Leslie Geddes ; his mother was in the audience. He was nervous as hell this was preformed on the Andy Williams show. They did three songs that night. I remember watching it. My parents had just gotten a color tv.
No one has sung this song better then the late great Bobby Hatfield of the 'Righteous Brothers.' The beautiful melody of Alex North (1910-1991), and memorable lyrics by Hy Zaret (1907-2007). Composed and wrote one of the greatest songs in music history. It was performed perfectly and effortlessly on a live television performance on the 'Andy Williams Show' back in (1965) by Bobby Hatfield. The song was written for a prison move titled 'Unchained' (1955). Hence the title of the song. It was first sung in the movie by African American opera singer, theatre and film actor Todd Duncan. A decade later in 1965 Bobby Hatfield's rendition (above) made the song more famous and loved throughout the world. Ever since that epic performance his version became the quintessential version of them all. The rest as they say is history...
I didn't even know until this week that Elvis and Sam Cooke sang versions of this before and after the Bobby. They are not even in the same ballpark or even playing the same game. I have seen each of theirs once. I have seen this version maybe 567 times in the last 10 days.
@Point Dexter Yes well we had another person here commenting to someone saying "hands down no one better" that an opinion shouldn't be stated as fact. There is no accounting for other's taste but "for me" , Bobby Hatfield singing this is incomparable! "For me" it is a fact. LOL
@@lesliegeddes7896 I have a fun fact about Bobby Hatfield singing this solo. Backstage , Bobby and Bill flipped a coin to see who would sing this song onstage. Bobby Hatfield obviously won and it went on to be the best version of all time ! Their next song was a record breaking song for over 50 years as being the most played record by radio stations EVER ! You've Lost That Loving Feeling. . It beat #2 by over 1 million times. #2 was Let It Be , by the Beatles.
@@jerrybutler8917 I read that it was a song Bobby always liked that he used to perform with his old group The Variations. In an interview Bill Medley said Bobby wanted to do it and that was fine with him. The song was to be a B side only and Bill has said many times he never thought it would be a hit.
When women react to this video...they smile...their eyes sparkle...they lick their lips and touch their hair..they tingle ALL OVER... it makes me smile to their reactions. Mr Hatfield at his best , live, on beast mode. Legend!
This is the version !!! the cover of all covers. whatever else there is pales in to vocal insignificance. Absolutely phenomenal. Your amazing vocal ihas no equal past or present ! Thank you BOBBY HATFIELD. From all of us. Bless !
The greatest male live solo performance of all time... How can this ever be beaten? Bobby Hatfield literally had the voice of an angel... Often voted the greatest live tv performance of all time... Imagine being in the audience for this? It must've felt like God himself was serenading you... RIP Bobby, thank you for giving us the gift of your beautiful voice... You are still making females fall in love with you 60 years later. Timeless, perfect, and so, so beautiful ❤
This song was written in 1955 for a movie called "Unchained", thus the song title. Over 670 artists have covered it, but the Righteous Brothers version from 1965 is the standard by which all others are measured. It was a huge hit for them in the 1960s and became a hit again in1990 when it was featured in the film "Ghost". Now with this live version making the rounds, a whole new generation has discovered it.
Thanks, Minkie -- yes, the immortal Bobby Hatfield KILLS this - I also heard that this LIVE performance made him nervous b/c his Mom was in the audience -- I have no doubt that she was proud! (he didn't even need his "bro" Bill Medley to back him up!) - and yeah, so calm, as you noted... not straining for those high notes at all!
This song is a poem from soldiers in war to there sweetheart, it was never sung better and never will be. His Mom and Dad were in house that night... A veteran of war. Passion comes from real suffering and this song has a real meaning behind it. Truly this a beautiful masterpiece for those who can truly appreciate it.
This is the quintessential love song and no one sings it better than Bobby Hatfield. You also have to remember this is live from 1965. No autotune enhancement. Try more Righteous Brothers like You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling, Soul And Inspiration, Rock and Roll Heaven. New subscriber here. Thanks for the real music.
j20tower Bill Medely brought Bobby’s Mother too this show as a surprise. When Bobby found out he said he became extremely nervous and yet you see he nailed it perfectly for her.
jason mangen I didn’t know that. She must of been so proud. There’s a couple of different ways he sung this. The live version which I don’t think there has ever been a better performance and the studio version. All awesome. Rock and Roll Heaven doesn’t get enough play and it’s genius.
In the first decade or so of rock and roll (mid fifties to the mid sixties), artists wore suits when they performed or appeared in public - even the beatles and the stones!
There were actually two Righteous Brothers: Bobby Hatfield here, and Bill Medley. They usually sang together but occasionally Bobby would put out a solo record although still billed as The Righteous Brothers. If you liked this song--as you obviously did---you will no doubt love "Ebb Tide" by him. It's a similar tempo, but even more powerful..
As has been mentioned, the other member of the Righteous Brothers who was not part of this solo, is Bill Medley. He also did some work on his own including a duet with Jennifer Warnes called I’ve had The Time of my Life. It was featured in the movie Dirty Dancing.
