I played the original recording on the radio hundreds of times, and I've watched/listened to this live performance probably a thousand times, and I will tell you flat-out this live performance is better than the studio recording, and might just be the best live performance of a hit song I've ever heard in my 69 years on the planet.
Bobby was also sick with a cold during this performance. I can hear it in his voice and I truly believe it made the song better. His parents were in the audience that night and it was their first time seeing him do a live show. Bobby was around 24 yrs of age singing this. He is the original singer of this song.
@@cathie9614 I agree with you that he is the best with this song but he was not the original. The original singer did it in the movie Unchained in 1955. It had been recorded at least 2-3 times prior to Bobby Hatfield doing it. But his is the best.
I'm 74 years old, iwas a teenager when the Righteous Brothers were at the height of their career. This was one of my favorite songs from them. Nobody sings this like Bobby,its HIS song!!!
He's singing freely, doing his own version, putting his heart and soul into the song. So much passion and emotion in this version. I like it better than the studio version.
Congratulations to all who get. Best LIVE solo performance of all time. Small mic, no reverb, digital processing-Just exceptional talent. Cudos to your critique also.
Not only was he nervous because his parents were in the audience, he was also fighting a head cold. Yet he was still able to nail it! True raw talent and professionalism!
Bobby Hatfield's mother was in the audience for this performance. Live, no auto tunes just a microphone and God given talent. Bobby Hatfield had a 6 octave range. This was recorded in 1965. Whatever you are calling 'the original', if it was recorded after this time, the artist is imitating Bobby, not the other way around.
he's version is the version most people have heard of the best in my opinion, but he is not the original, it was originally recorded in 1955 by Al Hibbler and written and composted by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret
@@timoshea741 versiunea interpretată de Bobby Hatfield a rămas în memoria publicului ca fiind interpretarea cu cea mai mare încărcătură emoțională și nemai interpretată de nimeni atât de perfect înainte si după interpretarea lui Hatfield. La popularitate melodiei a avut un mare rol și datorită filmului "The Ghost"
Nobody could sing a song like Bobby Hatfield. Pure honey and velvet. unchained Melody is his song, his voice, his control his range. Nobody else could do it with this song.
Bobby's mom and dad was in the audience. He said later that he was worried that he wouldn't do this song justice because they were there. But, when he bit his lip, smiled and looked down I think he knew that it was perfect.
What a joy to watch you enjoy Bobby Hatfield. He was a counter tenor,hence able to sing higher than most tenors. He was a talent that only come around once in a lifetime.
The late great Bobby Hatfield! He owns this song! I'm 73 yrs old and I still get goosebumps when I hear him sing this beautiful song. RIP Bobby....we will never forget you! ❤
A true masterpiece by the late great Bobby Hatfield. This song was covered by more than 670 artists. I was a teen when this came out. This is in the Andy Williams Show. Bill Medly is in the audience with Andy Williams. Oh he didn’t take a breathe lol. He has such voice control.
No, Bobby didn't take a breath as noted by several vocal coaches' reactions. And, yes, the late great Bobby Hatfield had a 3 or 4 octave range. R.I.P. Bobby!
Bobby Hatfield is great. I love Bobby Hatfield , but NO MALE SINGER has a 6 octave range. if you were a musician you would understand. He has about a 3.5 Octave range which is phenomenal. To give you an idea, "the Star Spangled Banner is 1.5 Octaves & most singers can barely sing it.
I thought not too. He just draws the sound back in in the middle, for the emotional effect of the contrast between loud, soft and loud again. IMO every bit of this performance was perfect - probably exactly as he'd planned and rehearsed it. My guess is that any changes he made to the studio recorded version were because he'd already worked out better ways of doing it.
This was recorded in 1965 on the Andy William's show, Bobby was just 25, still young and it is my understanding that his mother was in the audience at the time so he appears to be a little nervous. In later versions his voice is much stronger but he doesn't hit that high last note. Still he owns this song and no one will probably ever be able to sing it like him.
Some serious singing technique with absolutely NO AUTO-TUNE!!! Many other artists have covered this song & have done it some justice, but in my humble opinion, Bobby Hatfield of The Righteous Brothers owns this song!!! Oh yeah, that thump you just heard was my Mic Drop!!!
Love it your cat, playing with her ball. My beautiful calico, Callie, passed away from cancer 1 year ago. Brings back wonderful memories, and listening to unchained melody, really tears me up. RIP Callie.
“The Righteous Brothers” are considered by most to be the Greatest Male Vocal Duet Of All Time. I agree. Between Bill Medley’s Lows and Bobby Hatfield’s Highs they can hit every note on an 73 key piano. No other male singers can do that. Legendary. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin” was the most played song on radio in the 20th Century. "Unchained Melody" - Bobby Hatfield Live 1965. Considered by most as The Greatest Live Male Vocal Performance In History... I agree. Bobby's use of "Runs" is brilliant. He is the master of the technique and started the trend. 7 notes just to say the word "I".... They created the sound and set the table that all Soul Music fed from for decades to come. They started performing at a club called John's Black Derby in Santa Ana, CA. According to Medley, they adopted the name "The Righteous Brothers" for the duo because black Marines from the El Toro Marine base started calling them "righteous brothers". At the end of a performance, a black U.S. Marine in the audience would shout, "That was righteous, brothers!" In 1983, in Newport Beach O.C. Calif. Bill and Bobby at the Jolly Roger Restaurant . I was 13 feet away for... "Unchained Melody"- "You've Lost That Lovin’ Feelin‘" - "Soul And Inspiration".... They were perfect, awesome, amazing, incredible......
So happy Bill and Bobby were wise enough to allow each other to sing solo on occasion. Bobby Hatfield truly shines in all his talented glory in this one. He sweeps men and women off their feet with this heart wrenching love song. I was 17 at the time yet it still affects me today. RIP Bobby Hatfield all those who's hearts you've touched miss you.
