Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody (Reaction with Ali!)

[@SebsDuran]

Sorry y'all for the issues with Ali's mic. We'll get that figured out :)

[@billwieland8497]

Are you, subconsciously or maybe purposely, saying that what she has to say isn't as important!? lolol JUST KIDDING!!

[@stillracer2514]

It's great to see the wife reacting again!

[@kayhodge5951]

blue eyed soul

[@seanscanlon9067]

Is this an er, Duran Duran reaction? 😋

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

An excellent performance by Bobby Hatfield!!! He makes it look so easy! This is better than the studio version! I miss live TV & the performances from artists like Bobby!!!❤❤❤

[@NashvilleKat1]

This song isn’t sappy at all. Sadly, people have become so jaded or hardened that we’re afraid to show that kind of vulnerability. This is a man dropping all of his guards and showing his true feelings and needs to his woman. That’s why this song still resonates 60 years later.

[@rhondadananay2106]

My husband said this song was popular during the Vietnam era. After he left Vietnam,he said you could go in nightclubs and watch their performance over and over as long as you had a drink in front of you!

[@spacefanatic]

Apparently he had a cold at the time, his mother was in the audience and was seeing him perform professionally for the first time and he suffered stage fright. No autotune or gimmicks just pure talent. This version is so much better than the studio version which was used in the film 'Ghost'.

[@larryclark4297]

So true

[@Joseph-fw6xx]

Amazing

[@mrtibbz10]

Crazy if he actually had a cold as its one of the best live performances of all time imo.

[@fernandopessoa7077]

As if he had a cold, who started that horseshit..

[@Aurora-tp3dy]

​@@fernandopessoa7077 Bill Medley, the other Righteous Brother, has said Bobby had a cold then. If you watch other videos with the interview prior to this performance, you can hear it. He even coughs.

[@geraldjensen6831]

Twenty years in his grave and Bobby Hatfield is STILL making women's hearts flutter...

[@finnmcool2]

I love it when someone comments on how good he is at the beginning of this performance. They have no idea what miracles are coming up.

[@joydawnreed1507]

EXACTLY.......Wonderfully Stated!.. Yes,.... The Magical Vocal Notes to Come Are..... Out of this Stratosphere, Beautiful! God Given,.... Exceptional, Talent!❣️

[@mindyhorton4288]

You are exactly right. Hatfield is unmatched in his talent still. Pure magic!

[@DQ_Mine]

I've always loved this beautiful song.

[@dianaprobst3157]

Not that they noticed since they talked all through the performance.

[@francesbass1322]

Right!!!

[@janetgallo5720]

Bobby Hatfield had a counter, tenor voice, and the range, and Breathing control that turn this performance into a magnificent performance. He was totally relaxed. He just opened his mouth and all this Beauty just poured out. Best live performance from the best musician ever.

[@steviesvideos319]

Agree 100%

[@sandralorenz1796]

This is Bobby Hatfield's song....forever. NOBODY can sing this like Bobby. This was an era where entertainers dressed for the occasion and so did the audience. No torn jeans, no clothes that looked like they had just finished painting a fence. Class. No stress in his features. Just opens his mouth and ti flows out. No auto tunes. Live....one chance to get it right and Bobby nails it. There are singers better than Elvis...Bobby is one of them.

[@bbwng54]

This is one of the iconic performances in music history

[@leewhite6425]

You are 100% correct.

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

💯

[@gailbennett7105]

100% Agree

[@lordmelvin9310]

Extreme boomer energy, holy shit

[@2Cambourne]

This is most likely the greatest (live) television performance in recorded history. The music arrangement by the NBC Studio Orchestra of the "Andy Williams Show" (1965). Is the best musical arrangement of this great classic ever! The Strings and Horns sections made this version off the charts beautiful. It helped to create an even bigger and better sound. Unchained Melody was written as the musical score for the (1955) Prison Movie "Unchained." It was composed by multi-Award-winning Composer Alex North with Lyrics by Hy Zaret. Together they created one of the greatest and most loved ballads in music history. The late great "Bobby Hatfield" a Counter Tenor of the "Righteous Brothers" gave a performance that was one for the ages. May he rest in peace.

