the radio; if we loved a song enough, we bought the record and played it to death - and we never saw the artists unless the song was enough of a hit for them to come on TV.
Also, in 1964, there were Black radio stations, and white radio stations. There was little crossover, but when it did happen, it was usually Black artists being played on white stations, not vice versa. So from the very first time that I heard this DEEP voice sing, "You never close your eyes..." on Louisville's Black radio station, WLOU, the possibility of the Righteous Brothers *not* being Black never occurred to me.
When the song became a hit, and the Righteous Brothers made their first TV appearance, the producers of the show (I think it was "Hullabaloo") knew that nearly no one knew what they looked like, and how shocked we would all be when we saw them. So they eased us into it, by letting us feel the familiar caress of Bill Medlely's bass, before they showed us his unfamiliar face.
And all across America, Black kids AND white kids (and any parents who were watching), said their version of "WHAAAAAATT????"
Many people react to this video after having already seen another RB video (esp. "Unchained Melody"), so they don't experience anything like the shock that we did. And I feel a little bad for them, because for those us who saw that performance, and who already loved the song, Bill Medley's and Bobby Hatfield's emergence from the shadows was...A MOMENT.
You know your stuff sir!!!! Well said 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🔥💙 Thank you
Thank you for this, Elwin! Amen! You nailed it. Was 10 when this came out!
Yes sir - 100%, there was so much going on in the music industry in that era. I grew up in LA County (SoCAL).We listened to everything back then on the radio both FM & AM. You are spot on about buying the 45 RPM singles when they came out, I had stacks of them. Thanks for the read, great stuff!!!
Music is the glue that binds all races together. Good music is good music regardless of race.
Great memory, thanks for sharing!❤️
Who cared what they looked like when you listened on the radio. The music WAS and IS the thing! Soul is Soul whether the singer is black, white or sky-blue pink with orange dots! Remember, this was from a time when everything was pretty much live too; they really did sound like that. True talent.
Yes these men have true talent 🙌🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥⭐️
Me imagining sky-blue pink people with orange dots 🤭
The sad thing was that people did care what colors the artists had back then.
Elvis had a hard time being played in many radio stations back then, until they enclosed a picture of him so they could se that he was white.
The US is a very strange place,
In WWII they fought the nazis and back home at the same time a black person couldn't even take a dump in the same toilet bowl as a white person.
So yeah sadly people used to care about that.
Was Elvis white? I thought Latino
@@nursetinalouise yes he was white he was from Mississippi. He was part Native American; Cherokee most specifically. His mothers grandmother was Jewish.
Listen to your grandparents....need I say more!!! 👏👏👏❤❤❤
I get why my Dad loved them now. What amazing voices.
R.I.P Dad
💖🙏
Thats sweet
This cracks me up, and brings me joy. I grew up in the same area where these guys did, and have been a fan since before they were known nation-wide. It's nice to know that young audiences can appreciate simple, unadorned, two-part harmony. It seems that young black listeners are not aware that the Righteous Brothers got their name from black Marines who saw them perform in Orange County, near the El Toro Marine air station, and declared, "That's righteous, brother."
🙏🏾😂💯
@@ABtheKreator To me they always sounded like black singers. When I found out they were white, I was equally as surprised !!
Thank you! I never knew! Wishing you all the best 👍
I didn’t know that.
Thank you for that l, I never knew how they got their name. They were the best !
"You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" and "Unchained Melody" are two of the greatest recordings in the history of Rock.
Also "Little Latin Lupe Lou"/ Also many years ago Bill Medley when a channel was signing off at midnight rather than sing the National Anthem he sang :'Peace brother peace"
Or soul or whatever.
Oh YES, Unchained Melody will make an old man come home to momma
I really cant' argue with that assessment. These guys were amazing.
I always thought it was soul/blues🤦♂️🤣
We!re all brothers man. “…content of character not color of skin..”
Absolutely!!! One love
Perfectly said!!
