This is The Andy Williams Show. It wasn't about the audience back then. People listened politely and did not distract the performer or performance but showed their appreciation at the end.
Just think, if the audience had been clapping and cheering during his singing we wouldn't of been able to hear every beautiful nuance of his glorious voice.
I agree with people who say that bystander behavior can be called respect. Their silence allows everyone to truly appreciate the incredible talent of this singer.
The crowd is supposed to sit very still… that’s the way it was back then. Ppl stayed in their seats & showed respect by listening attentively( not interrupting or taking away attention from the beautiful song or singer)… so beautiful , such natural talent… the goat! Check out him singing “ Summertime”… it’s shockingly GOOD!
I realize this may be a foreign concept to younger audiences, but at that time it was a show of respect to the artist for audience members to sit back, watch / listen, and let the artist do the entertaining instead of jumping around and screaming. Kind of like how no one wants to hear a heckler during a comedian's routine.
Exactly I wish audiences were like this today. When a song is being performed this beautifully just sit back relax close your eyes and listen to the vocals. Save the applause for the end! I love the audience response on this song because there’s no distractions. Just a gorgeous man with a gorgeous voice who has total command of the audience.
As you probably know, this audience was mostly adults because it was the Andy Williams, and not a teen show like shindig. On a teen show, the girls would be screaming like hell endlessly! There are performances of the Righteous brothers live where this can be proven. These are the live performance versions, and not ones where Instead, the studio record was placed over the original TV show soundtrack.
Yes, agree. Variety TV shows were big in the 50s & 60s. The studio audiences knew they weren't there to detract from the performance for those watching in their living rooms. There were exceptions, of course, such as The Beatles first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, where shrieking/fainting teen fans virtually drowned out most of the songs they sang.
This was performed on the Andy Williams Show. The audiences of shows at that time silently watched performances, especially when they were the backdrop to the performer. This song was sung by Bobby Hatfield. The other "Righteous Brother" was Bill Medley who did not sing on this song. There is a longer version of this performance that shows Bill and Bobby with Andy Williams before Bobby sings. They explain where they came up with the name "Righteous Brothers" for their duo since they were not actually brothers. Bobby's version and performance of this song has been hailed as the best ever.
Bobby and Bill were renowned for their "Blue-Eyed Soul" style. Song actually written in 1955 for a prison movie titled, "Unchained." War-honey voice, effortless presentation, vast voice range and fantastic breath control. The Andy Williams Show house orchestra is nothing to be ignored, either. Nearly operatic at the close.
At the time of this performance audience etiquette was to silently, respectfully listen until the performer finish. Then the applause expressed their appreciation.
Went to see The Righteous Brothers back in the day and the crowd was dead quiet when he sang “Unchained Melody”. It was so pure and beautiful! Listen to “You’ve Lost That Lovin Feeling” and “(You’re My) Soul & Inspiration” in black and white.Listen to their “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the Ed Sullivan Show.
This was a solo by Bobby, one of TWO Righteous brothers. This was an adult oriented variety show, the Andy Williams Show, so no teen in the audience, or very few. There is a longer version of this clip where Andy interviews both Righteous brothers before this performance [quite funnny]. Yes..."talent"... what a concept...great performances never used to have to have screaming crowds shouting etc like the drunken assholes that they are in venues today...that's a mentality that grew, unfortunately, from my boomer Woodstock generation a few years after this performance. Then venues starting selling alcohol which opened up the door for fights, even deaths. On teen shows the girls would be screaming like hell, but would probably go silent during this, in awe of Bobby's talent, and then scream like hell at the end. Yes, to me, it seems odd to have to explain all that ,lol, but let's get real, today's world and the world 58 years ago are miles apart. That's where the disconnect is....audiences then were still very respectful, esp adults here, and didn't want to to be seen on TV acting like a total jerk. Oh, and go ahead ,waste your time on other covers...you'll come back to this one, this is the definitive version.
Back in the 60s and early 70s was a different time in era and people had respect to listen and not be crazy to hear the talent coming out of the entertainer. They will show their love and appreciation at the end with their applause. I wish that we had maintain some respect and admiration in this country for entertainers better than what they show nowadays.
You just witnessed the best performance of the best song of all time. It does not get any better than this. Bobby Hatfield has passed but his performance right here will live forever. It touches the soul like no other. I subscribed right away. Be safe and take care !
My favorite thing about this performance is the reason Bobby went full God mode. It was the first time his parents were in one of his audiences. He was showing off for his Mom and Dad.
To answer your point about the hush in the crowd. We had manners. Upstaging the people you went there to see just wasn't done. For another example of the manners of that time watch any episode of What's My Line from oh say 1955 to 1965. We had a way of treating people that only exists now in Classical Music venues.
Lol…it was said that he was incredibly nervous about this performance, not because of the large studio audience nor the millions watching at home…but because his mother was in the audience…sweet story!