[@chuckcarles8288]

I am 81 and have heard several artist before Bobby’s version and several after. No one comes close to this, Bobby owns it. This version came out as I was headed for Viet Nam. You can feel the loneliness in the words and the way we felt as we were away from our families for one long year. Bill and Bobby always did one solo on each of there albums and while on tour. They both wanted to do “Unchained”, so they flipped a coin. The music was written as the 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. The movie “Unchained” is about a man in prison and longing for his wife and children. Hoping his wife will still be there when he gets out. So you can now understand the meaning of the song. The movie was not very good, or so my friends told me. But we were all teenagers so what did we now. Several artists sang it and it made the billboard top 100. But no one can come close to Bobby Hatfield’s version. Bobby’s version hit the top ten chart. And did it again when it was used in the movie “Ghost” It has since become a standard and one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, most notably by Bobby. 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. If you want to hear another song like this, it is LADY by Kenny Rogers. It was written by Lionel Richie for Kenny. If you react to it you needed to have your wife with you.

[@dwood21851]

thank you for your service

[@janmazzone2090]

Thank God the coin flipped in Bobby's favor!!!!!

[@bfv8]

I think Elvis sang this song magnificently

[@johnnyzhao7698]

Bobby Hatfield must be one of those good Christian man, those humble and honest people, though some of them are bad, evil cunning and wicked lol

[@awy1977]

Thank you for your service, Chuck, and welcome home. I love how a song can transport us back to another time, a lifetime away.

[@garyhorton9827]

No falsetto, just a magnificent counter-tenor ! No auto-tune, that would be invented decades later, just great talent. No digital-tune either for the same reason. Bobby OWNS this song!! Without a doubt the greatest live performance in my 72 years. I was a teenager at the time and you heard this song EVERYWHERE !!!!

[@ripmod1]

1965, Bobby was 25 years old at the time. He is in the rock and roll hall of fame.

[@becksullivan4796]

This man was a remarkable singer. That can’t be overstated. What a gift that it can be shared with people today, do many years after it was on tv and so long after he passed away. So cool.

[@jasongilbert2379]

This song will live on for another 100 years!!!

[@sauileogepouli3962]

More than that..million years

[@timradde4328]

This song will live for as long as humans live. It's the best especially no auto-tune and live. So one shot to get it right. And he got it right. This will always be Bobby's song.

[@janetpoludniak1938]

Righteous Brothers were very popular, and that was a TOP song. A lot of artists covered it. My brother was drafted to Nam, Air force, in 1964. That war was a political ploy and a disaster for America. Many young men fled to Canada to avoid the draft. Vets returning home, after risking their lives, were insulted, treated horribly, spat at, and abused when the came back. They went because they had to, not because they wanted to. It was horrific. My brother was never the same.

[@richardgleason5953]

This is the gold standard. RIP Bobby.

[@larryclark4297]

​@Vivian Allen I second that extremely great music we got to listen to

[@florencegrant-mc7bb]

You nailed it!

[@danacasey8543]

This was my parents' song. My dad was a career Navy fighter pilot. In his 27 years of service, they spent half their time apart since he was on 9 month cruises every other year or so. 3 times to Vietnam, losing friends being shot down, POWS, etc. Many holidays without him. They were married 55 years. Mom and dad are slow dancing to this in heaven. I am tearing up writing this. My dad was my hero and I miss him every day.

[@atlanticantiquesltd7372]

Thank you for your family’s service.

[@jonathanwelchbmnc7615]

🫡🙏

[@DiamondLil]

Thank you for the beautiful image of your parents dancing in heaven. So evocative.

[@reborndaughter445]

The original blue-eyed soul singer. We love you, Bobby.

[@georgesheffield1580]

About to get blown away ,both of you . This is real ,very real music

[@dirtcop11]

The song was written for a "prison movie". The guy was hoping his wife still loved him and wanted him back when he got out of prison. He needed his wife's love to give his life meaning. Bobby nailed this song by the emotion he put into it, and his talent as a vocalist. This was a live recording and was made with pure talent, no recording gimmicks.

[@paulbattson834]

The movie was called "unchained" from 1955.