This was a performance on the Andy Williams show. He was actually nervous during this performance because his parents were in the audience and he didn't want to disappoint them.
Notice please, that he hit all the notes, held the notes that needed to be held, and did it with no strain. That is a singer that has practiced and perfected his craft and skills
What I see in this incredible performance is that he allows the song and his voice to be the focus. Modern singers will adopt power poses, a fist pushed into the air, grimacing faces as they reach a high note, anything to make a show of what they're doing. Bobby simply steps back and shows his amazing talent. It gives us, the audience, the respect to form our own opinions and feelings about the performance, without the circus adornments of showing off. Best of all is this is live. He uses no autotune, no studio fakery, no prerecorded vocal track to make his voice sound richer. Bobby Hatfield was a real singer and a tremendous talent, with a flawless three and a half octave range. I doubt there's a singer today who could do this.
@@lesliegeddes7896 Thank you. Bobby was an incredible talent, to be sure. What I really love about this live performance is that it's even better than the recording. How many times can we say that? Just amazing
He was not the original singer - that was Todd Duncan back in 1955 from the movie "Unchained",but Bobbys version is the standard which no-one can compare to.
This is Bobby's song. No one can match his touch! He nailed it!! RIP Bobby! You'll never be forgotten! I was 15 when I heard you sing this song on the Andy Williams show. I was so lucky to be baby boomer! RIP Bobby! ❤❤❤
Hip-hopers, rappers and crappy pop singers. Go back home, lock the doors. Don't come back until you can play 5 notes and sing "Mary has a little lamb". With no Autotune fake singing, neither studio fake tricks and tracks. What you hear is major league in music. You're still in primary school.
I totally agree. No hip hop or rap. That stuff is not music. This song by Bobby and other songs by Bobby and Bill Medly that is real music. Your my soul and insperation is also totally awesome. Love to see a reaction to this!!!
Theme song for the 1955 movie "Unchained". A prison movie. A prisoner is wrestling with whether to serve out his sentence or escape. Bobby Hatfield owned this song forever!
This was the theme song for the 1990 movie Ghost with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. I was 15 in 1965 when Bobby did this. Young lady - your smile lights up the screen. Thanks for honoring our music of the 60's.
This song was first done in 1955 (10 years prior to the recording) by a singer named Al Hibbler. It is on you tube. The song was featured in a movie called " Unchained"
Bobby hayfields version is the gold standard of Unchained Melody. His emotion is unparalleled. It’s a beautiful love song. No auto tune. Just real talent.
The song was originated from a movie called Unchained (hence Unchained Melody). Al Hibler originally sang it. Bobby Hatfield covered and made it his own.
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 ) On this live performance his Mother ( possibly dad ) is in the audience. At the end he bites his lip as he knows he nailed this song. 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 . 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, was also appearing. The rest is history. "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.
That version of the song was recorded in1965 by the late great Bobby Hatfield. It was a cover as the song was written 10 years earlier for a movie soundtrack, titled Unchanged. Bobby's version is widely considered the quintessential version, even though it has been recorded by over 670 artists. RIP Bobby, and thank you for this song.
I sang this to my wife at our wedding in 1983. She, however she said I murdered it. I'm guessing it's not a song for a baritone, she told me I was of better sticking to my drumming. I thought it was an appropriate song as I was in the Royal Marine Commandos, I had returned from the war for the Falkland Islands when I proposed, and now was shipping out to Sierra Leone two days later, so much for my attempt at being romantic. On the upside she liked me in my Dress Uniform, and having my comrades forming the sword tunnel helped. I must have done something write because we're still together. With 4 children and 7 grandchildren, we got busy on baby's when I was home. I served my Queen and Country for 34 years as a Royal Marine Commandos and Specialist Forces, and then 2 years in hospital, and she stuck by me even though I'm wheelchair bound now. We do actually have a song by Queen called "Your Me Best Friend", a very apt song as she has been my best friend since we were 16.
"Unchained Melody" is a 1955 song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. North used the music as a theme for the little-known prison film Unchained (1955), hence the song title. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack. The Righteous Brothers performed it in 1965, 55 years ago.
MINKE, CAN YOU BELIEVE A PERFORMANCE LIKE THIS FROM 1965. THIS IS BECAUSE BOBBY HAD A GOD GIVEN MUSICAL VOICE AND HE SOUNDED LIKE AN ANGEL. BEYONG JUST GOOD, IT WAS PHENOMENAL
And to think, his mother was in the audience, when “Bobby *IMMORTALIZED* Unchained Melody” for ever! ! ! Thank You FATHER for allowing us to enjoy the “Righteous Brothers” voices for a while! ! !
did no one mention this song was decided on a coin flip? i mean talk about destiny.The Righteous Brothers are on some of the biggest soundtrack songs in the history of music because of how talented they are all these years later.
This song is a very close, and emotional song for me. I am a man's man, but...I cry every time I hear it. My mom passed away 3 years ago. She had me record this song (her all time favorite) over and over again on a cassette so she could hear it over and over again. Everytime I hear it, I think of her. I miss, and love you so very much mom. Live to Survive!