After 50+ years, this is still considered by many to be the best "LIVE" performance EVER. Now do Home Free version and Austin has a version by himself. Both are great.
In 1965 the heavens sent down this song to Bobby Hatfield and said Bobby sing this to the people - and sing it he did - the most angelic song ever sung by an unbelievable talent - in my view the greatest live performance ever - RIP Bobby you did good!
They were also awarded the Best New Singing Group in the Billboard Disc Jockey Poll in 1965. The Righteous Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10, 2003. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005.
They were instructed to remain civil during the show because it was a tv prime time performance on The Andy Williams Show. And as to the performance Robert Lee Hatfield (August 10, 1940 - November 5, 2003) Bobby Hatfield, who had a higher counter tenor voice to Bill Medley’s, William Thomas Medley (born September 19, 1940) baritone, sang lead on this track. It was his idea to record it, since Medley and Hatfield were each allowed to choose a song to sing as a solo vocalist on their albums. As Medley tells it, Hatfield knew the song well, and was a big fan of the Roy Hamilton and Al Hibbler versions of the song. In 2003 Hatfield died of a heart attack at age 63. The Righteous Brothers version was a huge hit, but it was recorded with far more modest expectations. Phil Spector considered it album filler and released it as a B-side. The single had "Unchained Melody," with no producer credit on the label, as the flip to Gerry Goffin and Carole King's "Hung on You," but many DJs preferred "Unchained Melody" and played that one instead. This infuriated Spector, who subsequently left no doubt as to which side of a Philles single was the A-side. * The famous climax of this song where Bobby Hatfield sings the high "I need your love" line wasn't how the song was written. In an interview with Bill Medley, he explained that Hatfield did two takes of the song, then left. He would often reconsider his performance and come back later to change it, and that's what he did on this track, returning to ask Medley if he could make an edit. This was no easy task, since with a maximum of four tracks to work with, you had to record over part of the original take, but Medley accommodated and Hatfield delivered that soaring vocal line. Said Medley: "I punched that in and he left. He said, 'No, I can do it better.' And I said, 'No, you can't.' [Laughs] And I think it's a big part of that song." * This was released on Philles Records, Phil Spector's label. Spector, known for his "Wall Of Sound" technique, did not produce this - Bill Medley did. In a 2007 statement to the Forgotten Hits newsletter, Medley said: "You have to remember that I was producing our stuff before Phil Spector... I mean I produced 'Little Latin Lupe Lu,' 'My Babe' and all that stuff. Then when we went with Phil, Phil asked me if I would produce the albums because it was too time consuming for him to produce the entire albums. So he was going to do the singles and I would do the album. And so that's how that happened and that's how I produced 'Unchained Melody,' which Phil Spector apparently now takes credit for. He can have the credit. And I'm not a producer. I know how to produce. But it's obviously not a Spector production. 'Unchained Melody' was never intended to be the single... it was produced to be on the album. It was put on the B side of a Phil Spector single 'Hung On You' and the minute it was released 'Unchained Melody' just went through the roof." Hatfield’s rendition of “Unchained Melody” although not the original, is the ‘gold standard’.
Bobby and Bill decided to include a solo on each album. They both wanted to sing this song, so they flipped a coin and fortunately Bobby won. The audiences back then were civilized and polite. They were in awe of his performance.
You should recognize the studio version of this song as the theme from the movie “Ghost” which came out in 1990. The song saw a resurgence of popularity. If you back up this video, you will see amusing chat between both Righteous Brothers, Bobby Hatfield (singing here) and Bill Medley with host Andy Williams. Back in those days, audiences were quiet and respectful during live performances-as it should be.
Many have tried and many more will too - but no one will ever ever sing it like Bobby did. Live on TV, no auto tune, parents in the audience, fighting a severe cold - PERFECTION ❤❤❤
This was a network television performance. Audiences at network television performances were usually well-behaved on network television variety shows of the late-1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. But when the teenage girls caused pandemonium during Elvis Presley’s and The Beatles’ television performances on “The Ed Sullivan Show”, the television networks set down rules for behavior for audiences during network television performances by music artists. They had to remain seated throughout the performance. They had to remain silent during the performance, although applause/clapping in response to a familiar hit song was permitted (“Unchained Melody” was a 10-year old song in 1965, and was familiar to most music listeners at that time). No standing ovations were allowed, as it was considered offensive and insulting to other music artists that were usually scheduled together on the same show each week ( network variety shows would have two or three musical guests scheduled to perform each week during the TV season, unlike “Saturday Night Live”, which only has one musical guest each week). Applause only was permitted at the end of the musical performance. Audiences were always notified of the rules by the variety shows’ production staff. Anyone who violated these rules were physically removed from the theater/studio/building by security guards in attendance at the tapings of the network variety shows, and the television performance would be retaped. This was more of an issue after 1956, when videotape recorders were invented. Almost all network television variety shows were broadcast live in either New York City or Los Angeles/Hollywood. In the very early-1950s, Pop singer Johnny Ray became a big star, and his TV performances that were kinescoped onto film were notorious for the teenage girls screaming in delight to his emotional singing style. Ray was the rare exception to the rule for network television performance behavior by audiences prior to Elvis Presley in 1956.
