On this date in 1965, UNCHAINED MELODY by THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place as one of the most timeless recordings of the 20th century (Aug 27, 1965)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0EBs6uRgtw&pp=ygUjdW5jaGFpbmVkIG1lbG9keSByaWdodGVvdXMgYnJvdGhlcnM%3DLittle did Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield know that their rendition of this haunting ballad would not only define their careers but also transcend generations.
The genesis of "Unchained Melody" dates back to 1955, when it first graced the silver screen in the prison drama "Unchained", starring former American football player Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch. Composed by Alex North with lyrics by Hy Zaret, the song was initially conceived to capture the longing and melancholy of incarcerated men pining for freedom and lost love. Todd Duncan, a talented black singer who later became a renowned vocal instructor, lent his voice to the original film version.
A decade later, The Righteous Brothers breathed new life into the song. Bobby Hatfield, known for his soaring tenor, took the lead on this track. As Bill Medley recounts, it was Hatfield's choice to record the song, inspired by his admiration for earlier versions by Roy Hamilton and Al Hibbler. The decision to have Hatfield sing solo was part of an agreement between the duo to each select one song per album for individual performance.
Interestingly, the track that would become one of their signature hits was initially considered mere album filler by producer Phil Spector. In a twist of fate, Spector released "Unchained Melody" as the B-side to Gerry Goffin and Carole King's "Hung on You". The single's label bore no producer credit for "Unchained Melody", a detail that would later become a point of contention.
The recording process itself was a testament to Hatfield's artistry. Bill Medley, who produced the track, recalls a pivotal moment during the session. After two takes, Hatfield left the studio, only to return with a desire to make a crucial change. He wanted to alter the melody of the line "I need your love", taking it to a higher register. This last-minute decision resulted in the spine-tingling climax that has captivated listeners for decades. Medley, recognising the power of this new interpretation, told Hatfield, "No, you can't [do it better]," cementing that take as the final version.
Radio DJs, displaying their penchant for bucking the system, began favouring the B-side over its intended A-side. This unexpected turn of events reportedly infuriated Spector, who had carefully orchestrated the single's release. The producer's reaction was so strong that he began personally calling radio stations, attempting to dissuade them from playing "Unchained Melody". His efforts proved futile, as the song's popularity continued to soar.
The Righteous Brothers' version of "Unchained Melody" quickly became a sensation, climbing the charts and embedding itself in the cultural zeitgeist. However, the song's journey was far from over. In 1990, a quarter-century after its initial release, "Unchained Melody" experienced a remarkable resurgence thanks to its inclusion in the blockbuster film "Ghost".
The song's use in the now-famous pottery scene between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore reignited public interest in The Righteous Brothers' recording. However, the duo faced an unexpected hurdle: licensing issues prevented them from re-releasing the original track. Undeterred, Medley and Hatfield decided to capitalise on the renewed interest by re-recording the song.
Bill Medley candidly reflected on this decision in his memoir, "A Time of My Life: A Righteous Brother's Memoir". He wrote, "We released it and it sold like crazy. That inspired us to re-record a whole 'reunion' album of our hits. Honestly, it was sh*t ... Artistically, a stupid idea; financially, a wonderful idea. The album went platinum." This frank admission provides a fascinating glimpse into the often conflicting artistic and commercial considerations in the music industry.
The 1990 revival of "Unchained Melody" created an unusual situation on the Billboard charts. For eight weeks, both the original 1965 recording and the 1990 re-recording appeared simultaneously in the Hot 100. The Righteous Brothers became the first act to achieve this feat with two versions of the same song in the Top 20.
The legacy of "Unchained Melody" extends far beyond its chart success. It has been covered by hundreds of artists and has appeared in numerous films and television shows. The Righteous Brothers' version, in particular, is often cited as the definitive recording of the song, praised for its emotional depth and Hatfield's stunning vocal performance.
Tragically, Bobby Hatfield passed away in 2003 at the age of 63, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. His interpretation of "Unchained Melody" stands as a testament to his extraordinary talent and the enduring power of a perfectly crafted pop song.
Chart (1965) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[64] 10
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[65] 17
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[66] 9
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[67] 9
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[68] 8
New Zealand (Lever Hit Parade)[69] 4
UK Singles (OCC)[70] 14
US Billboard Hot 100[71] 4
Chart (1990–1991) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[72] 1
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[73] 1
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[64] 3
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[74] 4
Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)[75] 1
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[76] 4
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[77] 24
France (SNEP)[78] 6
Germany (Official German Charts)[79] 6
Ireland (IRMA)[80] 1
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[81] 1
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[68] 1
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[82] 1
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[83] 4
UK Singles (OCC)[70] 1
US Billboard Hot 100[71] 19
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[84] 1
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