@maryford4346 No, Bobby Hatfield died in 2003 from a fatal heart attack brought on by cocaine. His "brother" Bill Medley. Devastated everyone and I am still 💔. G.O.A.T. They were inducted into the Hall of Fame just a few months before this happened.
In 1955, three versions of the song (by Les Baxter, Al Hibbler, and Roy Hamilton) charted in the Billboard top 10 in the United States, and four versions (by Al Hibbler, Les Baxter, Jimmy Young, and Liberace) appeared in the top 20 in the United Kingdom simultaneously, a record for any song. The song continued to chart in the 21st century, and it was the only song to reach number one with four different recordings in the UK until it was joined by Band Aid 30's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in 2014
I agree! I loved the hit record but this live version is unbelievable. His nervousness due to his parents in the show's audience makes it all the more emotional. One of the top three songs in my life.
Rad-- This is a cover, but renowned for being the definitive rendition of this classic song. Several others did this before Bobby Hatfield. I was a Freshman in college when this cover came out. My hubby was sent to Vietnam-- It was OUR song. I played the 45 rpm every night until he came home.-- safe and sound.
@@johnperkins6324 When they say cover they mean that it’s not the original version. Yes Bobby did it better than anyone but Unchained Melody was first written for a movie by the same name in 1955. The movie was not a big hit but this beautiful song has endured down through the years. It has since become a standard and one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, most notably by the Righteous Brothers. According to the song's publishing administrator, over 1,500 recordings of “Unchained Melody” have been made by more than 670 artists, in multiple languages.
@@roseannelobbezoo7638 Movie was "Unchained" 1955. The song was written for the movie. The song did way better than the movie lol. I saw it a few months ago. "eh..." Definition of cover version spot on. A cover version by any definition includes live performances... [ you knew that] otherwise, why do we call them "Cover Bands?" Do they wear blankets or plastic tarps while performing? 😂
This performance is on Andy William's show. Andy ask Bill you don't sing this, why not? Bill's answer I didn't think it would be a hit. Andy ask what do you do while he sings? Bill answers he finds a corner and kicks himself.
@@virginiamealer8094 Actually, neither of them thought it would be a hit. It was recorded as an album filler, produced and arranged by Bill - with further changes by Bobby. Bill played piano on the record and I am assuming the orchestra here used their arrangement. Phil Specter chose to put it on the B side of ‘Hung on You’ which was supposed to be their new hit…. (Phil would produce the singles and Bill would produce the albums while the boys were with Phillies records.). The Deejays preferred the ‘B’ side…..
Oh, Rad - you probably know the "studio version" that was used in the movie "Ghost" -- a few others have covered it for sure - but this was Bobby performing LIVE - and he was reportedly nervous b/c his MOM was there -lol -- (I'm sure she was proud) -- what is amazing about Bobby is that he hits those notes, ladders & trills effortlessly! No straining or screaming... just makes it look easy! Thank you!
covered many times over ,no filters no auto tune just bobby standing there making history.IMO the best live version of any song ever sung.there will never be a soul that comes after this that will ever be able to even hold a candle to bobby singing this masterpiece.
This is a Bobby Hatfield solo. Both Bobby and Bill recorded solos as well as together as the Righteous Brothers. The version you're familiar with might be Bobby's studio version, which is actually a cover of the song written in 1955 for a prison movie titled Unchained. It was a big hit in 1965 and again in 1990 when it was used in the movie Ghost. This live version is superior to the studio recording. It's one of the finest live vocal performances I've ever heard and many agree. The song has been covered by many both before and after Bobby, but Bobby's version is the standard.
Yup and even Elvis sang it he was good but even the King couldn't do what Bobby did with it, his was mostly forgotten about but Bobby's is the only one anyone will ever remember he's to good
This live, no autobtune. All Bobby had to do was stand there with that mic in his hand, sing that sond, or any song, and a world of women fell in love. I call this "Bobby's Song." Bobby was singing to his new bride, Joy.
It's been recorded by at least 700 other artists, one of the most covered songs of all time. But the two best versions are this live performance, and the studio recording by him. It was used 25 years later in the movie Ghost, and hit the charts all over again. Bobby's is the iconic version, the one that makes it forever belong to the Righteous Brothers. 💖
Agreed 100% Apparently Bill was tasked with producing this song. Bobby sang it a couple of times and wanted to do it again. He said he could do it better but Bill told him no. That he couldn't do better than what he had just done. It was supposed to be the B-side. LOL. I wonder if anyone remembers the A-side.