[@wdking8833]

Bobby was one of those rare male singers who could hit a perfect high C note. The other "brother" had a very low gravely voice. Astounding together as when they sang "You've Lost That Loving Feeling".

[@kay9549]

Actually the last note was a g5. I'm going with the wings of Pegasus that broke this song in octave range.

[@timclaus8313]

Bobby was a contretenor, the rarest voice of the rare, able to hit notes very few men can hit, even with a falsetto. Well up into the soprano range. And all that with masterful vocal control. Matched with Bill Medley, what a pair. You Lost That Loving Feeling is also a great song. Bill Medley's version of Georgia on My mind is also great.

[@kay9549]

Absolutely Tim, Bobby's range was soprano in the female range. Bobby was so blessed to be a contratenor, his octave (s), were off the charts. Any song that he sung, he did it so effortlessly. He has such a blessed voice, no artist then or now, could ever reach those octaves (s). He is dearly missed but his music still is here, after all these years.

[@kathleenkarsten5739]

He is dreamy! His voice and this song are perfection. Magnificent! ❤️

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

Unlike the "decorative divas" who over embellish their songs, Bobby Hatfield makes every note count...his note-shaping is pure artistry rather than mere note-shredding.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Well put...

[@danielbenincasa770]

The Righteous Brothers were the original singers. It's been covered over 600 times. This is live version in 1965. No auto-tune or gimmicks. just pure live voice. Awesome !

[@tiacalhoun3841]

Blue eyed soul, The Righteous Brothers were of another world….they were unbelievable and this was live and unedited!! U should definitely react to “You’ve lost that loving feeling” with both members

[@stj971]

Ebb Tide also excellent!

[@ClandOp]

Flawless breath control, seamless transition from chest voice to mixed voice to head voice, perfect pitch. No autotune. 'Nough said.

[@lindacolombo8364]

Thank You For Reacting To This Beautiful Song..Bobby Sang Like Angel...You Really Need To Hear Both Of Them Sing You've Lost That Loving Feeling! There Are So Many More! Blue Eyed Soul..Oh And You Both Are GORGEOUS! So In Love!!! 💙🌻💙

[@tinamarcum6170]

Back in the day when singers were singers. To hear live performances like this is what you knew you were going to get when you went to these performances. Man I miss those days. Thank you for taking me back to simpler times.

[@MaRoach7]

Bobby owns this song. Nobody does it better

[@maryanngarrimone1153]

OMG ....The late Bobby Hatfield! I was 15 yrs old when I watched him sing this beautiful song on the Andy Williams show in 1965. No one has ever sang this song like he did. No auto tune, just pure raw talent! The Righteous Brothers had so many hits in the 60's and the 70's. RIP Bobby! We miss hearing your beautiful voice! ❤️ ❤️ ♥️ ♥️

[@beegee1960]

Didn’t you meam 25, not 15.

[@kcook8023]

So jealous!!

[@Aurora-tp3dy]

​@@beegee1960 She said she was 15. Yes, he was 25.

[@user-ge8wc5ci6f]

She said she was 15 not Bobby!

[@duckducknight]

I was 15 also when he did this song. I was at the show to see the Osmonds who was often on Andy's show, because I thought they were so hot. Because of this song I fell for Bobby.

[@sherigrow6480]

America was publicly, actively fighting in Vietnam from about 64 to 74, with young men being drafted for the war through that time. Initially it was the French in the war in the 50s, and there are still many French influences in that region. Bobby Hatfield could sing anything. Beautiful counter tenor range. The Righteous Brothers were the best. I still play their music.

[@edprzydatek8398]

Yes, that's a better time-line for the years we were.involved in Vietnam.

[@bighands69]

It was a civil war with communist forces being supported from China and then Russia. The US only got involved as an operation and not an act of war and did that due communists trying to take over the world.

[@Aurora-tp3dy]

It's true that '64 to '74 were the most intense year, but the US was involved from 1954 (the first American to die there was either in '54 or '55; however, the first combat deaths were in '59) when the French dumped it on us.

[@libertybell8852]

My dad was there. Beginning in 1969.