This performance is a master class. He takes his time with this song. I miss the 60's slow dancing to this song. It made guys go tender! Yeah, he went one more note higher!
Bobby Hatfield had a counter tenor ability with a four octave range. He ended this on G5. The song was written in 1955 for the movie ‘Unchained’ and has been recorded by 670 artists. Bobby changed the melody at the end (I need your love) and most subsequent artists have used his arrangement. On his own recordings (there were two) he did not add that final stunning crescendo. This wonderful version is from the Andy Williams show on national television… Bobby had severe stage fright most of his career - that sideways jaw movement was probably to relieve tension 😊
@@zanhar7688 Me too! Really enjoy your comments, Penny. Came at a good time, because the lack of respect and knowledge on TH-cam lately has really been turning me off. Not to mention the idiotic arguments! 😱 Have a happy New Year!
@@Mimi-zr7ey yes! Most of the time I just skip over them and grit my teeth… there are just too many. This popped up on my feed… something new with some interesting insights. th-cam.com/video/8lQgGcQ7Rsc/w-d-xo.html
@@zanhar7688 Thanks Penny, just went there - good interview! Enjoyed it. I also enjoyed Bill’s memoir. The Time of My Life. I got it on Amazon, if you’re interested (you probably read it before I did!)
When Unchained Melody was released, I wasn't quite a year old yet. Even as kid as far back as i can remember, I could tell what an amazing song this was, the voice quality, every teeny inflection of note. The Righteous Brothers (Bill Medley & Bobby Hatfield) simply nailed it. I get teary every time I listen to this song.
Best version hands down of this classic song. Absolutely loved the Righteous Brothers. Sadly we lost Bobby Hatfield about 18 years ago. He had a beautiful one of a kind voice. Austin Brown from Home Free did a very beautiful tribute of this song.
I've gone down a rabbit hole, bingeing on reaction videos to this song and two more of the Righteous Brothers' songs. And this is one of the very best reaction videos. Knowledgeable. Quite refreshing, thank you.
Absolutely retroactive, he was from another world. He was a counter tenor his range could reach g5. The last note was a g5. No autotune, what a blessed beautiful heavenly voice. Bobby you are dearly missed.
Rob check out Finn wings of Pegasus he does break this song down shows exactly what a phenomenal counter tenor Bobby was. Loved your reaction, the one and only Bobby. Any song he sang was done effortlessly, no bother at all for him.
This song is sung LIVE, guys. No one can hold a candle to Bobby Hatfield, part of the Righteous Brothers. He makes it look so easy and effortless. Even more incredible. I would be wincing to hit the high notes... if I can even reach it.
The highest note he sings at the very end of the song is a G5 which is a 5th ABOVE a High C5. The Song is in the Key of C Major with a modal change in the middle.
Doesn't need to move around or anything. Just stand there and let his voice captivate the audience. The man had a 3 octave range. no auto tuning in those days.
Bobby Hatfield had 2 strenuous years of voice lessions, hence the control of his jaw to amplify the sound. Thank you for your great observations. He is considered a contralto, or countertenor, one who is able to climb the octaves to high C. and then there is the lower tenor. Bravo Hatfield. Watch him do Summertime, My Prayer, and Only You. I do remember watching this on tv in 1965 while in High School on the Andy Williams show during a special Valentines program. This is how it was on tv with a sedate small audience, something we don't have today. So you see his pink jacket. He also had a cold if I remember. He is spellbinding and a rare counter tenor. Watch his other brother, Bill Medley do IVE HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE from DIRTY DANCING, a baritone; a perfect compliment as the RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS.
Specter didn't produce the album Bill Medley did. When the song became a hit & they had to do a 2nd pressing of it Specter's name was put on as producer. I have an original 1st pressing.
@@duckducknight Thanks for that clarification. Medley's production on that one certainly had all of the Spector touches--and Spector was known for taking credit where credit wasn't due! I found this online: "Medley said that he produced "Unchained Melody"; the song was originally intended only as a track on the album Just Once in My Life, and Spector had asked him to produce the albums so Spector could spend time and money on producing singles. Later copies of the original 45 release credited Spector as producer when it became a hit." Shades of Norman Petty taking credit for songs written by Buddy Holly and others.
I like your insight. One suggestion: I have listened to many reactions to this song. When some people stop it for a comment/observation, they "wind it back" before starting it up again. Personally, I like that.
I am 74 and was a teenager when the Righteous Brothers became popular. Their music still moves my soul. There was a lot of wonderful music in the 60’s and 70’s. I am delighted that young people are discovering these artists.
This is my favorite version of this song. I enjoy his effortless runs always ending spot on the right note. This was done live without retakes, with a 1965 mike, and no autotune. You have the voice and personality to make this song yours but it will take significant practice and probably some coaching. I will check in on you again in the future. Best of luck!
First time viewing your channel, and it will not be the last! My reaction to your reaction: you truly appreciated not only the sound of the song but also the quality of the voice and the technique demonstrated in the presentation - live and without any autotune necessary! Very knowledgeable reaction with spot-on comments. Thank you!!
Andy Willaims Valentines' special. Bobby was 23, I believe, and his Mom was in the audience to watch him perform live. What an amazing voice this man had!.
I bet Bobby's singing coach said to him (when he did a final version of the song) 'If you sing like this, in front of an audience - I guarantee you, they will be raving about it for years', and he was right. Here we are, 57 years later (2022) , and it is still, by far, the best version, ever sung. A lot of the reactions we've seen (on youtube), of people watching it for the first time, have been from people, simply giving their opinions about it - but if you want a real professional, giving his take on it, then go to th-cam.com/video/boXkA9G5PL4/w-d-xo.html called 'British guitarist analyses the Righteous Brothers live in 1965'. He will even give you the musical notes Bobby sang (20 of them), when he performed his stunning rendition of it - no auto-tune required!