The Righteous Brothers are fantastic when they are each singing by themselves or together and that’s rare in my opinion. They are immensely talented and funny if you ever see interviews or introductions of them. ❤
This is a live performance. The studio version has been in different movies throughout the years. But this is the definitive version in my opinion. Bobby is so effortless in this performance. Simply brilliant
Another unknown fact is that the song "Unchained Melody" was nominated for the Academy Awards as the best song in 1955. This song was originally written in 1955 for a movie called "Unchained" about a prisoner in jail singing to his love. If you listen to the words you will get it. Also there is no mention of the word "unchained" in the song, purposely. The song topped the Billboard charts at #1. Then Bobby Hatfield revised the song in 1965 and it top the Billboard charts at #4. This song was on the B side of the record. The A side was supposed to be the hit but the DJ's kept playing the B side which was the favorite.and became the hit. Bobby sang this version live on the Andy Williams Variety Show. I was 15 when I watched it on TV. And let me tell you I can remember all the girls going crazy for the Righteous Brothers. Bobby was said to be nervous to sing. And his mother was in the audience (sitting behind him in the blue dress) Then in 1990 the song became a hit again due to the movie "Ghost." Again, this song hit the billboard charts top 20 hits and received a Grammy. By far this is the best version of the song which is sung live by Bobby Hatfield!
This is the live recording from the Andy Williams Show that Bobby stylizes for this event. The one you are used to hearing is the distributed recording.
Love to see you young people's reactions to MY music and they always brings back memories from a very good time in my life. See these songs may be old, but can still touch people in a positive way. We from the 60s, know/knew good music!!!! Enjoyed watching you and enjoyed our visit today. Thanks for you hard work.
1965. That night Bobby's Mom was in the audience, she hadn't heard him sing for a live audience like this before. Bobby didn't want to mess it up. At the end you see Bobby bite his lip, he knew he nailed it. Countless performers have sung this song since. But none has ever done this song justice except Bobby in my opinion.
Handsome, talented and charming Bobby singing solo and his cover of this song charted twice. Righteous Brothers were a dynamic duo and graced us with solos now and then. Thank you for reacting to this one. I listen to it daily. RIP Bobby Hatfield you are missed.
Few people in this world have been born with such God given talent such as this. Elvis, the Everly Brothers and of course The Bee Gees!!!! Music like this is hard to come by these days. Great review!!
This song has been recorded over 700 times !!!! So, it is kind of familiar . Bobby Hatfield is the most perfect performer ever to record it . Leann Rimes is the next in line for perfection .
Legend has it his parents were in the audience and he was really happy for them to be there. He gets his good looks from his mom who was from Sweden. You do a great job with your ananlyzations.
Yes it’s been covered by over 670 artists. Bobby Hatfield owns this. No one can do it better. 56 years ago and still going strong. Sadly Bobby left us in 2003. Try Soul and Inspiration by the Righteous Brothers. Thanks for playing this classic. I never get tired of it.
I watched this live on TV in 1965.. The Andy Williams Show... Bill Medley was wearing the same Salmon Pink suit as Bobby Hatfield . One of the greatest times in my life, I was 18. You may have heard the studio recording with Bobby and Bill both singing.. That is the version that is in the movie Ghost.
There was an analysis of this performance (by Fil of Wings of Pegasus). He talked about Bobby Hatfield's range. He said that Bobby sang 33 separate notes. Counting half tones you are still talking almost 3 full octaves.
The other singer, Bill Medley, was present at this live performance but stayed off camera. He told Bobby Hatfield that Unchained Melody would never be a hit, so Hatfield (in a friendly ribbing way) told Medley he would sing the song by himself since he was the lead vocal on the song anyway.
Actually they flipped a coin and Bobby won-- Bill still didn't mind so much because, yeah, he didn't think it would be a hit. As in awe of Bill's voice as I am, I honestly can't imagine his deep baritone doing this justice the way Bobby's voice does it.
@@3ScotsInk Here is the link to the video showing Bobby Hatfield saying he will sing it alone because Bill Medley said he didn’t think Unchained Melody would be a hit. th-cam.com/video/FZZqf3AVJbE/w-d-xo.html
@@keyrat1753 Yeah, I've seen that. It was a bit of 3-part comedy, Bobby & Bill being pretty funny frequently. Especially Bobby. I just read somewhere, maybe one of their Wikipedia pages? about how they always did a solo on their albums and, at least for Unchained it was a coin toss because the song seemed, literally, a toss up for either of their voices alone, whereas with other solo songs it was more obvious which one's voice was more suited for it. But, could be apocryphal. Whatever the truth is, I can't even imagine, though obviously Bill had/has an amazing and very distinctive voice, his singing Unchained even close to as beautifully as Bobby did.
@@3ScotsInk Listen to one of the earlier tributes Bill did. He sang Unchained to Bobby with pics in the background. He sings it beautifully by adjusting for his age and huskier voice. No one can touch Bobby's rendition, but Bill doesn't try. It is a Tribute to Bobby.
Except that was a joke and not the real story. BOTH wanted to record it...and they typically had one "solo" per album...or one solo each. Bill did lose a coin toss to decide who'd get to record "Unchained Melody" - both wanted it. And NO...neither of them had any doubt that it would be a hit. In fact 4 different artists charted with it in 1955...and either Bobby or Bill can sing it far better than those versions. Their banter before the song was scripted.