It was billed under "Righteous Brothers" because Bill Medley--the other half of the duo--produced the studio version (which was good but Bobby's live version is THE BEST) and allowed (the late) Bobby Hatfield to sing solo. You might remember the Righteous Brothers' studio version from the movie "Ghost" with Whoopie Goldberg, (the late) Patrick Swayze, and Demi Moore and the "pottery scene". Also as an aside, Bobby was battling a cold that night, his parents were in the audience, AND he has cronic stage fright. So, he was battling a LOT but he still gave the best performance of his career.
Since he is performing live and no curtain for a backdrop...instead in the round with people surrounding him...they were told to not be a distraction on the tv show.
Best version hands down of this classic song. Absolutely loved the Righteous Brothers. Sadly we lost Bobby Hatfield about 20 years ago. He had a beautiful one of a kind voice. Home Free recently did a great version of this song. And Austin Brown (from HF) also did a very beautiful tribute of this song a couple of years ago.
The audience is diferent in Shinding , full of teenagers screaming for him 😂 ! Bobby is so versatile and never fails. Check Summertime and you’ll burn 🔥 ! His voice is phenomenal and we allways blow away. His cover was such a hit that became the standard version. His 1990 re-recording for Ghost won the Best Pop performance and they enter the Hall of fame. 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. Respect for the unforgetable Bobby ❤
Unchained Melody was performed solo by Bobby. It was performed live on the Andy Williams show. Bobby was nervous, had a cold and his mother was in the audience, and yet, what a performance! No auto tune, no manipulation, just his beautiful voice and a microphone! The audience was just being respectful, not like today❗
This song has been covered overt 1500 times. This is the standard that all the covers have tried to emulate and in my mind they have all been found wanting This is the best live performance that you will ever see of this song RIP Bobby
It is not a concert, they are broadcasting a live tv show Have you ever been in a studio audience? If they'd behaved as if it was a concert we wouldn't have this priceless recording today. Try listening to it without stopping to diffuse the effect.
Plus, the audience was expected to be silent do that they didn't ruin the song for TV viewers. Back on the day there were electric signs that would be turned on when applause was okay and expected as well as one to remind them to keep quiet. I doubt Ed Sullivan ever thought of using his signs when The Beatles were playing, although there was one Beatles tune that completely silenced the audience. The Beatles? Check 'em out
From the time of the original song in 1955 sung in the movie “Unchained”, to the present, over 670 artists have sang this song, including Elvis, Le An Rimes,… Bust Bobby Hatfield’s 1965 version owns this song. Nobody comes close.
Bobby the one singing was a counter tenor( like Mitch from Pentatonix) while the other member , Bill who was not in this particular video was the Bass ( think Avi from older Pentatonix videos). Together they made beautiful songs and could cover the multiple of notes from low to high. Definitely recommend you watch more of their work. Great reaction to an old classic song.
Did Barbie know Ken could sing? You're not an idiot for wondering about the brothers thing, just way young! Bobby Hatfield did this one by himself without the other brother, Bill Medley. Songs worth checking out include 'You've Lost That Loving Feeling', 'Rock and Roll Heaven', 'Soul and Inspiration'. Their sound was described as "blue-eyed soul".
The Righteous Brothers were a duo. They usually sang together but each had one solo per each album. This is Bobby's solo.Try ""You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" to hear both.
In those days when people performed you gave them respect and listened to their voices. I stopped going to concerts because, voices aren't front forward, the music always overpowers and I don't go to hear people singing with the band.
Btw ..BACK THEN....the audienes were DEMANDED to remain silent and in their seats throughout the performance. It was showing RESPECT to the singer. It was just done differently back then.
Live TV broadcast rather than a concert. They've been told to hold their applause, etc., while Bobby sings. This solo by Bobby accidentally became a hit when Phil Spector stuck it on the B side of a record. You've probably heard the studio version in the 1990 movie Ghost. Not the original, the song was 10 years old in 1965, and recorded by lots of people. Bobby's arrangement and style was different from previous artists. After him, most artists used his styling.
This was in my day! The crowd is taking in the beauty of the talent and his amazing voice! And may be stoned! But watch some of the other videos of the Righteous Brothers! They are amazing! This song just happens to be Bill singing only!
@@555Vibes BOBBY HATFIELD was truly One Of A Kind. The talent is nearly IMMEASUREABLE by any human standards. He had a range that was considered INHUMAN. He's gone now....but I will love him FOREVER
Although Bobby's version was undoubtedly the best (and most famous) it was a cover. The song was written in 1955 for a prison movie ('Unchained') and was sung by Todd Duncan. Three other singers had hits with it before Bobby recorded it.