💖Bobby Hatfield, one of rarest of male voices(counter tenor), & exquisite to our ears *RIP BOBBY, YOU ARE MISSED* 💖 If you want to see Bobby move around, try reacting to his version of Summertime, it is absolutely breathtaking!!!
An amazing popular song when young men and women too, were being sent over sea's to Vietnam, this was the song they danced to, hoping your girl or boyfriend would wait for you to come home!
I think in the earlier clip with Andy and Bill, Bobby sniffles as the camera turns away quickly cuz he had snot dripping out if you catch it quickly enough to see. Then another camera was on him to start the song and he quickly turns his head cuz snot is still coming out. Poor Bobby! But he still made this song beautiful 😍
@@adleajeh omg I didn't even ever notice that, now I've gotta go back and look lol. Bless his heart. I couldn't imagine doing something like that with a cold, on a national live broadcast and my family in the audience, I would die of fright lol.
@@CellarDoorWhispers I thought I was mistaken but when I found another clip, it just proves what I mentioned. Plus, it helps to see it on a big TV when he sang. The main footage has him stepping back during the interview with his hands down because he's trying to control the sniffles without being obvious. If he can sing great live while sick, the rest us would have left the stage to clean ours snot out!
Unchained Melody: The song was written between 1954 and 1955. In 1955 there were 4 versions by 4 separate artist. When the Righteous Brothers got this it's been theirs, well more Bobby Hatfield's; his version is the standard that many are compared to. Both Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley had songs in US Films, Bobby's unchained Medley appeared in Ghost with Demi Moore Whoopi Goldberg, and Patrick Swayze and Bill Medley's sang Time of my life with Jennifer Warnes, Starring Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey and Cynthia Rhodes ( hell of a soundtrack ) ; Their song you lost that loving feeling is in the movie Top Gun with Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. On this live performance Bobby's Mother ( possibly dad ) is in the audience. At the end he bites his lip as he knows he nailed this song. Both Bobby and Bill do an album each of their own songs, both wanted to do this song for their album; Bobby won the coin toss, after hearing this version, Bill Medley is reported to ask Phil Spector; " What am I supposed to do after this?" Phil Spector's reply... Take the money to the bank. There are thousands of covers of this song, sung by Elvis, Robson and Jerome many, many others many come close, but none beat Bobby's rendition. Basic history: from Wikipedia: They began performing together in 1962 in the Los Angeles area as part of a five-member group called the Paramours . However, the Paramours did not have much success and soon broke up, leaving Hatfield and Medley to perform as a duo in 1963. According to Medley, they then adopted the name The Righteous Brothers for the duo because black Marines from the El Toro Marine base started calling them "righteous brothers". At the end of a performance, a black U.S. Marine in the audience would shout, "That was righteous, brothers!", and would greet them with "Hey righteous brothers, how you doin'?" on meeting them. In 1964 music producer Phil Spector came across the Righteous Brothers when they performed in a show at the Cow Palace in Daly City, CA. where one of Spector's acts, The Ronettes, lead singer Veronica Bennett (later known as Ronnie Spector), was also appearing. The rest is history. From Wikipedia : "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 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. Of the hundreds of recordings made, the Righteous Brothers'( Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley ) version in July 1965, 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 it was featured in the film Ghost in 1990. In 2004, it was Number 27 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs survey of top tunes in American cinema.
One minor correction… the ‘ what am I supposed to do while he’s singing this?‘ was Bobby’s comment when his part didn’t come into Lovin Feeling until after the second verse. Bill wasn’t happy about that either but Phil Specter knew what sound he wanted and he was the producer….a brilliant one apparently.
His Momma & family were sitting behind him & that's the reason for the smile at the end, cos he'd got through it all. Beautiful voice, beautiful man. RIP Bobby, will always love you. x
I remember watching my Mom and Dad dancing to this song when i was growing up in the 70's & 80's... I miss both of them so much but it so good to listen to these song's again...
Great song by an incredible vocalist. Bobby Hatfield was amazing. Have you checked out any other Righteous Brothers? If not, try 'You've Lost that Loving Feeling'. Really.
If you want to see Bobby move, watch the live version of Summertime from the 60's and the live version of Justine. There's a live version of "I Need Your Loving Everyday" by the both of them. The quality is terrible and, according to one of the commenters, the band starts off on the wrong note and the guys go along but it makes it hard for Bill during the first verses. But Bobby goes nuts and takes us all to church. It's just fun to watch:-). It's nice to have a reactor that can appreciate the vocals.
The song was written for the movie "Unchained" in the 1920s. It was sung as a solo, in a prison cell or yard, with either a lone guitar or banjo. The singer was black (an interracial group, rare for those times) & he played his own music. Prison Yard sorrow, as the inmates listened together. I've also heard several versions & liked most very well, but Bobby's was the absolute best. It has become my absolute favorite song/recording of all time. And the best part is, I can sing along with him, as my alto range overlaps his. It makes me cry sometimes & is soothing, so soothing. Thank you for sharing it with us. :D
His demeanor may seem 'stiff' but it was the social standard of the 1960's. People have become more animated over the decades... I find his stillness really refreshing, I think we're way over the top now. Great reaction, thoughtful & interesting.☮️
Bobby Hatfield had an amazing vocal range, not to mention great control. This is the original, written by The Righteous Brothers I'm pretty sure back in 1965. Bill Medley stood aside for this one time, to let his partner shine on national tv in prime time. What a voice!
The original of Unchained Melody was 10 years earlier, written by Alex North & Hy Zaret & 1st sung by Todd Duncan, in the prison movie "Unchained", released Jan.19, 1955. There were a ton of covers between then & Bobby's cover, but his became "The" version.
Nobody, just no one can sing this song like Bobby Hatfield. It is a thing of beauty. I could probably listen to this everyday and never tire of it. Maybe I should listen to Bobby singing this masterpiece everyday. Maybe.