Have listened to this since it came out when I was 7 years old. So beautiful, so effortless, and I'm pretty sure if you look up Smooth in the dictionary there's a pic of Bobby Hatfield singing it. RIP Bobby. And superb reaction as always, Rad. You obviously have an ear for the best music ever written, ever sung.
This is from the ‘67 appearance of The Righteous Brothers on The Andy Williams show on TV. This features Bobby Hatfield singing alone. This is a cover of a song that was written as an instrumental for the movie “Unchained” and it was referred to as ‘The Melody from Unchained’ or ‘The Unchained Melody’, the words were added later. Literally 100s of covers exist, of which this has become the definitive vocal performance. Elvis as well as Frank Sinatra, and Smokey Robinson have charted with this song. Many fine renditions exist, so I couldn’t guess which you heard/remember. The movie was from the 50’s and there were several covers in the early 60s with this RB rendition recorded in ‘65. Legend has it that Bill and Bobby flipped a coin for whose version would be recorded as they weren’t as happy with the harmonized arrangement they had worked out. If that’s true, we know the late, great Bobby Hatfield won the toss and provided us a phenomenal interpretation with his magnificent instrument. Bill Medley has sung this as a tribute to his singing partner fir years, and it’s lovely, but has a totally different vibe in his fabulous bass/baritone voice. Nice reaction. Keep up the good work?with great music!
You're right there are 2 versions of this song. This version of the song is when Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers sang it in person.Then there's another version that was recorded in 1964 by Bobby Hatfield as a solo, which is somewhat different and was used in the movie Ghost.
The Righteous Brothers version of Unchained Melody was by far the biggest hit. They released the song in the 1960’s and it had a surge of popularity in the 1990’s when it was part of the soundtrack for the movie “Ghost.”
It was in the movie Ghost. And yes, it was sung by the same guy. But that was the studio version. This one was live on the Andy Williams TV show. The arrangement is different especially in the second half of the song.
Rad, this song was written in 1955 for the film, “Unchained.” It is about an incarcerated man who is yearning for his wife and children. It has been covered 1500+ times by 600+ artists. This live performance by Bobby Hatfield is, imo, the BEST! 😍
"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 little-known prison film Unchained (so the title comes from the movie). I'd guess the version(s) you're more familiar with are Elvis, or Roy Orbison. Once Bobby Hatfield sung it, though, it belong forever to him.
Lots of people have covered this song. It was written back in the 50s for a prison film. The words are from the perspective of a prisoner who is missing his woman. Righteous Bros, (Hatfield in particular) did my favorite cover. This performance is from the 60s.
Bobby Hatfield had an incredible 4-octave range and his is considered the definitive version of all the covers. This was a song from a mid-50's movie called UNCHAINED about a guy in prison. Bobby also had profound stage fright and would literally throw up before almost every performance then walk out on stage and kill the performance with his partner Bill Medley. True professionals.
Several people sang it before they recorded it - their recording is the one that went to #1 several times! After Ghost was released it went to #1 again! Just a beautifully sung song with such meaning. Awesome!
There have been several covers of this song that was actually written in 1955 to accompany a "B'' movie about a prisoner awaiting the time he hopes will pass till he's back in the arms of his love. Bobby Hatfield absolutely killed this performance which was taped on a variety show back in the 60s called The Andy Williams Show. He was a singer of renown himself. Bill was in the wings, they had flipped a coin to see who would do the solo and Bobby won and the rest is history. Elvis had covered it and now so has Angelina Jordan. Good as they and other artists are, Bobby is the Gold Standard! Anyway that's my opinion! Thanks! Love your channel and yes I am subscribed!
Beautifully reacted to-- loved your explanation of "hungered for your touch." Here's some copy/pasted history: Sung by Todd Duncan for 1955 movie. "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 little-known prison film Unchained (January 1955), hence the song title. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack.
When Bobby started to rehearse with the orchestra he told them he would be right back he wanted to make some changes because of knowing his voice range his breathing control capabilities and realizing the Acoustics in the studio, that's why this is different from the record or any other you've heard.
Yes indeed...between the amazing acoustics and fine orchestra that singer/host Andy Williams had...Bobby took advantage of a great opportunity and ended up with one of the greatest singing performances in TV history. This performance is vastly superior to even his own studio/record version...much more powerful and dynamic.
You are right about people making cover versions, but the Righteous Brothers was also a cover. "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 little-known prison film Unchained (January 1955), hence the song title. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack. It has since become one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, most notably by the Righteous Brothers in July 1965. According to the song's publishing administrator, over 1,500 recordings of "Unchained Melody" have been made by more than 670 artists, in multiple languages. Of the hundreds of recordings made, the Righteous Brothers' version, with a solo by Bobby Hatfield, became the jukebox standard after its release. Hatfield changed the melody in the final verse and many subsequent covers of the song are based on his version. The Righteous Brothers recording achieved a second round of great popularity when featured in the film Ghost in 1990.