[@ScaryPoppins]

I can watch this performance over and over and I do. I think I've seen every reaction video out there because I love watching people's facial reactions to this specific performance. It's magical.

[@drittenberry1]

This is grandma from Texas. I watched this performance when it aired on TV the first time. It’s funny we took some of the talent in our era for granted. We were just used to it. Also, there was a standard on television programs that was very strict as far as dress and suggestive movements of the body. You can see these gradually become less and less restrictive through the years. Y’all kids doing reactions to these old songs give me a brand new appreciation for them. Thank you

[@GinMae]

Thanks, Kids - Bobby was amazing... no screaming, straining, etc. Just pure talent.. and perfect breath control... plus, I heard he was nervous about this live performance b/c his MOM was in the audience.. I'm sure she was proud! lol

[@mzaree3821]

This song was originally sung by Todd Duncan for a movie called "Unchained" about a man in prison singing to his love to wait for him. First sung in 55' and was a nominated song for the Academy Awards but did not win. But did make #1 on the Billboard Charts. Then in 65' Bobby Hatfield recorded his version of "Unchained Melody" and that topped the Billboard Charts at #4. Throughout the years there have been many who have performed this song but none could beat this version of Bobby's. He was only 25 at the time he sang this live version on the Andy Williams Variety Show on TV. His mother was sitting behind him in the blue dress. I was 15 and watched this episode on TV. All us girls were crazy over the Righteous Brothers then. Bobby Hatfield is one half of the Righteous Brothers. Bill Medley was the other half though they were not brothers. These boys had so much soul and passion in what they bring to their music. This song was on the flip side of a record and was not supposed to be the hit. "Hung on You," on side A was the song intended to be the hit and "Unchained Melody" was on the B side. The DJ's were more interested in playing the B side. Then in 90,' "Unchained Melody" was re released for the movie "Ghost" and it topped the Billboard Charts, this time at #1. Sadly, we lost Bobby in 2003. R.I.P.

[@marymichael1211]

Good summary.

[@lauriebowman6979]

Back in the days when you actually had talent. Singers knew how to sing...no autotune. Just pure talent.

[@allenpierce4575]

bobby hatfield is a counter tenor, his high voice domes out naturally, a falsetto is being forced out. wheh bobby is singing high notes he is doing it naturally

[@geebrewer8186]

It is the most perfect song ever sung. He looked perfect, he sang perfect. No one can or ever will sing that song like this performance. You are right, no where in the song do you see him straining to hit any of the notes. You Tuber Wings of Pegasus listens to this song and takes the music out of it, and it is really odd at first, but just shows the perfection of his voice. And I LOVE his little lip bite at the end of the song. You still got to listen to his live version of Summertime, amazingly different.

[@maryohara6192]

I am 39 and I first heard this when I was 17 listening to the Golden Oldies with my dad, I froze and could not believe what I was listening too, and the studio cut wasn't as good as this, Bobby while rehearsing put that ending with the high notes in for this live performance and he has that wonderful orchestra behind him. To me the best love song and best performance of this song ever. 1965, did you notice that small microphone he had? I loved the reaction of you two and its plain to see how in love you two are. :)

[@maryohara6192]

As a side note they used Bobby's studio version the single in the movie 'Ghost'.

[@teresadavilasoares6136]

Bobby sang this song again for Ghost. He rerecorded because his voice was fit as allways

[@LoisChisholm]

I was a young girl when this song was released by The Righteous Brothers. I was so happy to see it get another life in the movie "Ghost." I'm sure it's been used other places, too, but "Ghost" is the most memorable use in a movie that I can name.

[@tinasmallwood9546]

I love how back in the day you knew exactly who an artist was. Not hearing them on the radio and then getting someone completely different in concert. As spacefanatic said ... pure talent.

[@sandyleewhite]

I really miss the days, when men sang songs like this, to the women they loved 💖💖💖

[@sugoruyo]

I'm sorry to say, most of us don't sound anywhere near that good and couldn't possibly do a Righteous Brothers song the justice it deserves... I do not even think the attempt would be duly appreciated, frankly.