The version of this familiar to many from Ghost was the studio version. Bobby Hatfield changed it up for this live performance and the results are amazing. Please check out both "Brothers" (not really related) in the live performance of You've Lost That Loving Feeling, the most played song of the 20th century. th-cam.com/video/uOnYY9Mw2Fg/w-d-xo.html
Any time you see this referenced on UTube it is this live performance that they reference not the recording! This one is flawless! Like people keep saying, he had a 6 octive range. If you don’t, don’t bother trying!
This is the very best version ever! I had read his mother was there, and he had been fighting a cold, so he didn’t know if he could pull it off. Obviously he did! He died in his sleep due to an unknown heart condition in a hotel room. When he hadn’t shown up for a performance Bill Medley got security to let him in his room where he found him in bed. I think it was in 2003.
As a fellow Vocalist, I share your affection for this performance ... Bobby Hatfield is probably the best Live Performance ever performed of any Song ever. You have been in Studios where we can "punch in/out" to get the best outcome and you've performed "live" as well and yeah, "choices" are made ... SO many factors go into it ... climate, mood, sound guys, et al. As an "old guy" a reminder that this was "pre-Auto Tune", Tube Amps and a Mic with far less dynamic range that what's available today. And as you rightly point out, so few of us (and certainly not me) can hit high C ... post puberty (LOL and MJ could do it RIP). Utterly amazing IMHO. Just a "visual" note as well ... pre-MTV and the part where he begins to sing about how "lonely Rivers to the Sea" sync'd with the fade out with the yellow bulb lights was SO cool ... again, IMHO. And BTW, Todd Duncan was the original release Artist in 1955.
The way he vantrickulated every fiber of his being through his voice indelling sound waves the very essence of his true feelings of emotion capitalizing on his unfading love with tenderness gives effortless power of electricity which energizes a person to want more and to share in giving the whole world the same endless journey everyone needs to endure Love in TIME,,,, Forever,,,,,,
The jaw movement is a technique used to relax the jaw. A good vocal coach should know these technique to teach any singer. Wings of pegasus channel does a good voice analysis of this song.
This was my parents' song when they first married. My dad joined the military to get away from his economically depressed community and was away overseas often. My mom is in her 80s now and has Alzheimer's, but still recognizes and loves this song
I'm 74 and can remember loving the Righteous Brothers and especially hearing Bobby sing this song. Nobody can match him.
I played the original recording on the radio hundreds of times, and I've watched/listened to this live performance probably a thousand times, and I will tell you flat-out this live performance is better than the studio recording, and might just be the best live performance of a hit song I've ever heard in my 69 years on the planet.
Bobby was also sick with a cold during this performance. I can hear it in his voice and I truly believe it made the song better. His parents were in the audience that night and it was their first time seeing him do a live show. Bobby was around 24 yrs of age singing this. He is the original singer of this song.
I completely agree :)
@@cathie9614 I agree with you that he is the best with this song but he was not the original. The original singer did it in the movie Unchained in 1955. It had been recorded at least 2-3 times prior to Bobby Hatfield doing it. But his is the best.
BrownswickBowling, you are absolutely right!!!! Best in my 73 years on the planet 🌎
,very entertaining reaction, good, thanks!
This is by far the best solo live performance of all time. Nothing comes close.
This man, Bobby Hatfield, owns this song. He is hands down the best at it.🤗🐝❤️
He’s the best singer at it by far but he is not the first to sing it again a guy named HY zaret sung it first End it was first composed by Alex North
@@garymonaghan7196 Yeah, I knew he wasn’t the first, or the last either… just the best🤗🐝❤️
NO ONE has EVER reached the bar set by Bobby Hatfield 👍
@@eugeneenslow8563 I have to agree. This is his song.🤗🐝❤️
@@garymonaghan7196 Todd Duncan was the first to sing it… Hy Zaret wrote it. Music composed by Alex North🙂
I'm 74 years old, iwas a teenager when the Righteous Brothers were at the height of their career. This was one of my favorite songs from them. Nobody sings this like Bobby,its HIS song!!!
The king. Elvis
@@terrygarcia897 Elvis is great too. But NOBODY beats Bobby when it comes to this song. NOBODY!!
Yes! I remember. I'm 65.
What a time it must’ve been to be a teenager. Was just thinking I wish I’d be born in about 1950 instead of ‘71.
I hear you and couldn't agree more. I'll be 70 in less than six months and I'm so glad people are discovering this music.
Being a woman,my heart soars EVERY time this man sings!
this is real singing. none of the stuff used now.all he had was a mike and himself
I'm a straight old man, and it has the same effect on me.
He's singing freely, doing his own version, putting his heart and soul into the song. So much passion and emotion in this version. I like it better than the studio version.
I love this performance but the studio version is great too and is just different enough to be interesting.
Absolutely way better than the studio version
Yep👏👏👏👏👏👏
I also prefer this performance over the studio recording.
Congratulations to all who get. Best LIVE solo performance of all time. Small mic, no reverb, digital processing-Just exceptional talent.
Cudos to your critique also.
Not only was he nervous because his parents were in the audience, he was also fighting a head cold. Yet he was still able to nail it! True raw talent and professionalism!
That’s what that little smile at the end was. He knew he made his Mom proud
Actually, he was so nervous that he hurled backstage just a few minutes before going on stage
looking back on some of the reactions for Bobby and Bill....you were right on the money, such a great voice for having a head cold!
Ànd stage fright. But wasn't he great ❤2024
And only 25 yrs old.
Bobby Hatfield's mother was in the audience for this performance. Live, no auto tunes just a microphone and God given talent. Bobby Hatfield had a 6 octave range. This was recorded in 1965. Whatever you are calling 'the original', if it was recorded after this time, the artist is imitating Bobby, not the other way around.
he's version is the version most people have heard of the best in my opinion, but he is not the original, it was originally recorded in 1955 by Al Hibbler and written and composted by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret
He also had a cold when he did this
@@timoshea741 Written for the 1955 film "Unchained".