It's a solo song, so they flipped a coin to see who got to sing it! Bill said he was glad Bobby won, because there's no way he could do a better version of this song!!
Hey. It's possible you heard the version from the movie Ghost. But Elvis and lots of other singers have covered this. This is the Righteous Brothers version, the most popular version.
Bobbys voice was unbelievable this song is a true classic and timeless. They don’t make music like this anymore. Another performance you would love is Kenny Rogers “lady” live
According to Guiness Book of Records this is the most covered song of all time. Not only in number of covers, but in the number of languages it was covered in. 200 languages.
Every woman loves slow dancing to this song especially with that special someone. It also became the anthem of our soldiers serving in Vietnam for their wives and girlfriends that they would be waiting for them when…if…they came home.
Many have covered this song but probably the most famous person to cover this song was Elvis Presley. Some even think that it is his song and not Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers. It’s beautiful when Elvis sings it (it’s a beautiful song) but no one can sing it like Bobby! This song was also in the movie Ghost.
This is a cover. I looked it up on wikipedia and the song was originally recorded by a black singer named Todd Duncan, and it was performed in a movie in 1955 called "Unchained". It was a movie about prisons and the music and lyrics were written for that movie. The movie can still be seen on TH-cam, and the performance by Todd Duncan is also there. Todd Duncan also played the lead in the musical "Porgy and Bess", and he played Porgy. The song has been done by hundreds of singers and musicians over the years, but the Righteous Brothers version as done by Bobby Hatfield is the best of all of them! Here's the link to the movie on TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/CE_es014R4A/w-d-xo.html The song starts at around 1 hour two minutes and 30 seconds in case you don't want to watch the movie. It's not as long in the movie.
hi Jad, this version was used for the movie ' ghost' , with demi moore and patrick swayze, hope this helps , the original was sung by a prisoner in a movie , made in 1955, and a number of other artists sang this song but when Bobby Hatfield song this live , it went ballistic, so few artists can equal this version, fyi, it was done live with no special audio help, hope this helps a little, ciao 4 now
The late Bobby Hatfield made this songs on the charts. Others have done it but none made this song like Bobby.
A whole bunch of people have recorded Unchained Melody, including Elvis, but Bobby Hatfield's version (this version) knocks it out of the park.
No one, I mean no one, has ever sung this song better than the late, great Bobby Hatfield
Totally agree. No one could EVER sing this song the way he did. The perfect voice, the perfect time and the perfect song.
Bobby owns this song
The person singing this song is still alive n performing….
@maryford4346 No, Bobby Hatfield died in 2003 from a fatal heart attack brought on by cocaine. His "brother" Bill Medley. Devastated everyone and I am still 💔. G.O.A.T. They were inducted into the Hall of Fame just a few months before this happened.
Ah the totally brilliant Bobbie Hatfield! No one does it better!
He is one that made it a hit! This came out when the US had thousands of men fighting in Nam!
Not just sung this song, Bobby essentially owns this song. No one has done it better.
The best version of this song
In 1955, three versions of the song (by Les Baxter, Al Hibbler, and Roy Hamilton) charted in the Billboard top 10 in the United States, and four versions (by Al Hibbler, Les Baxter, Jimmy Young, and Liberace) appeared in the top 20 in the United Kingdom simultaneously, a record for any song. The song continued to chart in the 21st century, and it was the only song to reach number one with four different recordings in the UK until it was joined by Band Aid 30's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in 2014
I agree! I loved the hit record but this live version is unbelievable. His nervousness due to his parents in the show's audience makes it all the more emotional. One of the top three songs in my life.
Yes, by far
Absolutely no contest.
Rad-- This is a cover, but renowned for being the definitive rendition of this classic song. Several others did this before Bobby Hatfield. I was a Freshman in college when this cover came out. My hubby was sent to Vietnam-- It was OUR song. I played the 45 rpm every night until he came home.-- safe and sound.
My boyfriend was in Vietnam when this song came out. He wrote me and told me to listen to it. We've been married 54 years.
That's not a cover version that's a live performance on the Andy Williams show.
@@johnperkins6324
When they say cover they mean that it’s not the original version. Yes Bobby did it better than anyone but Unchained Melody was first written for a movie by the same name in 1955. The movie was not a big hit but this beautiful song has endured down through the years. It has since become a standard and one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, most notably by the Righteous Brothers. According to the song's publishing administrator, over 1,500 recordings of “Unchained Melody” have been made by more than 670 artists, in multiple languages.
@@roseannelobbezoo7638 Movie was "Unchained" 1955. The song was written for the movie. The song did way better than the movie lol. I saw it a few months ago. "eh..." Definition of cover version spot on. A cover version by any definition includes live performances... [ you knew that] otherwise, why do we call them "Cover Bands?" Do they wear blankets or plastic tarps while performing? 😂
That's Bobby Hatfield performing this live for TV.. his mom was in the audience.. He killed it!
