The Vocal Genius of 'Unchained Melody The Righteous Brothers Vocal Coach Reaction & Analysis

[@BethRoars]

📖 Get your signed copy of my album Fable here: www.bethroars.com/shop ☀ Find me on Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1W0He1MTuQoG0Yt2ccmhyL?si=b5qm82DmSRip8L4abe2-nw 🥁 Become a Patreon Supporter: www.patreon.com/bethroars

[@sketchtherapy1218]

Whatever that fight was about... bro don't wanna break up I mean he went all out-all out, he really wanna get her back.

[@Milo-ho8ci]

Please react to ALL BY MYSELF BY STELL AND DAVID Foster

[@Elsa-f3l]

Try to react to STELL ALL BY MYSELF IN DAVID FOSTER CONCERT iN MANILA

[@Zoe-du5dy]

Please react to STELL OF SB19 ALL BY MY SELF IN david Foster concert

[@Six-ks3tx]

I recommend to watch ALL BY MY SELF BY STELL AJERO IN DAVID FOSTER SHOW IN MANILA

[@Fernando-dt8je]

I remember my vocal coach once said: "anyone can learn the technique. But only the talented are able to touch someone else's skin with their voice. Those are the real singers." These brothers certainly belong to that category. :-)

[@jessieball6195]

Not real brothers, though. Not even related. Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield took their group name from one of their club gigs when someone in the audience yelled out "These brothers are righteous!"- The rest is history.

[@garymills6806]

Best description of this song I have ever heard. This girl can talk.

[@doloreskrisky1670]

This performance is not a "third take". It was a live performance on a weekly tv show. The Andy Williams Show. When Bobby heard the acoustics in the hall during rehearsal, he decided to make some changes as to how he would sing the song. Perfect performance by a master performer!!❤

[@bluehorseshoe8460]

He makes it look effortless while giving me chills up my spine at the end. Thank you for your voice coach analysis.

[@BethRoars]

My pleasure!

[@jrdlabs]

Beth, again, I must tell you how much I appreciate the effort and research you put into these reactions. It's why I subscribe. OK. This is a great quality video considering the year and it's as live as it can be. The story I heard is that Bobby Hatfield was nervous during this performance because his mother was in the audience. In 2002, while I was working at a 'Classic Hits' radio station in a very large market here in the U.S., I was tapped to emcee a Righteous Brothers concert. Before the show, I was able to hang out with the guys in the dressing room. While they were getting ready for the show, they acted like two brothers, they chided each other (hurry up, Bill, you're gonna make us late), swore at each other, not in a mean spirited way, but in a way that demonstrated how long they had been together. Didn't matter that I, a complete stranger, was in the room. I really cherish that memory, especially since, the very next year, Bobby Hatfield was gone.

[@marymichael1211]

They had a 41 year career. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 and Bobby Hatfield left his life later that year at 63. 🎶✨

[@mariorojas8424-r8v]

Beautiful classic song, you analys so well, i love watching you do your thing, you're the best.

[@BethRoars]

Thank you Mario!

[@alanFconrad]

nobody could sing this better.....its astonishing......just wow

[@trentk268]

When my daughter first heard the Righteous Brothers, she asked, "Daddy, where did these guys learn to sing like that?" I replied, "same place you did."

[@trollsmyth]

I will never get tired of hearing this song.

[@benballesteros6346]

This is the best review of a song. Beth you are amazing

[@wildmanmountainjack3725]

I cannot hear this song without tears. A perfect expression of the way the heart sometimes feels.

[@lifelover515]

Thanks Beth, you're a treasure. One would think there's not much more about this gem that hasn't already been said, but you managed it. It's a pity this outstanding pop tenor didn't score more big hits, but such is pop. RIP Bobby.