@@timoshea741 versiunea interpretată de Bobby Hatfield a rămas în memoria publicului ca fiind interpretarea cu cea mai mare încărcătură emoțională și nemai interpretată de nimeni atât de perfect înainte si după interpretarea lui Hatfield. La popularitate melodiei a avut un mare rol și datorită filmului "The Ghost"
There were people that recorded this song before and after The Righteous Brothers but Bobby owns it
Bobby made it look so easy! No auto tune back then & singing it live!!! Just talent & soul! Wish we had singers like that now!
Nobody could sing a song like Bobby Hatfield. Pure honey and velvet. unchained Melody is his song, his voice, his control his range. Nobody else could do it with this song.
He is a counter tenor, which is one of the rarest singing voices. It means his range is astounding.
Bobby's mom and dad was in the audience. He said later that he was worried that he wouldn't do this song justice because they were there. But, when he bit his lip, smiled and looked down I think he knew that it was perfect.
No Pro-Tools, no Auto-Tune, no fold back speakers, just amazing talent.
What a joy to watch you enjoy Bobby Hatfield. He was a counter tenor,hence able to sing higher than most tenors. He was a talent that only come around once in a lifetime.
The late great Bobby Hatfield! He owns this song! I'm 73 yrs old and I still get goosebumps when I hear him sing this beautiful song. RIP Bobby....we will never forget you! ❤
Bobby was a countertenor. This was all in his natural range. Bobby was just showing off here. 😂
A true masterpiece by the late great Bobby Hatfield. This song was covered by more than 670 artists. I was a teen when this came out. This is in the Andy Williams Show. Bill Medly is in the audience with Andy Williams. Oh he didn’t take a breathe lol. He has such voice control.
No, Bobby didn't take a breath as noted by several vocal coaches' reactions. And, yes, the late great Bobby Hatfield had a 3 or 4 octave range. R.I.P. Bobby!
Yep, definitely no breath taken there. The note fades, but never stops, then comes back more powerfully. And that is one hell of a long note.
Bobby Hatfield is great. I love Bobby Hatfield , but NO MALE SINGER has a 6 octave range. if you were a musician you would understand. He has about a 3.5 Octave range which is phenomenal. To give you an idea, "the Star Spangled Banner is 1.5 Octaves & most singers can barely sing it.
I thought not too. He just draws the sound back in in the middle, for the emotional effect of the contrast between loud, soft and loud again. IMO every bit of this performance was perfect - probably exactly as he'd planned and rehearsed it. My guess is that any changes he made to the studio recorded version were because he'd already worked out better ways of doing it.
@@papercup2517 exactly! And it WORKS!!
@@yesterdayproductions1019 L
He actually had a cold even he sang this. He's singing to the Lord now!
And that is called actual talent and actual singing to actual music.
Yes No auto-tune ❤️
🚛🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
🚚🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
This was recorded in 1965 on the Andy William's show, Bobby was just 25, still young and it is my understanding that his mother was in the audience at the time so he appears to be a little nervous. In later versions his voice is much stronger but he doesn't hit that high last note. Still he owns this song and no one will probably ever be able to sing it like him.
Some serious singing technique with absolutely NO AUTO-TUNE!!! Many other artists have covered this song & have done it some justice, but in my humble opinion, Bobby Hatfield of The Righteous Brothers owns this song!!! Oh yeah, that thump you just heard was my Mic Drop!!!
Love it your cat, playing with her ball. My beautiful calico, Callie, passed away from cancer 1 year ago. Brings back wonderful memories, and listening to unchained melody, really tears me up. RIP Callie.
😁yes it's definitely Bobbies song.nobody could do it better 🥰
Saw this performance on The Andy Williams show back in the day. I was 10 years old and was star-struck.
he was a great professional singer.....he is the gold standard
“The Righteous Brothers” are considered by most to be the Greatest Male Vocal Duet Of All Time. I agree. Between Bill Medley’s Lows and Bobby Hatfield’s Highs they can hit every note on an 73 key piano. No other male singers can do that. Legendary.
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin” was the most played song on radio in the 20th Century.
"Unchained Melody" - Bobby Hatfield Live 1965. Considered by most as The Greatest Live Male Vocal Performance In History... I agree. Bobby's use of "Runs" is brilliant. He is the master of the technique and started the trend. 7 notes just to say the word "I".... They created the sound and set the table that all Soul Music fed from for decades to come. They started performing at a club called John's Black Derby in Santa Ana, CA. According to Medley, they adopted the name "The Righteous Brothers" for the duo because black Marines from the El Toro Marine base started calling them "righteous brothers". At the end of a performance, a black U.S. Marine in the audience would shout, "That was righteous, brothers!"
In 1983, in Newport Beach O.C. Calif. Bill and Bobby at the Jolly Roger Restaurant . I was 13 feet away for... "Unchained Melody"- "You've Lost That Lovin’ Feelin‘" - "Soul And Inspiration".... They were perfect, awesome, amazing, incredible......
So happy Bill and Bobby were wise enough to allow each other to sing solo on occasion. Bobby Hatfield truly shines in all his talented glory in this one. He sweeps men and women off their feet with this heart wrenching love song. I was 17 at the time yet it still affects me today. RIP Bobby Hatfield all those who's hearts you've touched miss you.
This performance is a master class. He takes his time with this song. I miss the 60's slow dancing to this song. It made guys go tender! Yeah, he went one more note higher!
A lot of people, including myself, prefer this version over the studio version.
Bobby Hatfield had a counter tenor ability with a four octave range. He ended this on G5. The song was written in 1955 for the movie ‘Unchained’ and has been recorded by 670 artists. Bobby changed the melody at the end (I need your love) and most subsequent artists have used his arrangement. On his own recordings (there were two) he did not add that final stunning crescendo. This wonderful version is from the Andy Williams show on national television… Bobby had severe stage fright most of his career - that sideways jaw movement was probably to relieve tension 😊
Thank you! There is a lot of misinformation out there - it’s nice to see that some people bother to do their homework!!