Amen
Love watching when someone hears them for the first time. I think we had the best music back then. We had so many artists then that had so much talent.
We did indeed
We absolutely did
We did we did mAkes me
woosey
They were looking for a name. At the end of a set, someone yelled "that was righteous brother". History was made!
The getting a name for the act was right up there with "that will go over like a lead zeppelin "
Not q
Not quite the way I heard it Barbara but close enough
The Black Marine's in the audience would say that Righteous Brother, so hence The Righteous Brother's!!!!!
From what I've heard, that's what the legend says but it's not officially confirmed.
They got their name when they were walking off stage at a small venue and someone said "That was rightious brother. They became the Rightious Brothers. Honey you are going into a very worthy rabbit hole. They never fail to impress. You've got to react to Unchained Melody next. What a treat it is.
The name was a bit more evolutionary than that. There are interviews with Bill & Bobby explaining it. Here's one of Bill (story starts about 43 seconds in). th-cam.com/video/fnT8lX0Wu3M/w-d-xo.html
@@wnsafford1854 Having heard the stories in interviews with them they have told the shortened version of it which is what I chose to go with here. But I am fine with you telling the unabridged version.
That small venue was the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro
@@robertfisher3241 The small venue wasn't on-base. It was a nearby club, frequented by the Marine's from El Toro.
Their name was going to be The Moonglows but the duo who came from that group rejected that name.
This is just pure talent. I grew up with this music. Love it.
That"s why we old folks are always talking about the great music we had back in the day. It brought us all together!
And as a 38 yr old today I feel like we need this again since whoever it be wants us divided again.
Yes it did
"Blue Eyed Soul" proves that musical talent knows no skin color and that music is the greatest way to bring people together
Amen…
But apparently orange juice does know color...we white folk could leave it...
That's because music does not have a colour, the people singing the music have the colour
The live 1965 version of "Unchained melody" would be the one to go to next. Bobby does it solo and the notes he hits will knock your socks off.
I just did it 🤩🔥🔥🔥
@@sandracox4341 🙏🏾🤣🔥🔥🔥
@@ABtheKreator oh the feels it created! I grew up on this. Along with the Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Beach Boys .... It was great times for music for a child born in the 1960s.
@@kkspencer8376 I believe it is great music for people born in all times. i am from the 70's and this is what we listened to in the house. I love the stuff to this day. I have many CD's from that era.
Totally agree. Unchained Melody
One Year Later Bobby Sang Unchained Melody, Was The Best Performance Of Live Vocals Of ALL Time, NO One Has Ever Matched His Rendition Of That Song In The 58 Years Since It Was Done Live, NO Autotune, NO Vocal enhancement Whatsoever, IT Stands The Testament To Time!👍😇🙏
The real deal...no studio tricks, no auto-tune. At 73 I was there, feeling it and loving The Righteous Brothers then, now and forever.
You’ve made it sir. You’ve arrived at blue eyed soul. These two men crossed barriers the way that Elvis did. They were beyond talented. I’m 43 and grew up listening to them.
I know that feeling my friend. I’m 25 and I still grew up listening to them, and all kinds of music from that age.
There’s a fine line between crossing lines and cultural appropriation.
@@jmer9126 and where is that line, IYO?
@@sunfloweralpacas I don’t know. I just think it’s useful and kind to respect the original artists
Hey---. This song came out when I was in high school. White, Black and Brown, we all thought the Righteous Brothers were Black. We had no instant music videos back then. When I finally saw them on TV I couldn't believe it. Pale faces, like me. Making incredible music. Soul really has no color.
I LOVE what you wrote..."Soul really has no color"! That is so very very true! Peace! 🙂
Bit like me the first time I did se Anestasia had only heard her on radio and assumed she was black with that voice.
@@KAH5371 Yeah, we all have feelings to express, really.