Unchained Melody" is a 1955 song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. North wrote the music as a theme for the prison film Unchained (1955). Song has been covered over 1500 times and in multiple languages. By far, Righteous Brothers version is the most famous.
You missed the beginning where they explained how they got their name and why Bobby was singing alone. They were performing on a tv show, back then, audiences were asked not to move around. Bobby had a head cold, still nailed it. The studio version ending doesn't have his falsetto he added it after it was recorded.
Hey 555, ya think maybe the crowd might be sitting there just listening and enjoying this amazing talent, kinda just like you aren't jumping around and hootin with excitement so you can do the same. Interesting to have respect for someone who, in this case, has the mic.
In the 60’s we only new them by the radio … and as teen danced a lot thinking they were black , they were the best singers. When performing in the South before famous, they acted in a bar near a black marine base and they went see white guys but were so impressed that they shout : that’s righsteous, brothers ! So they decided to adopt the conpliment 😊. Only in the last years when their clips apeared in UA-cam lots of we oldies realized they were such handsome white guys 😂 … they were called Blue eyed Souls
There are 2 in the band. Bill Medley is in the sidelines. Bobby Hatfield is amazing and sings some of their songs by himself. Bill does a few on his own too. Check both of the singing their 1st hit. You’ve Lost That Lovin Feeling Soul and Inspiration
Most young people of that time related this beautiful song to being separated from your sweetheart by being drafted and sent to fight in Vietnam. So many young men went to war between 1955 -1965 and there was angst about whether your girl is waiting for you to come home and is she staying true to you? Sadly, many “Dear John” letters were sent to the young men away at war when the girlfriend dumped them for some guy left at home who was deemed unfit to fight. Different times.
Here is a link to The Righteous Brothers singing with The Blossoms. It shows both brothers singing on a popular tv show called Shindig. Such great memories! ua-cam.com/video/7wRA9tfEwLs/v-deo.html
as you have seen below it was recorded so it was requested silence, back then in television there would be signs that light up to applause , laugh etc. It would usually work unless Elvis presley was on tv back in the fifties being who he was as a icon the young girls went nuts so when he was on the young girls didn't care about any lighted sign
![FIRST TIME HEARING Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody [Live - Best Quality] (1965) (REACTION!)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Eh1LdDuv6Qc/mqdefault.jpg)
![FIRST TIME HEARING Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody [Live - Best Quality] (1965) (REACTION!)](/img/tr.png)
This is The Andy Williams Show. It wasn't about the audience back then. People listened politely and did not distract the performer or performance but showed their appreciation at the end.
Just think, if the audience had been clapping and cheering during his singing we wouldn't of been able to hear every beautiful nuance of his glorious voice.
I agree with people who say that bystander behavior can be called respect. Their silence allows everyone to truly appreciate the incredible talent of this singer.
Congratulations to those who get it.
The greatest LIVE performance of all time.
Best version ever of this song! Perfection!
Silent audience of adults, listening intently = Respect!
It wasn't a concert. It was a TV show taped in a studio. The audience did what they were told to do.
Fantastic vocal range, resonant voice, perfect tone, powerful and highly skilled singer. This is LIVE! And back when recordings were one take.
Bobby's daughter played this video at his funeral and at the end he got a standing ovation.
The crowd is supposed to sit very still… that’s the way it was back then. Ppl stayed in their seats & showed respect by listening attentively( not interrupting or taking away attention from the beautiful song or singer)… so beautiful , such natural talent… the goat! Check out him singing “ Summertime”… it’s shockingly GOOD!
That's the way it was done in the 60's.
I realize this may be a foreign concept to younger audiences, but at that time it was a show of respect to the artist for audience members to sit back, watch / listen, and let the artist do the entertaining instead of jumping around and screaming. Kind of like how no one wants to hear a heckler during a comedian's routine.
That makes a lot of sense, thanks for that.
Exactly I wish audiences were like this today. When a song is being performed this beautifully just sit back relax close your eyes and listen to the vocals. Save the applause for the end! I love the audience response on this song because there’s no distractions. Just a gorgeous man with a gorgeous voice who has total command of the audience.
As you probably know, this audience was mostly adults because it was the Andy Williams, and not a teen show like shindig. On a teen show, the girls would be screaming like hell endlessly! There are performances of the Righteous brothers live where this can be proven. These are the live performance versions, and not ones where Instead, the studio record was placed over the original TV show soundtrack.
Yes, agree. Variety TV shows were big in the 50s & 60s. The studio audiences knew they weren't there to detract from the performance for those watching in their living rooms. There were exceptions, of course, such as The Beatles first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, where shrieking/fainting teen fans virtually drowned out most of the songs they sang.
Amen
Its called respect for this mans ability !
Top shelf stuff.