@@Mimi-zr7ey RB fan from the 60s on, when I was a teenager with a massive crush on both of them😁
@@zanhar7688 Me too! Really enjoy your comments, Penny. Came at a good time, because the lack of respect and knowledge on TH-cam lately has really been turning me off. Not to mention the idiotic arguments! 😱
Have a happy New Year!
@@Mimi-zr7ey yes! Most of the time I just skip over them and grit my teeth… there are just too many. This popped up on my feed… something new with some interesting insights. th-cam.com/video/8lQgGcQ7Rsc/w-d-xo.html
@@zanhar7688 Thanks Penny, just went there - good interview! Enjoyed it. I also enjoyed Bill’s memoir. The Time of My Life. I got it on Amazon, if you’re interested (you probably read it before I did!)
When Unchained Melody was released, I wasn't quite a year old yet. Even as kid as far back as i can remember, I could tell what an amazing song this was, the voice quality, every teeny inflection of note. The Righteous Brothers (Bill Medley & Bobby Hatfield) simply nailed it. I get teary every time I listen to this song.
R.I.P. Bobby Hatfield ✌️♥️🙏🙏🙏
Best version hands down of this classic song. Absolutely loved the Righteous Brothers. Sadly we lost Bobby Hatfield about 18 years ago. He had a beautiful one of a kind voice. Austin Brown from Home Free did a very beautiful tribute of this song.
Bobby Hatfield had an extensive singing range. Amazing voice.
I've gone down a rabbit hole, bingeing on reaction videos to this song and two more of the Righteous Brothers' songs. And this is one of the very best reaction videos. Knowledgeable. Quite refreshing, thank you.
Hatfield was from another planet, and I want to go there. Excellent reaction with high quality comments. Keep on.
Absolutely retroactive, he was from another world. He was a counter tenor his range could reach g5. The last note was a g5. No autotune, what a blessed beautiful heavenly voice. Bobby you are dearly missed.
Rob check out Finn wings of Pegasus he does break this song down shows exactly what a phenomenal counter tenor Bobby was. Loved your reaction, the one and only Bobby. Any song he sang was done effortlessly, no bother at all for him.
I'm so thankful to be raised back in the day!
This song is sung LIVE, guys.
No one can hold a candle to Bobby Hatfield, part of the Righteous Brothers.
He makes it look so easy and effortless. Even more incredible. I would be wincing to hit the high notes... if I can even reach it.
The highest note he sings at the very end of the song is a G5 which is a 5th ABOVE a High C5. The Song is in the Key of C Major with a modal change in the middle.
This performance was live in 1965. "Ghost" re-recorded the song in 1990. Bobby Hatfield is phoenominal. He could reach 5 octaves.
Doesn't need to move around or anything. Just stand there and let his voice captivate the audience. The man had a 3 octave range. no auto tuning in those days.
I’m confused because I heard he had a 6 octave range???
Bobby Hatfield had 2 strenuous years of voice lessions, hence the control of his jaw to amplify the sound. Thank you for your great observations. He is considered a contralto, or countertenor, one who is able to climb the octaves to high C. and then there is the lower tenor. Bravo Hatfield. Watch him do Summertime, My Prayer, and Only You. I do remember watching this on tv in 1965 while in High School on the Andy Williams show during a special Valentines program. This is how it was on tv with a sedate small audience, something we don't have today. So you see his pink jacket. He also had a cold if I remember. He is spellbinding and a rare counter tenor. Watch his other brother, Bill Medley do IVE HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE from DIRTY DANCING, a baritone; a perfect compliment as the RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS.
Bobby Hatfield's vocals and Phil Spector's production made this song into a helluva spectacular classic.
Specter didn't produce the album Bill Medley did. When the song became a hit & they had to do a 2nd pressing of it Specter's name was put on as producer. I have an original 1st pressing.
@@duckducknight Thanks for that clarification. Medley's production on that one certainly had all of the Spector touches--and Spector was known for taking credit where credit wasn't due! I found this online: "Medley said that he produced "Unchained Melody"; the song was originally intended only as a track on the album Just Once in My Life, and Spector had asked him to produce the albums so Spector could spend time and money on producing singles. Later copies of the original 45 release credited Spector as producer when it became a hit."
Shades of Norman Petty taking credit for songs written by Buddy Holly and others.
I like your insight. One suggestion: I have listened to many reactions to this song. When some people stop it for a comment/observation, they "wind it back" before starting it up again. Personally, I like that.
I agree, I think you miss so much by not going back 5-10 seconds to get back in the flow of the song.
You have to listen to him sing Ebb Tide and My prayer. He’s absolutely amazing. No one like Bobby… ever.
Love the lip bite...nailed it!❤
He sang all ranges! He was great. No studios like today! You've lost That Loving Feeling next please!
I am 74 and was a teenager when the Righteous Brothers became popular. Their music still moves my soul. There was a lot of wonderful music in the 60’s and 70’s. I am delighted that young people are discovering these artists.
This is my favorite version of this song. I enjoy his effortless runs always ending spot on the right note. This was done live without retakes, with a 1965 mike, and no autotune. You have the voice and personality to make this song yours but it will take significant practice and probably some coaching. I will check in on you again in the future. Best of luck!
I had to come back and listen again. I enjoy watching your response to the music. Thanks again.
All your karaoke buddies are trying to imitate this exact preformance. Bobby was king!
First time viewing your channel, and it will not be the last! My reaction to your reaction: you truly appreciated not only the sound of the song but also the quality of the voice and the technique demonstrated in the presentation - live and without any autotune necessary! Very knowledgeable reaction with spot-on comments. Thank you!!
Bobby was feeling it and makes sure you do too. Magnificent performance! RIP Bobby Lee Hatfield
What is missing today is the sound coming from the nasal cavity, but especially the vibrations of his chest. It is Human.