I'm younger and when I'd listen to "Oldies" I'd be in shock that some folks were not lookin like I thought. I thought these guys were black, as well as Dusty Springfield (Son of a Preacher Man) and Three Dog Night. I was a bit shook when I found out they weren't. I also thought it was awesome too, because you really can't tell.
I also was in my senior year and danced to unchanged melody, and the Righteous Brothers classics with my future wife now of 53yrs. Americans all, that was an awesome Era. God bless
I’m a white woman born in 1968, but my parents played all sorts of records in the house and always had the radio playing. I can’t remember a time I didn’t know this song and I LOVED your reaction. I was waiting for it, because when you kept saying “brothers,” I knew you were expecting a little something different. 😂 What fun! I’ll have to see what else you have on your channel and maybe subscribe. I love to watch genuine reactions like this. Thanks so much for your honesty and integrity. I heard you sing, too. You’ve got a little something in you, too! I can say that being a classically trained singer myself. ❤
No million dollar pyrotechnic show. Just pure talent.
"These brothers can go" Loved it man. You tickled me. Hee hee. 66 yr old white grandma here. God bless. May we all come together with good sounds.💖
🙌🏾😎💯
That is pure unadulterated talent. These guys were singing live. No studio tricks just beautiful melodic voices
This song was honored as the "Most Played Song on the Radio" in the 20th Century. I met the Brothers back in their prime days and it remains one of my favorite memories of my younger days!!
My dad was a black man born in 1929. He told me when I was a kid in the 80s that when he first heard these guys he knew for sure they were black. He couldn't believe it when he found out they were white. Because of him I still listen to them along with Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Johnny Ace, Fats Domino, The Platters etc. on occasion
i am 76 and when I hear their music it takes me back to my teens. They were so talented the best
Yeah! Wonderful, exciting, uplifting music in the 1950's, 1960's, and 1970's!
🙌🏾🙌🏾✅🔥🔥🔥🔥
I love your musical tastes! James from Chicago
My mom was born in 1930 her grandchildren were born in the '80s
Different time in music. Clothes looked respectable. You could understand every word. No bashing of anyone. No cussing. Just pure beautiful music and talent.
Exactly!!!
AMEN we had great music then !
Yes! In most all thr genres of the time!
Eh~ Music is a form of art, and like any form of art, people are going to use it to express anger or lust or whatever.
I personally really like protest songs: both older and more modern; from Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday to Land of the Free by Joey Bada$$. And protest songs understandably have cussing in it, just like anti-war visual art will probably have gore in it.
Lustful songs are going to have cussing in it too, just like erotic visual art is probably going to show some boobs.
Even the most "vulgar" of art can fossilize into "beautiful talent". Shakespeare is the ultimate example of that. Do you know how many sex jokes there are in the first 5 minutes of Romeo and Juliet alone?
That's why "vulgarity" is kind of a weird metric by which to measure how good/bad art is. 🤷♂️
Couldn't said it better. The best 🎵 music EVER...
HONEST - one word to describe reaction. I'm a 70 year old female who 'doesn't look like you' and remember back to hearing them on the radio long before seeing them on TV. Maybe I was a weird kid, but the only thing that was important to me was how they sounded. And they ALWAYS sounded magnificent, they never failed to deliver. All before auto tune and lip syncing. Their voices were a gift that I was lucky enough to have heard first time around.
Yes ma’am 👍🏾🙏🏾💙🔥🔥🔥🔥
Me as well, Reva. Going on 73 this summer. When I grew up, we had a radio in the living room, in the kitchen, the three bedrooms, and dad’s “studio” (he was an artist and painter). One small black & white tv in the living room. I give you my go-to goodbye since Covid, stay safe and healthy Reva. - BG
No, you weren't 'wierd'. I (75 year old woman here), and ALL of my friends were the same. The media and a whole bunch of haters has done their best to divide us these last few years, but I'm not going to let them win. 🤗 Peace, Love, and Rock-n- Roll. ✌💞🎶
I loved the Righteous Brothers that was awesome haven’t hear them in ages!! Thank You for doing this ❤️❤️❤️
My first concert
I was 14 and a freshman in highschool when this jewel of a song came out. Everyone was listening to it and they still are...