Killed it? .... He was brilliant, not rubbish!!
This performance is on Andy William's show. Andy ask Bill you don't sing this, why not? Bill's answer I didn't think it would be a hit. Andy ask what do you do while he sings? Bill answers he finds a corner and kicks himself.
@@virginiamealer8094 Actually, neither of them thought it would be a hit. It was recorded as an album filler, produced and arranged by Bill - with further changes by Bobby. Bill played piano on the record and I am assuming the orchestra here used their arrangement. Phil Specter chose to put it on the B side of ‘Hung on You’ which was supposed to be their new hit…. (Phil would produce the singles and Bill would produce the albums while the boys were with Phillies records.). The Deejays preferred the ‘B’ side…..
@@EssexSilvering Thats what she meant
@@EssexSilvering "Killed it" is now slang for doing something really well.
Oh, Rad - you probably know the "studio version" that was used in the movie "Ghost" -- a few others have covered it for sure - but this was Bobby performing LIVE - and he was reportedly nervous b/c his MOM was there -lol -- (I'm sure she was proud) -- what is amazing about Bobby is that he hits those notes, ladders & trills effortlessly! No straining or screaming... just makes it look easy! Thank you!
Yep. Ghost.
covered many times over ,no filters no auto tune just bobby standing there making history.IMO the best live version of any song ever sung.there will never be a soul that comes after this that will ever be able to even hold a candle to bobby singing this masterpiece.
You are listening to the absolute best singer and most beautiful song ever.
PERFECTION simply PERFECTION!
This is a Bobby Hatfield solo. Both Bobby and Bill recorded solos as well as together as the Righteous Brothers. The version you're familiar with might be Bobby's studio version, which is actually a cover of the song written in 1955 for a prison movie titled Unchained. It was a big hit in 1965 and again in 1990 when it was used in the movie Ghost. This live version is superior to the studio recording. It's one of the finest live vocal performances I've ever heard and many agree. The song has been covered by many both before and after Bobby, but Bobby's version is the standard.
I like the studio version too. It's just different enough to be interesting but this version...
I went to school with bobby Hatfield's cousins. She looked very much like bobby
Yup and even Elvis sang it he was good but even the King couldn't do what Bobby did with it, his was mostly forgotten about but Bobby's is the only one anyone will ever remember he's to good
This live, no autobtune. All Bobby had to do was stand there with that mic in his hand, sing that sond, or any song, and a world of women fell in love. I call this "Bobby's Song." Bobby was singing to his new bride, Joy.
Whew! Nice reaction! You thought about the words, and that was lovely. Thank you, Rad. Bobby sang this alone, but they usually sang together. Cheers!
It's been recorded by at least 700 other artists, one of the most covered songs of all time. But the two best versions are this live performance, and the studio recording by him. It was used 25 years later in the movie Ghost, and hit the charts all over again. Bobby's is the iconic version, the one that makes it forever belong to the Righteous Brothers. 💖
Agreed 100% Apparently Bill was tasked with producing this song. Bobby sang it a couple of times and wanted to do it again. He said he could do it better but Bill told him no. That he couldn't do better than what he had just done. It was supposed to be the B-side. LOL. I wonder if anyone remembers the A-side.
It was originally written for a movie before The Righteous Brothers got hold of it but no one has ever done it better than Bobby Hatfield.
This song was recorded by more than 670 singers around the world. I don’t have to listen to anyone else to know Bobby did it best. Thank you.
The Righteous Brothers are fantastic when they are each singing by themselves or together and that’s rare in my opinion. They are immensely talented and funny if you ever see interviews or introductions of them. ❤
This is a live performance. The studio version has been in different movies throughout the years. But this is the definitive version in my opinion. Bobby is so effortless in this performance. Simply brilliant
He has the voice of an angel. So beautiful and so much soul
He does. And in 2003 the angels got him back. RIP Bobby.
Yes Debbie Bobby Hatfield has a beautiful voice and sings with all his heart and soul
GREAT reaction 👏 👍😁 to one of the BEST " LIVE" performances EVER recorded🤯❤️🔥 IMHO!!!! TRUE love in a song!!!! 😍
Have it in my jukebox! A 45 sounds so COOL! with the pops and crackles.
Valentines Day 1965 I was 15 and I still love these guys.
The master. No one will ever sing it better.
I think in those days you could understand ever word they sing. Every word is distinction.
Another unknown fact is that the song "Unchained Melody" was nominated for the Academy Awards as the best song in 1955. This song was originally written in 1955 for a movie called "Unchained" about a prisoner in jail singing to his love. If you listen to the words you will get it. Also there is no mention of the word "unchained" in the song, purposely. The song topped the Billboard charts at #1. Then Bobby Hatfield revised the song in 1965 and it top the Billboard charts at #4. This song was on the B side of the record. The A side was supposed to be the hit but the DJ's kept playing the B side which was the favorite.and became the hit. Bobby sang this version live on the Andy Williams Variety Show. I was 15 when I watched it on TV. And let me tell you I can remember all the girls going crazy for the Righteous Brothers. Bobby was said to be nervous to sing. And his mother was in the audience (sitting behind him in the blue dress) Then in 1990 the song became a hit again due to the movie "Ghost." Again, this song hit the billboard charts top 20 hits and received a Grammy. By far this is the best version of the song which is sung live by Bobby Hatfield!