[@marvinboswell6889]

This done live in a TV show ,remember this in the early and mid 1960's if you didn't have great talent you didn't make it , Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley ( the righteous brothers ) had the talent and there music is still great today .thanks for your reaction, thumbs up 👍

[@PaulineMcDonald-su2ms]

The lyrics mean so much more when you realize this was 1965 and the Vietnam War was in full swing. When he sings "Time goes by so slowly and time can do so much." - you can picture him in a fox hole terrified he won't make it home. When he sings "Are you still mine?" and "I'll be coming home, wait for me." it is heart wrenching because you know in the midst of the horror, all he wants to know is that she still loves him.

[@kenteague4802]

This is when singers had to perform live , no gimmicks😂😂😂

[@jeffautry111]

I really enjoyed this reaction. You were very complimentary as well as the look on your face at times mirrored my feelings. Beautiful voice and beautiful song. You did it justice. Stay classy!!! Thanks you!

[@pamelaesparza1586]

My dad was in the army from 1954 to1956 and this was his and my mom's song when he was stationed in Panama ❤️

[@thomasstone6200]

Sorry to say this but the song wasn't released until 1965

[@user-yy9bc7sn5v]

The original song was written in 1955 actually

[@j20tower]

This is the gold standard. More than 670 artist have covered this but no one does it better than the late great Bobby Hatfield. A masterpiece.

[@susanboyd245]

Amazing song, still gives me goosebumps after all these years 💕

[@quantumlove-m7t]

I have goose bumps as he is singing. Thank you dear people.

[@dagmar.6954]

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 also did a very beautiful tribute of this song about a year ago. You may want to check them out.

[@GilgaladvonVerge]

Thanks for your reaction, I made it an addiction to watch the reactions to this song. I think this recording is one of the top ten male non-opera live performances of the 20th century, and I am happy to live in a time with modern media availability to have dug up this jewel!

[@tammydodge388]

You should listen to him sing "Summer Time" from Porgy and Bess. It is incredible! Plus hearing the guys together in "You've Lost That Lovin Feeling" and "Soul and Inspiration"

[@philipconnolly2494]

I watched that live on the Andy Williams Christmas show..i am 81 years old and have never forgotten Bobby singing that song 😢 Makes me cry.❤

[@charlesmarkley220]

Agree, certainly one of the greatest vocal performances ever.

[@yolanda-fn3cm]

Talento puro, maravillosa voz, Bobby cantaba con el alma,con el corazón!!!!!!

[@js3599]

Elvis was one of of over 1500 covers of this song... Even this, Righteous Brothers version, is a cover! The original version was from the 1955 movie, "Unchained" 10 years before the Righteous Brothers did it... Their version, however, is considered by many to be the penultimate version of them all, which is saying a lot, because there are so many mind blowing versions out there. There should have been an interview in the beginning of this video, which many reviewers often cut out because they are there for the song, but then the all seem to ask the same questions about them, and this song... Such as "Why is there only one brother?" or "Why did Bill Medley, the other brother, choose not to participate in this song?" or "How did they get their name?"... All were answered in that short interview. This song was one of the most played on the radio in the 20th century... but the song that takes top honors, number 1 in that category is also a Righteous Brothers song, and features BOTH brothers (They are NOT actually related) was "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" Check that song out and be prepared to be wowed by Bill's deep, baritone voice, accompanied by Bobby's Tenor prowess... Good luck finding better harmonies too, especially with two voices that compliment each other as perfectly as theirs do. "Blue Eyed Soul" at its best.

[@marymichael1211]

Good points, especially about the importance of the introduction.

[@dianehall4959]

So many weddings I went to used this song as the first dance for the newly married couple.

[@pamelapasechnick6899]

Great Reaction for (as you said) probably the BEST live performance of any song, EVER! Yes the Vietnam war had been going on for about 8-9 years BEFORE the U.S. got involved in the early-mid 60's. And, "Unchained Melody" become "THE love song" for SO MANY couples of that generation, THAT had been separated by the war. (which brought along with it, the very harsh reality that there are no guarantees in life, especially during a time of war.) I enjoy watching your reaction videos, both with and without your lovely wife. You both have very thoughtful insights and seem to have a loving relationship. I look forward to seeing more of your reaction videos.