73 yr old white woman.....loved this video.......have been the music director at a black church for 17 years and they all have taught me so much about music that I had never experienced.....can't tear me away now.......love it (partly the tremendous love they have been so kind to show me , my husband and our mothers before they passed!) thank you for this gem
Me, too.
I’m 73 years old now. I grew up in the ‘60’s. My first job out of high school was at an am & fm radio station. You can bet I’ve heard it all and met many! These guys were great and humble
This made my morning! I love it when you youngsters discover some of the vibes of us old folks! ❤️
Who thinks he is going to listen to this 1000 more times and hear all their stuff. Still won't catch up to how much my generation appreciates the Righteous Brothers ! I am 72. Lol!
67 here some of the best
I grew up on this. My father is 72. So grateful I had his musical influence.
66 wf here. 💖
74
59 and grew up in the south. Listened to them, Elvis, Country and Western, easy listening etc... Like most commentators I listened to what I liked and never thought about the skin color of the artists.
Two of the finest male voices in modern music. Thanks for your reaction.
This is where the term “Blue eyed soul” came from. No auto tune back then. Just pure raw talent.
Is that a type of fish?
@@cockeyedoptimista
A little kindness would not hurt you at all. Not everyone on TH-cam has English as a first language.
Blue-eyed soul.
@@julieenslow5915 It's a joke; jeez.
@@cockeyedoptimista
I've never liked "jokes" that come at another's expense. But hopefully when you get older you will also become more mature.
Now you know why old people miss their music💝🔥💝😭
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!
When Bill Medley first opened his mouth, we were in love. Some got it and ain't. The Righteous Brothers had it .❤❤❤❤❤
Before my dad passed My dad started watching black TH-camr's reacting to 60's & 70's country and popular music of his era, this had become one of his favorite hobbies and he would share the videos that he loved. This video was by far his favorite. First, he couldn't believe you'd never heard this song and then he couldn't stop laughing at your reaction to finding out the Righteous Brothers, weren't actually "brothers" but actually brothers. This video warms my heart... Thank you. 🙂
No auto-tune. Sung live. Superb.
Your reaction is priceless! They were called the “Blue Eyed Soul”. As Jamal said’ soul has no color’
Never judge a book by it's cover, never judge a talent or ability by skin colour! Magic voices are found everywhere!
NOTHING is more irrelevant than skin color.
So true….
Very true!!!! That’s why you gotta keep watching! I gave them madd love and props! I don’t care what color they are
Unchained Melody!. One of their best.
You just saw/heard the Greatest male duo Ever.
14 when this topped the charts and still moved to tears today.
Listen to Bobby do 'Unchained Melody' live.
He OWNS the song.
The Every Brothers had a good song or 2.
@@stoneman28 yes indeed they did and I still enjoy them too
I’m 65 years old and Unchained Melody still gives me goose bumps 💕
@@stoneman28 Simon and Garfunkel weren't too bad either. : )
Blue Eyed Soul all the way
Never underestimate the power of the human voice. Loved the reaction!
From a 62 yr. old white guy..... I love your honest reaction! Very much Liked and subbed and... hit the Bell folks. This man is Legit...STAT THAT!
I am a 64 year old white woman from Baltimore, Maryland and this is the first time I realized the Righteous Brothers were not Black! Thanks for enlightening me!!
No they're not "brothers"...nor are they "brothers"...but they are "Righteous Brothers "!❤❤❤
🤣🤣🤣🔥 Facts Bev
Amen
Yeah Beverly they were only called the righteous brothers but they are not real brothers
Their last name different-hatfield and medley
This was the most played song of the 20th century. They finished a show one time, and one of the guys in the audience said "that was righteous brother!" That became their name.