This was performed on the Andy Williams Show. The audiences of shows at that time silently watched performances, especially when they were the backdrop to the performer. This song was sung by Bobby Hatfield. The other "Righteous Brother" was Bill Medley who did not sing on this song. There is a longer version of this performance that shows Bill and Bobby with Andy Williams before Bobby sings. They explain where they came up with the name "Righteous Brothers" for their duo since they were not actually brothers. Bobby's version and performance of this song has been hailed as the best ever.
Bobby and Bill were renowned for their "Blue-Eyed Soul" style. Song actually written in 1955 for a prison movie titled, "Unchained." War-honey voice, effortless presentation, vast voice range and fantastic breath control. The Andy Williams Show house orchestra is nothing to be ignored, either. Nearly operatic at the close.
People were polite so everyone could hear
This is an example of what we seniors used to call “blue eyed soul” back in our day.
They played this video at Bobby's funeral in 2003. A beatiful way to honor his talent. He is still my favorite male singer to this day.
Omg that would have broken me if I'd been there, I'm 80 years old and I've told my kids I want this played when my time comes
GORGEOUS MAN. VOICE.
SONG. ABSOLUTELY HEAVEN SENT ! THE ANGELS WEEP... ❤
At the time of this performance audience etiquette was to silently, respectfully listen until the performer finish. Then the applause expressed their appreciation.
Went to see The Righteous Brothers back in the day and the crowd was dead quiet when he sang “Unchained Melody”. It was so pure and beautiful! Listen to “You’ve Lost That Lovin Feeling” and “(You’re My) Soul & Inspiration” in black and white.Listen to their “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the Ed Sullivan Show.
Back in the day they respected the singer talent and they sat n watch the show…..
No auto tune, just pure talent….
Definitely!
i have gotten tired of typing that over and over lol
This was a solo by Bobby, one of TWO Righteous brothers. This was an adult oriented variety show, the Andy Williams Show, so no teen in the audience, or very few. There is a longer version of this clip where Andy interviews both Righteous brothers before this performance [quite funnny]. Yes..."talent"... what a concept...great performances never used to have to have screaming crowds shouting etc like the drunken assholes that they are in venues today...that's a mentality that grew, unfortunately, from my boomer Woodstock generation a few years after this performance. Then venues starting selling alcohol which opened up the door for fights, even deaths. On teen shows the girls would be screaming like hell, but would probably go silent during this, in awe of Bobby's talent, and then scream like hell at the end. Yes, to me, it seems odd to have to explain all that ,lol, but let's get real, today's world and the world 58 years ago are miles apart. That's where the disconnect is....audiences then were still very respectful, esp adults here, and didn't want to to be seen on TV acting like a total jerk. Oh, and go ahead ,waste your time on other covers...you'll come back to this one, this is the definitive version.
A beautiful thing.
Back in the 60s and early 70s was a different time in era and people had respect to listen and not be crazy to hear the talent coming out of the entertainer. They will show their love and appreciation at the end with their applause. I wish that we had maintain some respect and admiration in this country for entertainers better than what they show nowadays.
You just witnessed the best performance of the best song of all time. It does not get any better than this. Bobby Hatfield has passed but his performance right here will live forever. It touches the soul like no other. I subscribed right away. Be safe and take care !
Thank you! Soooo good
My favorite thing about this performance is the reason Bobby went full God mode. It was the first time his parents were in one of his audiences. He was showing off for his Mom and Dad.
Must be nice to be able to show off like that. Those pipes caught me off guard. Thanks for letting me know that. Really cool.
To answer your point about the hush in the crowd. We had manners. Upstaging the people you went there to see just wasn't done.
For another example of the manners of that time watch any episode of What's My Line from oh say 1955 to 1965. We had a way of treating people that only exists now in Classical Music venues.
Back when talent was needed, unlike today.
The Righteous Brothers’
Bobby Hatfield just broke UA-cam!
Lol…it was said that he was incredibly nervous about this performance, not because of the large studio audience nor the millions watching at home…but because his mother was in the audience…sweet story!
After 50+ years, this is still considered by many to be the best "LIVE" performance EVER.
Now do Home Free version and Austin has a version by himself. Both are great.
I definitely will. Thanks for that.
Beautiful song and lovely orchestra in the background 😊
That my friend is raw, natural talent!!!
In 1965 the heavens sent down this song to Bobby Hatfield and said Bobby sing this to the people - and sing it he did - the most angelic song ever sung by an unbelievable talent - in my view the greatest live performance ever - RIP Bobby you did good!
Just the most beautiful song sung by the consummate singer, without anything but his voice, small microphone and polite crowd.
The crowd. Ring silent was a sign of respect
They were also awarded the Best New Singing Group in the Billboard Disc Jockey Poll in 1965. The Righteous Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10, 2003. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005.
They were instructed to remain civil during the show because it was a tv prime time performance on The Andy Williams Show.