[@Aurora-tp3dy]

A little correction: the USA was involved in Vietnam from 1954.

[@shellygill5029]

Bobby Hatfield had a one in a million voice. He was a counter tenor with a 5 octave range. Pure talent, he could easily hit those high notes, no falsetto. Look at Bobby's face while he hits those notes....his face never contorts to hit those notes. Bobby was 24 here, he had a cold, was very nervous and his mom was in the audience. This performance was in 1965 on the Andy Williams show; a very popular show with an audience of over 1 million viewers each week. If you go to the beginning of this video you will see Bill and Bobby interacting with Andy. The Righteous Bros. split up in the 70's for solo careers but later came back together to tour the country. Bobby passed shortly after they were inducted into the R 'n' R Hall of fame. Some of their best songs are: You've Lost That Lovin Feeling, Soul and Inspiration, You'll Never Walk Alone, Rock and Roll Heaven. Summertime (just Bobby). Bill had a big hit with Jennifer Warnes: The Time of My Life ( from the movie Dirty Dancing) Unchained Melody got a second life in the movie Ghost ( The pottery wheel scene and at the end of the movie). The song has been used in commercials too. It is very popular for weddings. It has been covered over 670 times. There were 3 recordings of it before Bobby took it to a whole different level, and his version is the one most people try to emulate. Elvis recorded it on his last album and sang it during his last concert. Elvis did it his way and it's very good, however Bobby's version is the good standard.

[@marymichael1211]

Good summary.

[@rcinsley]

This song was written for the 1955 movie "Unchained." It expressed the sorrow and longing of a convict serving time in prison. The movie was a flop, but this song is one of the best love songs of all time. MANY great artists have covered "Unchained Melody", but this live performance by Bobby Hatfield (one half of The Righteous Brothers) is the definitive version.

[@kathleenmenker3853]

This song will always be my all-time favorite. I considered it “Our Song” after my husband and I got married. He wasn’t big on dancing, but he would always dance with me to this song because he knew how much I loved it. He passed away in August of 2008. We had been married almost 42 years. When the video of this song popped up on my phone 3 years ago, I was blown away by it. I had always loved the studio version, as heard in the movie, Ghost. But the dramatic ending of this live version almost did me in! Then music reaction videos started popping up and I got hooked on them. I love seeing young people freaking out about how wonderful our music was back in the 50s and 60s. I had to Google the term, Auto-tune, because I’d never heard of it before. Now my question is, if you have to use an electronic gadget to keep you on key, why bother? Singers in the “old days” had talent! No help needed!

[@jwmson7791]

Pure blue eyed soul! 😌

[@karenlobosco9646]

This has always sounded like a letter home from the wars. It could really be any war when a soldier writes home to his wife or girlfriend. Touching.

[@Shasha-yg1mm]

It was actually first sung in a movie (Unchained) about a man in prison. He's hoping that his love will still be there for him after his release.

[@coletteservice5586]

Ebb Tide is another Bobby solo which is beautiful and to really hear the Righteous Brothers different voices, You'll Never Walk Alone from the Ed Sullivan really showcases their voices

[@kay9549]

Yes Colette they need to tune into ebb tide, or his version of the classic summertime; he does put his own spin on that song, it does show his range of octave (s). Bobby does own this song, and always will. Bobby could reach those notes, no other artist could ever compare with his range w/o using autotune that came out in the 90' s. Bobby was such a blessed individual, with such a god given voice. Perhaps this young individuals, should take a look see into the classic 🎶 that was done in the early 60' s perhaps even earlier. No autotune, just natural voice. No one in that era or even now could ever do this song the way Bobby sung it. Ray Hamilton, even though being a baritone, did have a similar range as Bobby. Ray did this version in 1950. Bobby had a god given voice, we have been blessed that we are still able to such a beautiful voice. After all these years he is dearly missed.

[@mcshawn56]

There was no auto tune back in the day! Just beautiful and natural voices!

[@billysmith8784]

This is the best live vocal performance in all of rock and roll so far as I have heard and I have heard a plenty for 70 years!!!