This has always been my all. time favorite song by the Richeous Brothers only. Bobby Hatfield is amazing. He hits that one high note so beautifully I want to cry.
This was his first take. He asked to do another, thinking he could do better. His partner Bill said "No, you can't" He knew perfection when he heard it.
@@bierce716 studio recording because this was live on the Andy Williams Show ...Look at what followed! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KGClv9GKYmo.html
BOBBY SANG THIS SONG WITH US GUYS IN VIET NAM TO SEND OUR FEELINGS TO OUR WIVES AND GIRLFRIENDS BACK HOME , WHEN I CAME BACK , MY WIFE AND I WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO SEE HIM PERFORM THIS SONG FOUR TIMES AT DIFFERENT VENUES AND EACH TIME HE SANG THE ONLY SOUND ONE HEARD FROM EACH AUDIENCE WAS THE SOUND OF WOMENS PANTIES HITTING THE FLOORS , WE LOST BOBBY IN 2003 , LOSS OF A GREAT TALENT
Even though this version is 55 years old, I would play it if I wanted to romance a woman. The hard part for me is finding a woman that would like to be romanced by me.
You witnessed the best song and performance of all time. Your reaction was right on target. You got class yourself like Bobby Hatfield. His memory will live on forever. I subscribed right away. Be safe and take care.
Minkie, because I'm a old fan from hearing them from 1964 to the present As far as I'm concerned Bobby Hadfield can wear any color he wants and please quit pausing a lot because he's just warming up at the first part of the song the best part is yet to come so listen and be amazed
they aren't the originals, but that was the one that kind of ruined it for everyone else. He so nailed it that it's pretty much the only one ever used.
Bonjour from the French Riviera (American) ... nice reaction (even if 2 years late ... sorry). Keep in mind this is a "live" performance in 1965 ... no Studio "punch in/punch out on your Mac ... and no "Sure SM58 mic" either (dynamic range was limited). Part you missed in the Vid is the use of sublimital perception observation ... the yellow, globe lights when sings about "lonely Rivers flow to the Sea"... it got you without you knowing it. Know that in the Audience is his Mom .... and the first time she's seen him perform "live" ... explains him biting his lower lip at the end ... he knew he nailed it.
For a deeper perspective of the lyrics, the song was originally written for a movie called "the prisoner". The husband is serving a long sentence and wrote this in a letter to his young wife who was having an affair with one of the prison guards and looking to leave the country with him. Makes the song so much more emotional in its meaning. With that context in mind listen to the song again, while he may be chains his love for her is not, hence unchained melody.
Pink suit. This was performed on Valentines Day 1965. I was 15 and we loved to dance to it. My grandkids can’t believe our music back then. I’m 72 now and I still love and play it on occasion for my wife.
If you enjoyed this song then I think you would enjoy them singing “you’ve lost that loving feeling”, I think you would also enjoy “Sunday kind of love” by Etta James
This song came from a movie called unchained about a guy in prison. It’s basically asking for his significant other to wait for him until he gets released from prison. The movie came out in 1955 and this song was redone by Bobby Hatfield in 1965 and his brother, well not really a brother Bill didn’t think it would be successful so that’s why he’s not singing with him on this. Boy was he wrong!
Bobby Hatfield because of his talent made this song SPECIAL for me and many, many others. The more you listen the better you feel. You can't help but feel the love. For three minutes you're truly unchained from your problems. By the way you are very beautiful. Take classes and make movies.
Minkie this song was very big during the 1960s and the war in Vietnam was on every time my ship left to go to sea my girlfriend who is now my wife would play this and cry each time till i got back home.
Bobby extremely classy.up notched...this song was played at my wedding in 1976......❤!! This was played at my wedding when my bridesmaids walked in.this was Bobby Hatfield s song..all the rest are cover
Bobby knows how to touch your compassion with his beautiful and soulful delivery. I fall in love with him each time I hear/watch this beautiful performance made when he was only 25 and I was a 17 yo teen.
I'm sorry to be the one who is critical, but so much of the song and his performance is lost by stopping and relating your feeling s.By stopping and saying nothing would add to your thoughts until the end. I don't believe we will ever see a more complete performance by another singer!
This era was when stage performance was at its best. Such professionalism and dignity. A shy smile, just a grin and a nod of the head when he finished. No bad language or cursing in the song (like rap or stuff). Beautiful, dignified, and professional singing. We no longer have that, and I don’t see it ever happening again. Oh, how we fell in love dancing to these sweet songs back then.
The song was originally written as part of a score for a 1955 movie called "Unchained" which was based on a book published by Kenyon Judson Scudder in 1952. Both the book and the movie follow the story of a man serving time in a medium-security prison. He is deeply conflicted and must decide whether to behave himself behind bars and serve out his sentence or try to escape so he can see his wife, who he loves deeply and misses so very much. The movie version of the song was performed by Todd Duncan, who also had a minor role in the movie.
It's his song. Nobody ever did it better. I love the girls react to this song today. Heck even the young guys get emotional over it. That's when you know you have made a classic.