And as to the performance Robert Lee Hatfield (August 10, 1940 - November 5, 2003) Bobby Hatfield, who had a higher counter tenor voice to Bill Medley’s, William Thomas Medley (born September 19, 1940) baritone, sang lead on this track. It was his idea to record it, since Medley and Hatfield were each allowed to choose a song to sing as a solo vocalist on their albums. As Medley tells it, Hatfield knew the song well, and was a big fan of the Roy Hamilton and Al Hibbler versions of the song.
In 2003 Hatfield died of a heart attack at age 63.
The Righteous Brothers version was a huge hit, but it was recorded with far more modest expectations. Phil Spector considered it album filler and released it as a B-side. The single had "Unchained Melody," with no producer credit on the label, as the flip to Gerry Goffin and Carole King's "Hung on You," but many DJs preferred "Unchained Melody" and played that one instead. This infuriated Spector, who subsequently left no doubt as to which side of a Philles single was the A-side.
* The famous climax of this song where Bobby Hatfield sings the high "I need your love" line wasn't how the song was written. In an interview with Bill Medley, he explained that Hatfield did two takes of the song, then left. He would often reconsider his performance and come back later to change it, and that's what he did on this track, returning to ask Medley if he could make an edit. This was no easy task, since with a maximum of four tracks to work with, you had to record over part of the original take, but Medley accommodated and Hatfield delivered that soaring vocal line. Said Medley: "I punched that in and he left. He said, 'No, I can do it better.' And I said, 'No, you can't.' [Laughs] And I think it's a big part of that song."
* This was released on Philles Records, Phil Spector's label. Spector, known for his "Wall Of Sound" technique, did not produce this - Bill Medley did. In a 2007 statement to the Forgotten Hits newsletter, Medley said: "You have to remember that I was producing our stuff before Phil Spector... I mean I produced 'Little Latin Lupe Lu,' 'My Babe' and all that stuff. Then when we went with Phil, Phil asked me if I would produce the albums because it was too time consuming for him to produce the entire albums. So he was going to do the singles and I would do the album. And so that's how that happened and that's how I produced 'Unchained Melody,' which Phil Spector apparently now takes credit for. He can have the credit. And I'm not a producer. I know how to produce. But it's obviously not a Spector production. 'Unchained Melody' was never intended to be the single... it was produced to be on the album. It was put on the B side of a Phil Spector single 'Hung On You' and the minute it was released 'Unchained Melody' just went through the roof."
Hatfield’s rendition of “Unchained Melody” although not the original, is the ‘gold standard’.
Bobby and Bill decided to include a solo on each album. They both wanted to sing this song, so they flipped a coin and fortunately Bobby won.
The audiences back then were civilized and polite. They were in awe of his performance.
This is backin the day when people had manners and didn’t ruin the performance for everyone else, but nowadays it’s all about me, me, me……..
Well thought and said.
Their silence is the lost art of decorum and courtesy granted to a performer. Trust me, they were impressed.
Audience is being polite.
You should recognize the studio version of this song as the theme from the movie “Ghost” which came out in 1990. The song saw a resurgence of popularity.
If you back up this video, you will see amusing chat between both Righteous Brothers, Bobby Hatfield (singing here) and Bill Medley with host Andy Williams.
Back in those days, audiences were quiet and respectful during live performances-as it should be.
Many have tried and many more will too - but no one will ever ever sing it like Bobby did. Live on TV, no auto tune, parents in the audience, fighting a severe cold - PERFECTION ❤❤❤
It was a different time. It was called decorum and respect for the artist
This was a network television performance. Audiences at network television performances were usually well-behaved on network television variety shows of the late-1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. But when the teenage girls caused pandemonium during Elvis Presley’s and The Beatles’ television performances on “The Ed Sullivan Show”, the television networks set down rules for behavior for audiences during network television performances by music artists. They had to remain seated throughout the performance. They had to remain silent during the performance, although applause/clapping in response to a familiar hit song was permitted (“Unchained Melody” was a 10-year old song in 1965, and was familiar to most music listeners at that time). No standing ovations were allowed, as it was considered offensive and insulting to other music artists that were usually scheduled together on the same show each week ( network variety shows would have two or three musical guests scheduled to perform each week during the TV season, unlike “Saturday Night Live”, which only has one musical guest each week). Applause only was permitted at the end of the musical performance.
Audiences were always notified of the rules by the variety shows’ production staff. Anyone who violated these rules were physically removed from the theater/studio/building by security guards in attendance at the tapings of the network variety shows, and the television performance would be retaped.
This was more of an issue after 1956, when videotape recorders were invented. Almost all network television variety shows were broadcast live in either New York City or Los Angeles/Hollywood. In the very early-1950s, Pop singer Johnny Ray became a big star, and his TV performances that were kinescoped onto film were notorious for the teenage girls screaming in delight to his emotional singing style. Ray was the rare exception to the rule for network television performance behavior by audiences prior to Elvis Presley in 1956.
That definitely makes sense to me know, thank you for the info. Appreciate that.