[@crmlcd]

Back in the day not only were the clothes “ buttoned up” so was the singing. You can understand every word. The enunciation is immaculate!

[@kimking6036]

It's a very hard song for me. My cousin married my friend. This was their song. They went out on their boat and never came home. We found them after they passed. I'm grateful for that. We played it one last time when we said goodbye. I had chills listening to the references to water.

[@LindaLandry79]

Bill and Bobby were guests on the Andy Williams show when this was recorded. This live version is even better than the studio recording which charted twice. As a duo they were dubbed 'blue eye soul' and many of their tracks, even as solo's, depict their soulful side. You can hear it in this performance when he rolls his vowels etc. A fantastic once in a life time performance performed at the age of 25. RIP Bobby Hatfield you are missed. PS: check out Bobby's solos like My Prayer and Summertime.

[@cathybrookeburt2616]

Since he sang this one basically by himself, you need to hear both brothers. Check out 'You've lost that lovin' feeling'. Yes Vietnam was 20 years long. My brother served & this song was very popular for veterans & their families. ~ Off subject, in your up-voting link, people suggest something that was already listed, so the totals are 5 here, 3 there, 4 there & they are for the same song. People are goofy. LOL They suggest something before looking to see if it is already on your list, dang it. The numbers are low when not combines as they should be. People are messing up your system. LOL Love you two & your thoughtful reactions.

[@edprzydatek8398]

I'm a Vietnam veteran and that war was from about '64 to '73 or so. In fact, when we first started sending troops over there it was called a "police action".

[@bighands69]

It was a civil war for the majority of that period with communist forces from China backing the Vietcong. The US only got involved in 1965 when it was clear that communist's intended to try and conquer all of Asia.

[@cathybrookeburt2616]

@@edprzydatek8398 you are correct about when we actually took military action, but the war technically began in 1954, although most articles say 11/1955. We had advisors throughout the 50's & stepped that up in larger numbers in1961 & then brought in active troops in 1965. The North Vietnamese called it the American war, because we were the largest allies to South Vietnam, so we became their enemy. My brother served 3 tours there as well. Came home with some weird disease that manifested on his plane ride home. He had huge lumps on his face & no Drs. knew what it was or what to do at the hospital here in Michigan. Thankfully they found a Dr. who had served in Vietnam & he recognized it as something caused by Agent Orange. They were like giant cysts that had long roots. They looked like carrots being pulled from his face. Freakiest thing ever. He was never the same & died at 60. Thank you very much for your service.

[@edprzydatek8398]

@Cathy Brookeburt Between agent orange, napalm and PTSD that war did a lot of damage, even if you made it home. Sorry for your brother. May he rest in peace. God bless.

[@cathybrookeburt2616]

@@edprzydatek8398 Thank you

[@donrudd1358]

Perhaps the greatest live recording of all time. That brother could flat ass sing. Saw the brothers live in Reno , he did not need no auto tune just God given talent.

[@browniewin4121]

I'm of the vintage to have seen these guys perform live, such a treat, they were great and so popular. This is known as Blue Eyed Soul, but was also referred to as 'panty dropping' music, I think the reason for that is obvious.

[@waynegood9233]

I graduated from high school in 1965 and this duo was my best friend's music group and as he has passed I think of him when I hear this song I was in the Navy from 1967-1971

[@Drummer2585]

yeah bro Righteous Brother are 1 of the greatest duo's ever they're harmonies are outstanding 😎👍

[@therockbiter8140]

This was from a live TV recording, no studio, no mixers or anything. Just raw ass talent and skill. Who can do anything like this today?

[@waltshields5483]

This song had a special meaning to us who were going to Vietnam.

[@rhondadananay2106]

At the end of the song,he bit his lip and smiled. He knew he had nailed it!

[@757optim]

The song was written and recorded for the 1955 movie, "Unchained". Although, "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"(Wikipedia), Bobby's rendition in 1965 became the standard. This recording from The Andy Williams Show is a treasure. There is a longer version that begins with Andy talking to The Righteous Brothers (Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield) by way of introduction that explains why Bobby is singing solo. Music gold.