The name didn't come from just a 1 time thing. It was more evolutionary. There are interviews with both Bill & Bobby explaining it. Here's one of Bill, that starts off with him telling the story. th-cam.com/video/fnT8lX0Wu3M/w-d-xo.html
It's probably also the most reacted to group.
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I never knew that thank you.
“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 88 key piano. No other male singers can do that. Legendary. "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" was the most played song on the 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. Early in their career at a small venue after the show a black man said to them.... You two brothers are righteous.... the source of their name.
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......
Wait…the Everly Brothers are in there. No one ever did the absolute pristine harmony like Phil and Don. We had an abundance of talent back in the day when auto tune didn’t exist.
@Slade Mcalister Chris Cornell had quite the range also
THIS.
@Slade Mcalister Getty Lee isnt in the top 20 opf rock and pop music. Axle Rose, Freddy Mercury, John Taylor, Adam Lambert and Even Paul McCartney register a bigger range than Lee, plus many more.
@lucid sound. who passed away in 63?
Don't feel bad, those are the most common reactions to hearing them for the first time! Shock and awe! 😊
I was 15 when this song came out. I fell in love with them and the song. My feelings haven't changed....and I'm 71.....😊😍
@Irene OConnell.. Same same😄I'm 71! How lucky have we been? We have lived through the best time of music.. Love from the UK ❤️
Unchained melody, was written back in the 1950s by a member of the Platters who also sang it. But no one does it better than Bobby Hatfield, of Rightious Brothers.
It was written by Alex North and Hy Zaret for the 1955 movie Unchained. It was nominated for an Oscar, but didn't win. The Platters recorded it in 1969, I believe.
Yes, the Platters are well known for their interpretation of this. However, "Unchained Melody" is a 1955 song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. North wrote the music as a theme for the prison film Unchained (1955), hence the song title.
- BG
I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction. As a huge fan of the oldies, I was glad to come across your video. When you gave them credit for sounding like "brothas", I smiled. It's the compliment they deserve as we all know that The Temptations (my personal favorite of the oldies) were quite the chart topper.
These men are so perfectly in sync with each other, have flawless vocals and range, give an amazing presence on stage and have the perfect song to showcase their talents. I hope everyone gets to experience this hit. They were magic!
These gentlemen put on terrific USO shows for the troops during the Vietnam War. Heroes as well as fantastic artists.
“This brother, is NOT a brother!” made me laugh……I remember listening to the Righteous Brothers as a young boy in the ‘60’s….just quality, timeless and completely on point for ALL of us. I loved your reaction, thank you!
Omg you made me laugh out loud and I almost choked on my coffee. It’s called blue eyed soul and they were awesome! If you’ve never listened to the group the Animalz and their song House of the Rising Sun, you need to go there. Gravel in the guy’s voice can make your hair stand up. Love the 60s. Some of the best music made.
The Animals were an English rock group, and I believe the House of the Rising Sun was probably their best hit. They were a great band. I am in my '70s, and I must tell you that the rock and roll bands from the '60s and '70s and '80s, will beat any new group today.
they know not where they come from grasshopper.
Righteous brothers are iconic. I love your reaction. I love old 50s music
They are so awesome no matter your age, I’m 80 and a flood of great feelings listening to them. Never gets old
@Karen Wiley.. Oh absolutely love you commenting on you tube. I'm 71 and yes great feelings listening to them.How lucky were we?Best time ever for music👍I wish you health and happiness. Love from the UK ❤️
I'm 68. Of course I know the Righteous Brothers! I laughed my ass off with your reaction. I knew it was coming with them in the dark before the spotlight hit. Great song of the era. Priceless reaction.
Oh my...I get such a kick from younger folk's reaction to hearing the Righteous Brothers for the first time! Yes they were & are still amazing! Glad you enjoyed it.