It was billed under "Righteous Brothers" because Bill Medley--the other half of the duo--produced the studio version (which was good but Bobby's live version is THE BEST) and allowed (the late) Bobby Hatfield to sing solo. You might remember the Righteous Brothers' studio version from the movie "Ghost" with Whoopie Goldberg, (the late) Patrick Swayze, and Demi Moore and the "pottery scene". Also as an aside, Bobby was battling a cold that night, his parents were in the audience, AND he has cronic stage fright. So, he was battling a LOT but he still gave the best performance of his career.
Since he is performing live and no curtain for a backdrop...instead in the round with people surrounding him...they were told to not be a distraction on the tv show.
Best version hands down of this classic song. Absolutely loved the Righteous Brothers. Sadly we lost Bobby Hatfield about 20 years ago. He had a beautiful one of a kind voice. Home Free recently did a great version of this song. And Austin Brown (from HF) also did a very beautiful tribute of this song a couple of years ago.
There are 2 guys and you might like their rendition of 'You Lost That Lovin Feelin'
The audience is diferent in Shinding , full of teenagers screaming for him 😂 ! Bobby is so versatile and never fails. Check Summertime and you’ll burn 🔥 ! His voice is phenomenal and we allways blow away. His cover was such a hit that became the standard version. His 1990 re-recording for Ghost won the Best Pop performance and they enter the Hall of fame. 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. Respect for the unforgetable Bobby ❤
Wow, thanks!
The sound you are listening to is from God giving soul!!
Unchained Melody was performed solo by Bobby. It was performed live on the Andy Williams show. Bobby was nervous, had a cold and his mother was in the audience, and yet, what a performance! No auto tune, no manipulation, just his beautiful voice and a microphone! The audience was just being respectful, not like today❗
Both in "lost that loving feeling"
This song has been covered overt 1500 times.
This is the standard that all the covers have tried to emulate
and in my mind they have all been found wanting
This is the best live performance that you will ever see of this song
RIP Bobby
It is not a concert, they are broadcasting a live tv show Have you ever been in a studio audience? If they'd behaved as if it was a concert we wouldn't have this priceless recording today. Try listening to it without stopping to diffuse the effect.
Definitely Bobby singing Summertime is off the charts!
His voice is 🔥
Absolutely! Blue eyed soul at it's finest! I have seen black guys say that "He done got the Holy Ghost!"
Prime time tv audiences in the 60’s were instructed to be respectful.
It was Andy Williams show
Plus, the audience was expected to be silent do that they didn't ruin the song for TV viewers.
Back on the day there were electric signs that would be turned on when applause was okay and expected as well as one to remind them to keep quiet.
I doubt Ed Sullivan ever thought of using his signs when The Beatles were playing, although there was one Beatles tune that completely silenced the audience. The Beatles? Check 'em out
If you want to see an old school performance where the audience sits stone faced to a rockin' song, then Dion's "Runaround Sue" is a must.
Hands down Bobby took the song and made it his own
From the time of the original song in 1955 sung in the movie “Unchained”, to the present, over 670 artists have sang this song, including Elvis, Le An Rimes,… Bust Bobby Hatfield’s 1965 version owns this song. Nobody comes close.
It was a different time .People waited out of respect and then applauded after the performance .
Bobby the one singing was a counter tenor( like Mitch from Pentatonix) while the other member , Bill who was not in this particular video was the Bass ( think Avi from older Pentatonix videos). Together they made beautiful songs and could cover the multiple of notes from low to high. Definitely recommend you watch more of their work. Great reaction to an old classic song.
Thanks, I definitely will. Appreciate you!
Billy is a baritone.
The pink everyone wore that day was for Valentines Day someone mentioned.
Did Barbie know Ken could sing?
You're not an idiot for wondering about the brothers thing, just way young! Bobby Hatfield did this one by himself without the other brother, Bill Medley. Songs worth checking out include 'You've Lost That Loving Feeling', 'Rock and Roll Heaven', 'Soul and Inspiration'. Their sound was described as "blue-eyed soul".
Thanks for that!
The other performer. Bobby and Bill were not actual brothes.
The Righteous Brothers were a duo. They usually sang together but each had one solo per each album. This is Bobby's solo.Try ""You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" to hear both.
This was a solo by Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers. A live performance.
In those days when people performed you gave them respect and listened to their voices. I stopped going to concerts because, voices aren't front forward, the music always overpowers and I don't go to hear people singing with the band.
Check out both "brothers" in You'll Never Walk Alone. Bill Medley, the other brother, is a fantastic baritone but their voices mesh perfectly.
Thanks!
Btw ..BACK THEN....the audienes were DEMANDED to remain silent and in their seats throughout the performance. It was showing RESPECT to the singer. It was just done differently back then.
There are two and they agreed that each would do a solo song on every album and this was his.
