Without a doubt, the best harmony duo in modern music history. They performed some of the greatest vocal recordings of all time. The Righteous Brothers took the world by storm with their unique ‘blue-eyed’ soul doo wop/ R&B harmony. They have enthralled five generations of music lovers worldwide for eight decades, and still going strong with a world tour and show in Las Vegas. They are true soul – full of passion, compelling, spellbinding, captivating. Ranked by “Billboard” and “Rolling Stone” as the greatest singing duo of all time.
Upon first hearing The Righteous Brothers perform their big hits, such as “Unchained Melody” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin”, people are blown away experiencing a profound effect. Actual verbal responses by initial listeners seen on videos include:
- “White dudes?”, they have real soul, old school”
- “Pure, genuine, convincing, natural, sincere”
- “Sexy, aroused, dreamy, romantic, in love, so handsome”
- “Smooth, mellow, perfect voices”
- “Hypnotized, in a trance, under a spell, serenaded by the gods, star struck”
- “Incredible vocal range, low and high notes”
- “Excellent harmony and melody”
- “Goosebumps, tears, sweating, breathless”
- “At a loss for words, unbelievable”
Like most Americans, I grew up with The Righteous Brothers. Their complex harmony, depth of emotion, heartfelt lyrics, charisma, power, and energy are spellbinding. There is a resurgence of their music every decade; being rediscovered as pioneers of soul music and winning awards for Top 40 song hits and movie soundtracks. The duo had 9 Top Ten Single Hits and 4 Top Ten Albums, awarded several Grammy and Billboard awards, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
Their iconic masterpiece of harmony, heartfelt romance, and depth of emotion which has become one of the greatest R&B duets of all time. The captivating song about lost love touches us where we are most vulnerable. A brilliant world class performance. One of the best baritone and tenor contrasting harmony ever recorded. The smash hit was released in 1964, it peaked at number one in the U.S., UK, and Canada with a 16 week run. The song was the most played song on radio and TV in the 20th Century. Produced by Phil Spector and composed by Phil Spector, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil.
I Just Want to Make Love to You
The duo show their ability to sing the blues with this authentic Chicago Blues song released on Universal in 1964 and produced by Bill Medley. Composed by famous Chicago blues singer Willie Dixon in 1954 and recorded by bluesman Muddy Waters on Chess Records.
Righteous Brother Life and Careers
The duo was formed in 1963 by Bill Medley with his smoky bass-baritone voice and Bobby Hatfeileld with high tenor who could hit the high notes and falsetto lines.
Bill Medley, born in 1940 in Santa Anna, California to a musical family. He says he was influenced by R&B singers Little Richard, Ray Charles, Bobby Bland, and BB King. He sang with the Paramours in 1960. Bobby Hatfield (1940-2003) grew up in Anaheim, California He sang with a group called The Variations.
In 1964 they joined up with successful record producer Phil Spector. Spector promoted the duo with general hit songs. They split from Spector in 1966 and moved to Verve records. From 1964 to 1968 the duo had several major hits.
The duo’s success grew with regular performances on the “Shindig” TV show. They opened for both the Beatles and Rolling Stones in their first U.S. tours. They were the first rock n’ roll act to play in Las Vegas and also appeared in several movies.
In 1968 they both went on solo careers with a few hits in the 1960s and early 1970’s. In 1974 they reunited and then off and on through the 1980s to the 2000’s. Hatfield suddenly died in 2003. Bill Medley continues his career today with a recent world tour and a current show in Las Vegas.
The duo’s songs were given a new life with the 1987 movie “Dirty Dancing” with the song “I’ve Had the Time of My Life”, winning an Oscar, Golden Globe, and a Grammy. Then again in the 1990 movie “Ghost” with the song “Unchained Melody”, which was nominated for a Grammy.
Ebb Tide
A big iconic tender, romantic ballad hit sung by Bobby Hatfield. The ballad hit number 5 in the U.S. and Canda. Released on Philles Records in 1965 with Phil Spector as producer. Composed in 1953 by Robert Maxwell and Carl Sigman
Unchained Melody
Their classic great and popular hit. One of the greatest iconic love songs ever recorded, tender, heartfelt, and majestic, stunning, which reached No. 4 in the U.S. Released on Philles Records in 1965 and produced by Phil Spector and Bill Medley. Composed by Alex North and Hy Zaret in 1955. The song was used in the film “Ghost” in 1990 where it became a No. 1 hit, certified Platinum, and nominated for a Grammy.
I’ve Had the Time of My Life
Bill Medley and Jennifer Warner sang the song from the movie “Dirty Dancing” in 1987. It was a No. 1 hit, certified Gold, and awarded an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy. Composed by Frankie Previte, John DeNicola, and Donald Markowitz.
Bring It On Home to Me
The duo shows its ability to handle real soul and R&B with this cover of the Sam Cooke soul hit. The Righteous Bros. version was produced by Bill Medley in 1965.
You’re My Soul and Inspiration
A 1966 hit single that was No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 2 in Canada, certified Gold. A perfect example of their R&B-soul harmony. This was the first song by the duo after breaking with Phil Spector, produced by Bill Medley and released by Verve Records. Composed by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.
For Sentimental Reasons
Ballad released on Philles Records in 1965, produced by Phil Spector. Composed by Deek Watson and William Best in 1945. First recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946 and Dinah Shore in 1947.
Just Once In My Life
A Top Ten hit R&B ballad that reached Number 9 on the charts in 1965. Composed by Gerry Goffin, Carole King, and Phil Spector. Produced by Phil Spector and Bill Medley.
Summertime
Jazz ballad released in 1965 and produced by Bill Medley. Composed by George Gershwin for the 1935 musical “Porgy and Bess.”
You’ll Never Walk Alone
A popular ballad from the musical “Carousel” by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein. Released in 1965 by Phil Spector and Bill Medley.
Only You
A 1969 remake of the doo wop R&B classic recorded by The Platters in 1955. Written by Ande Rand and Buck Rand. Produces by Dick Glasser.