I just love this reaction. None today can compare to the Righteous Brothers
Hatfield and Medley both possessed exceptional vocal talent, with range, control, and tone that helped them create a strong and distinct duet sound (and perform as soloists). Medley sang the low parts with his deep, soulful baritone, with Hatfield taking the higher register vocals with his soaring tenor. They gained their name when an African-American Marine shouted out "That was righteous, brothers" at the end of a show. John Wimber, one of the founding leaders of the Vineyard Movement, played the keyboard in the band.
They told a great story about how they got the name. I knew someone in the audience called out. I didn't know it was an A-A Marine. That is really awesome. Regardless, they touched our hearts and souls. 'Unchained Melody' should be next for a response.
One of the background singers for the Righteous Brothers when they started was a newcomer named Cher!!
Now this is music. No bad words. Period! Too be heard.
Musicians began integration in 40s and 50s with white musicians going to àfter- hours Black clubs to listen and learn. And if you've never heard the great Sarah -"Broken hearted melody " - Vaughn or the great Ella Fitzgerald and Many many more, do yourself a favor ànd listen (Billie Holiday
Over the 75 plus years of my life, I have learned to remain open to the gifts God has bestowed. It was fun to watch the opening of your eyes.
There is no color to music...its universal.
This was one of my Grandma's favorite groups......she told me how they got the name was they were doing a concert someone when they were starting out and there was a black Marine who got up after doing a jam and he said "That was righteous, brothers" and the Righteous Brothers were born. Good vid.
The best nicknames are always given by another person
Remember them well .....
Yes i'm a grandpa--bring back this M U S I C !!!
Older white woman here. I was 15 years old when the Righteous Brothers came on the screen. I had the pleasure of seeing them in person. And Bill Medley is still touring.
I can only say this: I was blessed to see them live, and I was only 14...
So lucky! x
Me too! Front row in Houston.
When they sing together it is like 1 beautiful voice. You can't pick out just 1 of the voices. They sing with 1 voice, hence the name. 😊
I was a 10 year old boy living in the heart of the South when this song aired the first time. When they did this song they had been touring together for several years and were one the few act who would entertain black troops at the USO shows they were part of. The legend is while they were singing for a unit of black soldiers one of the men in the audience yelled out "Bothers! You are RIGHTUOS!" and the crowd gave them a standing ovation. For me, they were Rightous then and still are 57 years later.
@@brooklynbridgealias the black men in military stuck together, and were mostly separated from whites.that's probably what he thought as a 10 year old don't forget it was 60s,when. Late 50s and 60s was when Martin Luther King marched for freedom, they still had segregation in 60s in clubs,lots of schools,hotels.this song came out in 1964,
@@brooklynbridgealias I agree but I lived in the south the law said they weren't segregated, but believe me they still got treated that way.even in the military it wasn't till Vietnam that they were fighting and became buddies with the white guys.but I do agree with it now being screwed up.both grandchildren in military keep me up to day what's going on.
Oh how I laughed! Thank you sweetie you made my day. I'm in my 60's and grew up listening to all genres of music. These guys were great then as they are now. Your reaction was priceless!🤣😂🤣😂😍😂
After a "new" study, It took Harvard university until 2019 to conclude that music is in fact the one true universal language. I've known that for as long as I can remember. The right song can turn a bad day into a good one and a good day into a great one! 8/2022
My husband gave me a cd with this song on it, for my December birthday - as he knew how much I enjoyed their music... & gave me no explanation; the next November, he told me he filed for divorce.... looking back ...he did me a great favor!
Unfortunately I have heard a few songs that could turn a good day into a bad one, too. (kidding, mostly, but not entirely) Music can be really really good all the way to really really bad, like anything else. I haven't had that much bad sex, though, now that I think of it. :-/ :-) Kind of a 'good' day at the office vs. a 'bad' day at fishing sort of thing. Sorry for the TMI.
When we had real talent in music. No instruments just pure voices incredible time to live ❤🇨🇦😊