HI ROB, THIS IS WHAT WE NOW CALL "X-FACTOR PLUS". BOBBY WAS GOD GIFTED TO SING THE WAY HE DID - NATURAL, PURE TALENT.
Andy Willaims Valentines' special. Bobby was 23, I believe, and his Mom was in the audience to watch him perform live. What an amazing voice this man had!.
No.
Bobby Hatfield was 25
when he sang this
once-in-a-lifetime
masterpiece
performance on
The Andy Williams Show
on October 25, 1965. 🎶✨
What a great reaction to this classic from my youth.
You have to listen to him Sind My prayer and Ebb Tide. He’s absolutely amazing. No one like Bobby Hatfield….ever.
I bet Bobby's singing coach said to him (when he did a final version of the song) 'If you sing like this, in front of an audience - I guarantee you, they will be raving about it for years', and he was right. Here we are, 57 years later (2022) , and it is still, by far, the best version, ever sung. A lot of the reactions we've seen (on youtube), of people watching it for the first time, have been from people, simply giving their opinions about it - but if you want a real professional, giving his take on it, then go to th-cam.com/video/boXkA9G5PL4/w-d-xo.html called 'British guitarist analyses the Righteous Brothers live in 1965'. He will even give you the musical notes Bobby sang (20 of them), when he performed his stunning rendition of it - no auto-tune required!
💖Bobby Hatfield, one of rarest of male voices(counter tenor), & exquisite to our ears *RIP BOBBY, YOU ARE MISSED* 💖 If you want to see Bobby move around, try reacting to his version of Summertime, it is absolutely breathtaking!!!
Loved your reaction! You just can't fail to have a gut-deep reaction to this version of this song. It reaches in and grabs you.
This version was made many years before he recorded it for ghost. This was by far the best version for me.
An amazing popular song when young men and women too, were being sent over sea's to Vietnam, this was the song they danced to, hoping your girl or boyfriend would wait for you to come home!
So fun to watch you enjoy this wonderful song!!
This man had a head cold for this too. Never fails to give me chills despite listening to it over and over my whole life.
I think in the earlier clip with Andy and Bill, Bobby sniffles as the camera turns away quickly cuz he had snot dripping out if you catch it quickly enough to see. Then another camera was on him to start the song and he quickly turns his head cuz snot is still coming out. Poor Bobby! But he still made this song beautiful 😍
@@adleajeh omg I didn't even ever notice that, now I've gotta go back and look lol. Bless his heart. I couldn't imagine doing something like that with a cold, on a national live broadcast and my family in the audience, I would die of fright lol.
Listening back over just to him talking you can totally tell.
@@CellarDoorWhispers I thought I was mistaken but when I found another clip, it just proves what I mentioned. Plus, it helps to see it on a big TV when he sang. The main footage has him stepping back during the interview with his hands down because he's trying to control the sniffles without being obvious. If he can sing great live while sick, the rest us would have left the stage to clean ours snot out!
Unchained Melody:
The song was written between 1954 and 1955. In 1955 there were 4 versions by 4 separate artist.
When the Righteous Brothers got this it's been theirs, well more Bobby Hatfield's; his version is the standard that many are compared to.
Both Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley had songs in US Films, Bobby's unchained Medley appeared in Ghost with Demi Moore Whoopi Goldberg, and Patrick Swayze and Bill Medley's sang Time of my life with Jennifer Warnes, Starring Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey and Cynthia Rhodes ( hell of a soundtrack ) ; Their song you lost that loving feeling is in the movie Top Gun with Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis.
On this live performance Bobby's Mother ( possibly dad ) is in the audience.
At the end he bites his lip as he knows he nailed this song.
Both Bobby and Bill do an album each of their own songs, both wanted to do this song for their album; Bobby won the coin toss, after hearing this version, Bill Medley is reported to ask Phil Spector; " What am I supposed to do after this?"
Phil Spector's reply... Take the money to the bank.
There are thousands of covers of this song, sung by Elvis, Robson and Jerome many, many others many come close, but none beat Bobby's rendition.
Basic history: from Wikipedia:
They began performing together in 1962 in the Los Angeles area as part of a five-member group called the Paramours .
However, the Paramours did not have much success and soon broke up, leaving Hatfield and Medley to perform as a duo in 1963. According to Medley, they then adopted the name The Righteous Brothers for the duo because black Marines from the El Toro Marine base started calling them "righteous brothers". At the end of a performance, a black U.S. Marine in the audience would shout, "That was righteous, brothers!", and would greet them with "Hey righteous brothers, how you doin'?" on meeting them.
In 1964 music producer Phil Spector came across the Righteous Brothers when they performed in a show at the Cow Palace in Daly City, CA. where one of Spector's acts, The Ronettes, lead singer Veronica Bennett (later known as Ronnie Spector), was also appearing.
The rest is history.
From Wikipedia :
"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 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.
Of the hundreds of recordings made, the Righteous Brothers'( Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley ) version in July 1965, 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 it was featured in the film Ghost in 1990. In 2004, it was Number 27 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs survey of top tunes in American cinema.
One minor correction… the ‘ what am I supposed to do while he’s singing this?‘ was Bobby’s comment when his part didn’t come into Lovin Feeling until after the second verse. Bill wasn’t happy about that either but Phil Specter knew what sound he wanted and he was the producer….a brilliant one apparently.
Thank you for inviting us in to your home, and foir your quiet, thoughtful appreciation of his singing. It says a lot about you.
His Momma & family were sitting behind him & that's the reason for the smile at the end, cos he'd got through it all. Beautiful voice, beautiful man. RIP Bobby, will always love you. x
I remember watching my Mom and Dad dancing to this song when i was growing up in the 70's & 80's...
I miss both of them so much but it so good to listen to these song's again...