So cool seeing a young man enjoy a song I listened to many decades ago.
Lord have mercy❤
R.I.P. Bobby Hatfield, 2003.
I don't care how old or young you are, this song is epic. It will still be listened to a hundred years from now. What a beautiful voice.
This is the live recording from the Andy Williams Show that Bobby stylizes for this event. The one you are used to hearing is the distributed recording.
It's when he comes back in with that second "Woah...." You know what's coming ♥ Every song they did was iconic. Loved your reaction.
Beautiful song by Bobby Hatfield! May you RIP Bobby! Great reaction to him!
Love to see you young people's reactions to MY music and they always brings back memories from a very good time in my life. See these songs may be old, but can still touch people in a positive way. We from the 60s, know/knew good music!!!! Enjoyed watching you and enjoyed our visit today. Thanks for you hard work.
1965. That night Bobby's Mom was in the audience, she hadn't heard him sing for a live audience like this before. Bobby didn't want to mess it up. At the end you see Bobby bite his lip, he knew he nailed it. Countless performers have sung this song since. But none has ever done this song justice except Bobby in my opinion.
Handsome, talented and charming Bobby singing solo and his cover of this song charted twice. Righteous Brothers were a dynamic duo and graced us with solos now and then. Thank you for reacting to this one. I listen to it daily. RIP Bobby Hatfield you are missed.
Once you've heard this version there is no other.
Never a better voice range.
No autotune just a man and his mic!
The Righteous Brothers are known as "Blue Eyed Soul" so well deserved; they're soulful; this song is a masterpiece
Their version is no auto-tune... Talent!!!!
You don't get any more Perfect than that.
Unchained Melody has been recorded many times and was first released in 1955
Few people in this world have been born with such God given talent such as this. Elvis, the Everly Brothers and of course The Bee Gees!!!! Music like this is hard to come by these days. Great review!!
This is the original. Beautiful voice. No backups, this is sung one time on stage. No do overs here.
No matter how many people try to sing this song it will always be the Righteous Brothers song.
This song has been recorded over 700 times !!!! So, it is kind of familiar . Bobby Hatfield is the most perfect performer ever to record it . Leann Rimes is the next in line for perfection .
Legend has it his parents were in the audience and he was really happy for them to be there. He gets his good looks from his mom who was from Sweden. You do a great job with your ananlyzations.
It's been used in movies, and Elvis sang it, but this is probably the best version.
No question, this IS the best version!
Yes it’s been covered by over 670 artists. Bobby Hatfield owns this. No one can do it better. 56 years ago and still going strong. Sadly Bobby left us in 2003. Try Soul and Inspiration by the Righteous Brothers. Thanks for playing this classic. I never get tired of it.
I watched this live on TV in 1965.. The Andy Williams Show... Bill Medley was wearing the same Salmon Pink suit as Bobby Hatfield . One of the greatest times in my life, I was 18. You may have heard the studio recording with Bobby and Bill both singing.. That is the version that is in the movie Ghost.
Met my husband in 1965 .this is my song forever 🎶🎶🎶🎶💞💞💞
The movie GHOST has the studio version of this song by Bobby Hatfield.
Sadly
This song by Bobby was voted the most popular song and most played of the twenty century.
There was an analysis of this performance (by Fil of Wings of Pegasus). He talked about Bobby Hatfield's range. He said that Bobby sang 33 separate notes. Counting half tones you are still talking almost 3 full octaves.
The other singer, Bill Medley, was present at this live performance but stayed off camera. He told Bobby Hatfield that Unchained Melody would never be a hit, so Hatfield (in a friendly ribbing way) told Medley he would sing the song by himself since he was the lead vocal on the song anyway.
Actually they flipped a coin and Bobby won-- Bill still didn't mind so much because, yeah, he didn't think it would be a hit. As in awe of Bill's voice as I am, I honestly can't imagine his deep baritone doing this justice the way Bobby's voice does it.
@@3ScotsInk Here is the link to the video showing Bobby Hatfield saying he will sing it alone because Bill Medley said he didn’t think Unchained Melody would be a hit. th-cam.com/video/FZZqf3AVJbE/w-d-xo.html
@@keyrat1753 Yeah, I've seen that. It was a bit of 3-part comedy, Bobby & Bill being pretty funny frequently. Especially Bobby. I just read somewhere, maybe one of their Wikipedia pages? about how they always did a solo on their albums and, at least for Unchained it was a coin toss because the song seemed, literally, a toss up for either of their voices alone, whereas with other solo songs it was more obvious which one's voice was more suited for it. But, could be apocryphal. Whatever the truth is, I can't even imagine, though obviously Bill had/has an amazing and very distinctive voice, his singing Unchained even close to as beautifully as Bobby did.
