The Righteous Brothers, the iconic duo of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, are synonymous with “blue-eyed soul” and some of the most enduring songs of the 1960s and beyond. Their powerful vocals, combined with Phil Spector’s legendary “Wall of Sound” production, created a string of hits that continue to resonate with audiences today. From the emotional depths of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” to the soaring heights of “Unchained Melody,” Righteous Brothers Songs have soundtracked countless moments of love, loss, and everything in between. This article delves into the history of the Righteous Brothers, exploring their remarkable career and highlighting some of their most essential tracks.
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In the landscape of 1960s music, the Righteous Brothers carved a unique niche. While the British Invasion was dominating the charts and surf rock was cresting the Californian waves, Medley and Hatfield delivered a brand of passionate, soulful music that drew heavily from their R&B influences. Their journey to becoming hitmakers is a fascinating story of talent, timing, and the transformative power of television.
From Orange County to “Shindig!”: Forging the Righteous Brothers Sound
Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield both hailed from Orange County, California, an area that, in the early 1960s, was predominantly white. However, the presence of a nearby Marine base brought a diverse audience seeking the sounds of rhythm and blues. Growing up listening to Black R&B artists on the radio, particularly Hunter Hancock’s influential shows, Medley and Hatfield developed a deep appreciation for the genre.
Medley’s musical journey began with songwriting. He even had a brief encounter with The Diamonds, a white vocal group known for covering Black artists, selling them a couple of his songs. Inspired, he formed a band called The Paramours, which later welcomed Bobby Hatfield as a second vocalist. The two discovered a shared passion for R&B and began performing as a duo, initially covering songs by artists like Don and Dewey.
The Righteous Brothers in white suits, Bill Medley on the left and Bobby Hatfield on the right, posing for a promotional shot.
Don “Sugarcane” Harris and Dewey Terry, the R&B duo known as Don and Dewey, became a significant influence on the Righteous Brothers. Though not commercially successful themselves, Don and Dewey were highly respected among R&B enthusiasts on the West Coast and penned songs that would later become hits for others. Their songs like “Justine” and “Ko Ko Joe” were part of the Righteous Brothers’ early repertoire, showcasing the duo’s commitment to authentic R&B sounds.
The moniker “Righteous Brothers” emerged organically from their performances for predominantly Black Marine audiences. These listeners, appreciating their soulful renditions, began calling them “brothers” and labeling their music “righteous.” The name stuck, perfectly capturing the spirit of their music and their dedication to honoring their R&B inspirations.
Their first single, Medley’s original composition “Little Latin Lupe Lou,” released on a small local label, initially struggled to gain traction. However, a pivotal gig at the Rendezvous Ballroom, a popular surf rock venue, changed their trajectory. The song’s energetic rhythm proved to be ideal for the “Surfer’s Stomp” dance craze, and “Little Latin Lupe Lou” became a local hit, eventually breaking into the national charts and becoming a staple for garage bands.
“Blue-Eyed Soul” and National Recognition
As the Righteous Brothers’ popularity grew, they caught the attention of Georgie Woods, a prominent Black DJ in Philadelphia. Woods, recognizing their genuine soulfulness despite being white, coined the term “blue-eyed soul” to describe their music. This label, while initially intended to contextualize their sound for his Black audience, became widely adopted as a genre descriptor for white artists performing soul and R&B music. The Righteous Brothers themselves embraced the term, even titling their second album Blue-Eyed Soul, although Bill Medley later expressed some reservations about others self-applying the label, feeling it was a designation bestowed upon them by the Black community.
The term “blue-eyed soul” and the Righteous Brothers’ music itself sparked conversations about cultural appropriation, a debate that continues to be relevant in music history. While some questioned the appropriateness of white artists performing music rooted in Black culture, the Righteous Brothers garnered significant support from Black audiences and musicians, adding complexity to the discussion. Their early recordings and performances demonstrated a deep respect for the source material, setting them apart from later interpretations of “blue-eyed soul.”
Despite the regional success of “Little Latin Lupe Lou,” subsequent singles failed to chart, and Bobby Hatfield’s solo single also went unnoticed. However, their reputation as a dynamic live act continued to build, leading to two major breaks: an invitation to appear on the prime-time television show Shindig! and a spot as an opening act on The Beatles’ first US tour.
Shindig!, created by Jack Good, a pioneer of rock and roll television, was a fast-paced, energetic music variety show that became a sensation in the US. The Righteous Brothers became regular fixtures on the show, appearing in nine of the first sixteen episodes. Their dynamic performances, backed by a stellar house band featuring some of Los Angeles’ finest studio musicians, brought them into living rooms across America and significantly expanded their fanbase.
Even The Beatles were fans. George Harrison, in particular, admired their guitarist, Barry Rillera, and sought to learn his techniques. Elvis Presley himself was also reportedly a fan, frequently requesting the Righteous Brothers to perform specific songs on Shindig!, hoping to eventually lure Elvis onto the show (though this never happened). Shindig! provided the platform for the Righteous Brothers to transition from a popular live act to national stars, even before they had a major hit record.
The Spector Sound and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'”
The pivotal moment in the Righteous Brothers’ career arrived when Phil Spector, the legendary producer known for his “Wall of Sound,” leased the last two years of their contract from Moonglow Records. Spector, seeking to adapt to the changing music landscape dominated by British bands, saw potential in the Righteous Brothers. They were white, aligning with the new pop stars, yet possessed a soulful sound that still resonated with Spector’s signature style.