Live TV broadcast rather than a concert. They've been told to hold their applause, etc., while Bobby sings. This solo by Bobby accidentally became a hit when Phil Spector stuck it on the B side of a record. You've probably heard the studio version in the 1990 movie Ghost. Not the original, the song was 10 years old in 1965, and recorded by lots of people. Bobby's arrangement and style was different from previous artists. After him, most artists used his styling.
This was in my day! The crowd is taking in the beauty of the talent and his amazing voice! And may be stoned! But watch some of the other videos of the Righteous Brothers! They are amazing! This song just happens to be Bill singing only!
This was done as a SOLO by one of them. This is BOBBY HATFIELD. The other is BILL MEDLEY. They werent REAL BROTHERS....but what a great musical team.
Thanks, I definitely plan to check out more from them. He has a great voice!
@@555Vibes BOBBY HATFIELD was truly One Of A Kind. The talent is nearly IMMEASUREABLE by any human standards. He had a range that was considered INHUMAN. He's gone now....but I will love him FOREVER
Thanks for that, I’m going to check more of him out for sure. Voice was so good it caught me off guard.
Although Bobby's version was undoubtedly the best (and most famous) it was a cover. The song was written in 1955 for a prison movie ('Unchained') and was sung by Todd Duncan. Three other singers had hits with it before Bobby recorded it.
This is Bobby Hatfield, one half of the Righteous Brothers. The other is Bill Medley. You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling. Check it out.
I will thanks!
Unchained Melody" is a 1955 song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. North wrote the music as a theme for the prison film Unchained (1955). Song has been covered over 1500 times and in multiple languages. By far, Righteous Brothers version is the most famous.
The other brother decided to sit this one out. He sat in the audience. The audience was told to be quiet until the song was finished
You missed the beginning where they explained how they got their name and why Bobby was singing alone. They were performing on a tv show, back then, audiences were asked not to move around. Bobby had a head cold, still nailed it. The studio version ending doesn't have his falsetto he added it after it was recorded.
Not falsetto
Bobby was a counter-tenor.
@sylviabuck3369 yes I know, thought a lay person may not know what that meant. Tried to make it more clear for everyone.
Sometimes they perform separately on certain songs.. listen to your my soul and my hearts inspiration!
They knew how to behave
Hey 555, ya think maybe the crowd might be sitting there just listening and enjoying this amazing talent, kinda just like you aren't jumping around and hootin with excitement so you can do the same. Interesting to have respect for someone who, in this case, has the mic.
Check out You've Lost That Loving Feeling. So good.
I’m definitely going to check that one out. Thanks!
Great reaction ❤
In the 60’s we only new them by the radio … and as teen danced a lot thinking they were black , they were the best singers. When performing in the South before famous, they acted in a bar near a black marine base and they went see white guys but were so impressed that they shout : that’s righsteous, brothers ! So they decided to adopt the conpliment 😊. Only in the last years when their clips apeared in UA-cam lots of we oldies realized they were such handsome white guys 😂 … they were called Blue eyed Souls
Back in the day, it was impolite to make noise while watching a performance. Applause is after .
His mom was in the audience for the first time hearing her son sing….and he was sick that night!!
There are 2 in the band. Bill Medley is in the sidelines. Bobby Hatfield is amazing and sings some of their songs by himself. Bill does a few on his own too.
Check both of the singing their 1st hit.
You’ve Lost That Lovin Feeling
Soul and Inspiration
Thanks, I’ll definitely have to check that out!
It's 2 brothers! This is a one man song
Most young people of that time related this beautiful song to being separated from your sweetheart by being drafted and sent to fight in Vietnam. So many young men went to war between 1955 -1965 and there was angst about whether your girl is waiting for you to come home and is she staying true to you?
Sadly, many “Dear John” letters were sent to the young men away at war when the girlfriend dumped them for some guy left at home who was deemed unfit to fight. Different times.
This is not the original, though it is usually agreed to be the best version. The song is from a 1955 movie called "Unchained".
Here is a link to The Righteous Brothers singing with The Blossoms. It shows both brothers singing on a popular tv show called Shindig. Such great memories! ua-cam.com/video/7wRA9tfEwLs/v-deo.html
Thanks!
as you have seen below it was recorded so it was requested silence, back then in television there would be signs that light up to applause , laugh etc. It would usually work unless Elvis presley was on tv back in the fifties being who he was as a icon the young girls went nuts so when he was on the young girls didn't care about any lighted sign
I bet with Elvis, that definitely does make sense now though. Thanks Steve.
This became the anthem of our soldiers in Vietnam to their wives and girlfriends to be there when…if… they came home.
No. He is performing this song by himself.
People used have manners. They are respectful and want to hear the performance.
Bobby did this one solo. His brother did not think it was going to be a hit!! Oops. This was not a concert, it was a live audience on a TV show.
I saw that on TV when I was sixteen.
Wow, That's Awesome.
"That's righteous brother." An African American soldier after hearing them sing.
It was Marines from the El Toro Marine base in Orange County, CA that started calling them righteous brothers.