@@3ScotsInk Listen to one of the earlier tributes Bill did. He sang Unchained to Bobby with pics in the background. He sings it beautifully by adjusting for his age and huskier voice. No one can touch Bobby's rendition, but Bill doesn't try. It is a Tribute to Bobby.
Except that was a joke and not the real story. BOTH wanted to record it...and they typically had one "solo" per album...or one solo each.
Bill did lose a coin toss to decide who'd get to record "Unchained Melody" - both wanted it.
And NO...neither of them had any doubt that it would be a hit. In fact 4 different artists charted with it in 1955...and either Bobby or Bill can sing it far better than those versions.
Their banter before the song was scripted.
זה פעם שניה שאני שומעת את השיר הזה.ואני פשוט נהנת.❤❤❤❤וגם מאוד אוהבת את התגובה שלך.רואים עלייך שאתה נהנה🤘🤘❤️❤️
Have listened to this since it came out when I was 7 years old. So beautiful, so effortless, and I'm pretty sure if you look up Smooth in the dictionary there's a pic of Bobby Hatfield singing it. RIP Bobby. And superb reaction as always, Rad. You obviously have an ear for the best music ever written, ever sung.
This is from the ‘67 appearance of The Righteous Brothers on The Andy Williams show on TV. This features Bobby Hatfield singing alone. This is a cover of a song that was written as an instrumental for the movie “Unchained” and it was referred to as ‘The Melody from Unchained’ or ‘The Unchained Melody’, the words were added later. Literally 100s of covers exist, of which this has become the definitive vocal performance. Elvis as well as Frank Sinatra, and Smokey Robinson have charted with this song. Many fine renditions exist, so I couldn’t guess which you heard/remember. The movie was from the 50’s and there were several covers in the early 60s with this RB rendition recorded in ‘65.
Legend has it that Bill and Bobby flipped a coin for whose version would be recorded as they weren’t as happy with the harmonized arrangement they had worked out. If that’s true, we know the late, great Bobby Hatfield won the toss and provided us a phenomenal interpretation with his magnificent instrument. Bill Medley has sung this as a tribute to his singing partner fir years, and it’s lovely, but has a totally different vibe in his fabulous bass/baritone voice.
Nice reaction. Keep up the good work?with great music!
They’re one of the singers of this song but their version is most popular. They’re not the original but they’re version is the most loved.
You're right there are 2 versions of this song. This version of the song is when Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers sang it in person.Then there's another version that was recorded in 1964 by Bobby Hatfield as a solo, which is somewhat different and was used in the movie Ghost.
The Righteous Brothers version of Unchained Melody was by far the biggest hit. They released the song in the 1960’s and it had a surge of popularity in the 1990’s when it was part of the soundtrack for the movie “Ghost.”
This song was used all thru the movie GHOST staring Patrick Swayze .maybe that's where you heard it
Yep. I remember seeing Ghost and people sayin what great song they wrote for the movie.
I was just setting think, wow people do not know music.
Sadly most people have only heard the studio version used in "Ghost" - this live version is vastly superior.
Your perfectly right. This Song is one of the best Songs ever! Have a good start into the week. ❤️
It was in the movie Ghost. And yes, it was sung by the same guy. But that was the studio version. This one was live on the Andy Williams TV show. The arrangement is different especially in the second half of the song.
Ive heard remakes but Bobby sang this better than any version I have ever heard!!! He sang this live,..no auto tune!!! Who can do that?!
This just makes me cry every time I hear it.... I think of my lovely parents and their love for one another. 😢😘😎♥️☮️
Rad, this song was written in 1955 for the film, “Unchained.” It is about an incarcerated man who is yearning for his wife and children. It has been covered 1500+ times by 600+ artists. This live performance by Bobby Hatfield is, imo, the BEST! 😍
"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 little-known prison film Unchained (so the title comes from the movie). I'd guess the version(s) you're more familiar with are Elvis, or Roy Orbison. Once Bobby Hatfield sung it, though, it belong forever to him.
Lots of people have covered this song. It was written back in the 50s for a prison film. The words are from the perspective of a prisoner who is missing his woman. Righteous Bros, (Hatfield in particular) did my favorite cover. This performance is from the 60s.
A beautiful song. I absolutely love it. They killed it. Thank you Rad.
Bobby Hatfield had an incredible 4-octave range and his is considered the definitive version of all the covers. This was a song from a mid-50's movie called UNCHAINED about a guy in prison.
Bobby also had profound stage fright and would literally throw up before almost every performance then walk out on stage and kill the performance with his partner Bill Medley. True professionals.
Several people sang it before they recorded it - their recording is the one that went to #1 several times! After Ghost was released it went to #1 again! Just a beautifully sung song with such meaning. Awesome!