Bill Medley initially harbored reservations about working with Spector, as he saw himself as an R&B singer and not a pop artist. However, Spector’s track record of producing hits was undeniable, and the allure of mainstream success was strong.
For their first Philles Records single, Spector enlisted the songwriting duo of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Inspired by the Four Tops’ recent hit “Baby I Need Your Loving,” Mann and Weil crafted a song with a powerful opening line: “You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips.” Though initially considering the chorus lyrics as placeholders, Spector insisted that “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” was a perfect title and should remain unchanged. Spector then added a dramatic bridge, built around a three-chord riff reminiscent of “La Bamba,” completing the song’s structure.
Spector’s meticulous production process, famously demanding and time-consuming, was in full effect for “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” Legendary drummer Earl Palmer recounted spending two days recording a mere eight-bar section, highlighting Spector’s relentless pursuit of his sonic vision. Despite the challenges, the resulting backing track was a masterpiece of layered instrumentation and dynamic intensity.
When Mann and Spector played the song for the Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley initially felt it sounded more suited for the Everly Brothers. Bobby Hatfield questioned his role in the song, as Medley sang the verses solo. Spector’s now-famous response to Hatfield – “go to the bank!” – underscored his confidence in the song’s hit potential, regardless of conventional duo dynamics.
Released in December 1964, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” became a monumental hit. It topped the pop charts, reached number two on the R&B charts, and became one of the biggest songs of 1965. The song’s impact was so profound that BMI later declared it the most-played song of the 20th century on American radio, a testament to its enduring appeal.
The song’s success extended to the UK, albeit with a twist. Cilla Black, a British singer managed by Brian Epstein, released a cover version that initially charted higher. However, a promotional advertisement in Melody Maker by Andrew Oldham, the Rolling Stones’ manager, passionately championed the Righteous Brothers’ original. Public opinion shifted, and the Righteous Brothers’ version ultimately reached number one in the UK, surpassing Black’s cover. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” became the only single to re-enter the UK top ten twice, further solidifying its timeless status as one of the greatest Righteous Brothers songs.
Post-Spector Success and “Unchained Melody”
Despite the massive success of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” Phil Spector’s relationship with the Righteous Brothers became strained. Spector, accustomed to controlling every aspect of his artists’ careers, resented the duo’s growing recognition and attempted to sow discord between Medley and Hatfield, even suggesting Medley pursue a solo career.
The Righteous Brothers’ subsequent singles with Spector, “Just Once in My Life” and “Hung on You,” were also successful, though not to the same level as their breakthrough hit. However, it was the B-side of “Hung on You” that unexpectedly reignited their chart dominance.
For their first album with Philles, Medley produced Bobby Hatfield’s solo performance of the classic standard “Unchained Melody” as a B-side filler track. Radio DJs, however, gravitated towards the emotional power of “Unchained Melody,” and it quickly eclipsed the A-side in popularity. Spector, initially furious, eventually capitalized on the song’s momentum, re-releasing the single with a production credit for Medley’s work.
“Unchained Melody” became another massive hit for the Righteous Brothers, reaching the top five. Spector continued his attempts to manipulate the duo, suggesting Hatfield record “Ebb Tide” solo, further fueling tensions. This marked the end of their productive but turbulent collaboration with Philles Records.
Moving to Mercury Records, the Righteous Brothers regained creative control, with Medley producing their recordings. Their first Mercury single was “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration,” a song originally intended as a follow-up to “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” by Mann and Weil. “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” became another number one hit, proving the Righteous Brothers could achieve success beyond Spector’s shadow.
Breakup, Reunion, and Enduring Legacy
Despite their continued chart success, the internal dynamics within the Righteous Brothers were fractured. Personal issues and the lingering effects of Spector’s manipulations led to their breakup in 1968. Both Medley and Hatfield pursued solo careers with limited success.
In 1974, the Righteous Brothers reunited and experienced a remarkable comeback with “Rock and Roll Heaven,” a tribute to deceased rock stars that reached number three on the charts. Tragedy struck when Medley’s first wife was murdered, leading to a hiatus from performing. However, they reunited again in the 1980s and continued to perform together.
The 1987 film Dirty Dancing catapulted Bill Medley back to the top of the charts with “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” a duet with Jennifer Warnes. Then, in 1990, the film Ghost revived interest in “Unchained Melody.” The original 1965 recording was re-released and charted again, alongside a newly recorded version by the duo, making chart history.
The Righteous Brothers continued to perform until Bobby Hatfield’s untimely death in 2003. Bill Medley carried on the Righteous Brothers legacy, eventually partnering with Bucky Heard in 2016 to continue performing their timeless songs.
Righteous Brothers songs remain staples of classic rock and oldies radio. Their music, characterized by powerful vocals, emotional depth, and Spector’s iconic production, has left an indelible mark on popular music. From the groundbreaking “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” to the romantic balladry of “Unchained Melody” and the soulful energy of “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration,” the Righteous Brothers’ catalog is a treasure trove of timeless hits that continue to captivate listeners across generations. Explore their discography and rediscover the magic of Righteous Brothers songs today.