Great song by an incredible vocalist. Bobby Hatfield was amazing. Have you checked out any other Righteous Brothers? If not, try 'You've Lost that Loving Feeling'. Really.
Like a musician, you understand and hear the technical qualities of the voice. Good for you, because, quality it is.
At the time that he did this performance, he sung a couple of songs before, so he was out of breath before singing unchained Melody
One of those rare cases where the live version is actually head and shoulders above the studio version.
His mother was in the audience. She must have been so proud of her boy.
If you want to see Bobby move, watch the live version of Summertime from the 60's and the live version of Justine. There's a live version of "I Need Your Loving Everyday" by the both of them. The quality is terrible and, according to one of the commenters, the band starts off on the wrong note and the guys go along but it makes it hard for Bill during the first verses. But Bobby goes nuts and takes us all to church. It's just fun to watch:-). It's nice to have a reactor that can appreciate the vocals.
Thank you...will look for it.
The song was written for the movie "Unchained" in the 1920s. It was sung as a solo, in a prison cell or yard, with either a lone guitar or banjo. The singer was black (an interracial group, rare for those times) & he played his own music. Prison Yard sorrow, as the inmates listened together. I've also heard several versions & liked most very well, but Bobby's was the absolute best. It has become my absolute favorite song/recording of all time. And the best part is, I can sing along with him, as my alto range overlaps his. It makes me cry sometimes & is soothing, so soothing. Thank you for sharing it with us. :D
Watching your reaction was like watching a kid at Christmas😄 Great reaction.
His demeanor may seem 'stiff' but it was the social standard of the 1960's. People have become more animated over the decades... I find his stillness really refreshing, I think we're way over the top now.
Great reaction, thoughtful & interesting.☮️
I agree.
Bobby Hatfield had an amazing vocal range, not to mention great control. This is the original, written by The Righteous Brothers I'm pretty sure back in 1965. Bill Medley stood aside for this one time, to let his partner shine on national tv in prime time. What a voice!
The original of Unchained Melody was 10 years earlier, written by Alex North & Hy Zaret & 1st sung by Todd Duncan, in the prison movie "Unchained", released Jan.19, 1955. There were a ton of covers between then & Bobby's cover, but his became "The" version.
So happy I watched your reaction...your observations were spot on! Glad you appreciated his performance as much as I.
Saturday night, the high school gym the last 45 put on the PA - more than once we were both late for our curfews
Nobody, just no one can sing this song like Bobby Hatfield. It is a thing of beauty. I could probably listen to this everyday and never tire of it. Maybe I should listen to Bobby singing this masterpiece everyday. Maybe.
Rob, you took the song apart with much grace and knowledge
I'm 75 years old and I remember this song the day it came. Kyno fresno station at that time. And everytime I hear that song now my heart skips a beat!
The version of this familiar to many from Ghost was the studio version. Bobby Hatfield changed it up for this live performance and the results are amazing. Please check out both "Brothers" (not really related) in the live performance of You've Lost That Loving Feeling, the most played song of the 20th century. th-cam.com/video/uOnYY9Mw2Fg/w-d-xo.html
BOBBY HATFIELD YAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSS OMG
Great reaction. Hope you check out more Righteous Brothers. 😊
Thank you for sharing your time with us. ☮️
This beautiful style of singing was called "blue-eyed soul" back in the 60's. Priceless voice!!!
Any time you see this referenced on UTube it is this live performance that they reference not the recording! This one is flawless! Like people keep saying, he had a 6 octive range. If you don’t, don’t bother trying!
Great reaction. Also I loved you mentioned your cat. I'm an animal lover. Loved the song
Years later he did an extended version of this song. It's available you might enjoy it
One of the GREATEST songs EVER. Bobby blessed us with his voice & soul. He never looks like he is straining to do this magic. He died way too soon.
Bobby had a cold and his mother was in the audience when he sang this masterpiece. Almost 60 years and Bobby still makes me cry. RIP ❤
This is the very best version ever! I had read his mother was there, and he had been fighting a cold, so he didn’t know if he could pull it off. Obviously he did! He died in his sleep due to an unknown heart condition in a hotel room. When he hadn’t shown up for a performance Bill Medley got security to let him in his room where he found him in bed. I think it was in 2003.
Simply the BEST!
Better than all the rest! Lol
As a fellow Vocalist, I share your affection for this performance ... Bobby Hatfield is probably the best Live Performance ever performed of any Song ever. You have been in Studios where we can "punch in/out" to get the best outcome and you've performed "live" as well and yeah, "choices" are made ... SO many factors go into it ... climate, mood, sound guys, et al. As an "old guy" a reminder that this was "pre-Auto Tune", Tube Amps and a Mic with far less dynamic range that what's available today. And as you rightly point out, so few of us (and certainly not me) can hit high C ... post puberty (LOL and MJ could do it RIP). Utterly amazing IMHO. Just a "visual" note as well ... pre-MTV and the part where he begins to sing about how "lonely Rivers to the Sea" sync'd with the fade out with the yellow bulb lights was SO cool ... again, IMHO.
And BTW, Todd Duncan was the original release Artist in 1955.
The way he vantrickulated every fiber of his being through his voice indelling sound waves the very essence of his true feelings of emotion capitalizing on his unfading love with tenderness gives effortless power of electricity which energizes a person to want more and to share in giving the whole world the same endless journey everyone needs to endure Love in TIME,,,, Forever,,,,,,
He was channeling dimensional vibrations of sound frequencies from the universe. 🎶✨
The jaw movement is a technique used to relax the jaw. A good vocal coach should know these technique to teach any singer. Wings of pegasus channel does a good voice analysis of this song.
Beautiful man, beautiful song and thank you Bobby. ❤️
Rest In Peace!
This was my parents' song when they first married. My dad joined the military to get away from his economically depressed community and was away overseas often. My mom is in her 80s now and has Alzheimer's, but still recognizes and loves this song
God gave every race some talent . . Not just black people...