I love this performance.
There have been several covers of this song that was actually written in 1955 to accompany a "B'' movie about a prisoner awaiting the time he hopes will pass till he's back in the arms of his love. Bobby Hatfield absolutely killed this performance which was taped on a variety show back in the 60s called The Andy Williams Show. He was a singer of renown himself. Bill was in the wings, they had flipped a coin to see who would do the solo and Bobby won and the rest is history. Elvis had covered it and now so has Angelina Jordan. Good as they and other artists are, Bobby is the Gold Standard! Anyway that's my opinion! Thanks! Love your channel and yes I am subscribed!
U2 also covered it in the 80s.
The "coin toss" was actually about who would actually record this song. Not who would perform it that night.
Beautifully reacted to-- loved your explanation of "hungered for your touch." Here's some copy/pasted history: Sung by Todd Duncan for 1955 movie.
"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 little-known prison film Unchained (January 1955), hence the song title. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack.
When Bobby started to rehearse with the orchestra he told them he would be right back he wanted to make some changes because of knowing his voice range his breathing control capabilities and realizing the Acoustics in the studio, that's why this is different from the record or any other you've heard.
Yes indeed...between the amazing acoustics and fine orchestra that singer/host Andy Williams had...Bobby took advantage of a great opportunity and ended up with one of the greatest singing performances in TV history.
This performance is vastly superior to even his own studio/record version...much more powerful and dynamic.
sung live with no auto tune. All talent.
This & You've Lost that Loving Feeling are two best pop songs EVER.
It was in the film Ghost.
You are right about people making cover versions, but the Righteous Brothers was also a cover.
"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 little-known prison film Unchained (January 1955), hence the song title. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack. It has since become one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, most notably by the Righteous Brothers in July 1965. According to the song's publishing administrator, over 1,500 recordings of "Unchained Melody" have been made by more than 670 artists, in multiple languages.
Of the hundreds of recordings made, the Righteous Brothers' version, with a solo by Bobby Hatfield, became the jukebox standard after its release. Hatfield changed the melody in the final verse and many subsequent covers of the song are based on his version. The Righteous Brothers recording achieved a second round of great popularity when featured in the film Ghost in 1990.
It's a solo song, so they flipped a coin to see who got to sing it! Bill said he was glad Bobby won, because there's no way he could do a better version of this song!!
Absolutely lov ur interpretation of this awesome hit. Totally agree it's one of the most beautiful songs .. lyrically & melodically. Thnx
Hey. It's possible you heard the version from the movie Ghost.
But Elvis and lots of other singers have covered this. This is the Righteous Brothers version, the most popular version.
Is there anyone who HASN'T made a cover of this?
Bobbys voice was unbelievable this song is a true classic and timeless. They don’t make music like this anymore. Another performance you would love is Kenny Rogers “lady” live
Another great reaction! Thank you, Rad!!
I may have said this before, but you have a very nice speaking voice.
According to Guiness Book of Records this is the most covered song of all time. Not only in number of covers, but in the number of languages it was covered in. 200 languages.
Every woman loves slow dancing to this song especially with that special someone. It also became the anthem of our soldiers serving in Vietnam for their wives and girlfriends that they would be waiting for them when…if…they came home.
this song has been covered 670 times .....Bobby OWNS IT ....
Great reaction! It is a pleasure listening to you listening to my childhood! 💕
Good old blue eyed soul.
מדהים❤❤❤❤
Al Hibler released Unchained Melody as a hit (45 rpm) single in 1954...
Many have covered this song but probably the most famous person to cover this song was Elvis Presley. Some even think that it is his song and not Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers. It’s beautiful when Elvis sings it (it’s a beautiful song) but no one can sing it like Bobby! This song was also in the movie Ghost.
Yes, many singers have covered this song, but I love this version of Unchained Melody sung by Bobby Hadfield of Rightgeous Bros.
This is a cover. I looked it up on wikipedia and the song was originally recorded by a black singer named Todd Duncan, and it was performed in a movie in 1955 called "Unchained". It was a movie about prisons and the music and lyrics were written for that movie. The movie can still be seen on TH-cam, and the performance by Todd Duncan is also there. Todd Duncan also played the lead in the musical "Porgy and Bess", and he played Porgy. The song has been done by hundreds of singers and musicians over the years, but the Righteous Brothers version as done by Bobby Hatfield is the best of all of them! Here's the link to the movie on TH-cam:
th-cam.com/video/CE_es014R4A/w-d-xo.html
The song starts at around 1 hour two minutes and 30 seconds in case you don't want to watch the movie. It's not as long in the movie.
hi Jad, this version was used for the movie ' ghost' , with demi moore and patrick swayze, hope this helps , the original was sung by a prisoner in a movie , made in 1955, and a number of other artists sang this song but when Bobby Hatfield song this live , it went ballistic, so few artists can equal this version, fyi, it was done live with no special audio help, hope this helps a little, ciao 4 now