[@twentyfiveyears5010]

There are some songs whose definitive versions were not by the original artist. Johnny Cash's "Hurt," and Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2U." And this one, for sure.

[@54nomore]

Written for the (1955) prison movie titled "Unchained" hence the title of the song. By multi-Academy Award winning composer Alex North with lyrics by Hy Zaret. It was first sung in the movie by Todd Duncan. Ten years later in (1965) on the 'Andy Williams Show' 'Bobby Hatfield' of the Righteous Brothers gave a performance that was one for the ages. His performance along with the orchestra is considered one of the greatest live performances in television history. The rest as they say is history.

[@chuckmorrison7085]

So glad so enjoyed this timeless song and masterful performance.

[@garyjohnson7133]

I was 15 years old watching him perform this on the Andy Williams show. Unbelievable talent !

[@johnnyshell2839]

You can't listen to Bobby Hatfield singing this and not get sappy. So raw and pure. Truly magnificent

[@hollypinkley]

My fav live song - I remember watching this on the Andy Williams Show the night he did this. My career Army dad was in Vietnam & my husband also did 3 tours of Vietnam - This was a favorite song for a long time as it is still loved to this day!!!

[@serafyo]

His voice came straight out of Heaven

[@cmale3702]

I was happy to hear you say that it's the most perfect vocal performance you have seen someone perform live. I've felt the same way for a long time. You get a new subscriber for that one. :)

[@chevy266nova]

You can feel his voice in your soul.

[@jodydarby]

His control from head to chest voice is amazing along with most amazing breath support.

[@nanook8721]

As you mentioned, this was a live performance on I believe the Andy Williams show around 1965. As I always mention, no autotune, just Bobby’s voice and that’s all you need. I don’t care who records it, it belongs to Bobby. RIP

[@lindaartz3297]

We weren’t in the war that long. That was my generation and we had great love songs. He lived two houses from my mom and my daughter and his son played together at the beach. My husband and I met the day after he got home from the army. Married in six months. He went to college after and got two degrees. We did it together and had a strong marriage because we were a team. Two great kids in their 50’s now and two very fine grand kids in high school. Romance in our music. The guys were all drafted for Vietnam. This takes me back and I reminisce. My husband passed a little before our 50th.

[@PaintingandExercise]

This song is about a man writing to his loved one while he is in prison hoping that she will be there when he gets out. A recent version was done by the group "Home Free" in which they pay homage to the origins of this song.

[@delbertreno8089]

Live TV, 1 Take, With his Mama in the audience!!!! He was so nervous he could not eat before he performed!!! Nailed it Absolutely Nailed it!

[@knockoutking3764]

No autotune, pure talent! 🔥

[@susie2366]

I'm 70 years old and this was my best friend's parents' song for each other after her father suffered a debilitating stroke in the early 1960's when there was no real medical intervention available, so he became disabled for life, but he did survive. That song was around a long time before the Righteous Brothers made it a massive hit. I'm guessing that it was resonating with the couples separated by the Korean War.

[@rond4690]

The U.S was heavily involved in the Vietnam War from right around when this song came out in 1964 to 65 to the early 70s. I was in the Army in 1969 to 71 and this song was HUGE with our Servicemen. This might have been the most perfect live performance ever. Bobby never missed a note.

[@maureenlacore2461]

I've just discovered this guy. It is always amazing to watch people recognizing how incredibly talented these artists from the pasts were. He stops the video in wonder at this voice, while I am saying "just wait" because I know the best is yet to come!!! The Righteous Brothers, Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline are, imo, we some of the greatest examples of this phenomenal gift. we rarely here this kind of talent these days!

[@JessMoonen]

Check the history of the song. It was written for the movie "Unchained". It was a prisoner pining for his love, but not knowing if she would be there when he got out.

[@maxhess3151]

Since you mention it: The Vietnam war lasted 20 years for the United States. That seems crazy on its own, but the Vietnamese themselves suffered an almost nonstop state of conflict from at least 1940 (the Japanese invasion) until 1978 (the Chinese invasion), plus another decade of conflict with Cambodia.

[@RonniePeterson]

Very few singers get a mention in the same breath as Bobby Hatfield.