[@marymichael1211]

Bobby Hatfield sang tenor and countertenor. He sang doo-wop, blues, rhythm 'n' blues, rock 'n' roll, "blue-eyed soul" -- the term named for The Righteous Brothers, unusual ballads, popular songs, the Spector ballad hits, and more. My favorite music is The Moonglow Years and my favorite song is "For Your Love". Yes, Robert Lee Hatfield was an underrated wonderful singer. 🎶✨

[@alrightbal9190]

@@marymichael1211 I loved him singing, Somewhere. But all his ballads were stunning. Bobby's singing made you feel warm and loved and special! But, he could also tear it up on some of his more rockin songs. So versatile, and talented and humorous. He is "The It Factor".

[@ValGul]

You are the best vocal couch on youtube! your details on the reactions... just let us know how good you are. nobody else knows or detects all those details, and explain them so well as you do. I'm glad I found you.

[@uliwehner]

that typo made me laugh out loud! thank you for that.

[@williamsroberte4213]

I remember this being done by Al Hibbler in 1955 and it got a lot of plays. The Righteous Brothers did it about 1965 and theirs is an all time classic. On a technical note, he held the mike so his mouth could be seen which helps make the words more clear to the listener. So many cover their mouths with the mike which makes the words less clear and might even distort the sound. Bobby Hatfield also had incredible breath control and creative runs and riffs which made it so easy on the ear.

[@carolmartin4413]

One of the most beautiful love songs ever written...sung by one of the most beautiful voices that ever existed. I first heard this song on an album by John Gary...a phenomenal irish/American tenor from the 60's-70's...another beautiful version. BTW..John also sang 'Softly as I leave you' in 1968 or so....now there's another absolutely beautiful song (made famous by Frank Sinatra). BTW2...Bill Medley sings Unchained Melody in his Vegas show...saw it...for a bass/baritone, he did a pretty good job. Thanks for the redo, Beth 👍❤

[@allenfutrelle9090]

I will always remember your beauty, and Bobby's oustanding abilities to deliver a live performance.

[@matthewgoodA1206]

This seems very likely to be the most classic love song of all time. Devoted, emotional and impassioned. It’s been capturing hearts for decades and always will.

[@brianboye8025]

Fluid and flowing is such a perfect description of this song.

[@jornspirit]

so beautiful described and explained, Beth, and at the same time you're in the joy and in the magic of it... which makes it such an upbeat adventure to watch you reacting!! 🥰 PS. I once heard someone commenting on it, that the title makes really sense, because Bobby weaves the song so much together, through literally 'un-chaining the melody'... it breaks free through his singing - love that! 💖

[@joeguerra8435]

One of the greatest songs ever sung. Only Bobby Hatfield could hit this song out of the ballpark and give the world the memories and happiness we know from Unchained Melody. Being sung on the movie “Ghosts” gave Unchained Melody full permanency.

[@marktallentire3464]

I love the name “unchained melody” because it literally is unchained, the melody goes everywhere

[@LadyGnomeofthewoods]

This song never gets old!

[@brianboye8025]

I love your inclusion of text explanations of technical terms and concepts. They are very helpful.

[@M68BI]

Great analysis, presentation Beth. Bobby was one of the greatest singers ever. He and Bill Medley were inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and surely deserved it

[@thomaspittock4018]

I listen to a lot of musical reaction videos and the top two I have the utmost respect for, see and feel the education, experience and training in music are you and Nina Scofield. THank you

[@nicholashylton6857]

I still cannot believe this was a live performance. *Olympics level* vocal gymnastics done on the spot. Perfection!!

[@mattp422]

Beth, what a terrific video. The research you cite about what I would have thought to be an arcane topic: emotion-related head movements, fascinating. The animation of the rib cage and muscles of respiration, brilliant . The text that appears periodically to define terms, such helpful visual aids. The explanation of breathing techniques, wonderful. Who’d’ve thought? My day job is as remote from singing as possible. But I am an educator, teaching and lecturing for close to 40 years. And I’m jealous of your teaching skills! You make learning about the science, emotion, and techniques of singing utterly captivating, fascinating and fun! And this episode may be the best you’ve released to date. Thanks.

[@BethRoars]

Thanks so much!!

[@danieldickson8591]

Many fine artists have covered this song, but it will always be Bobby Hatfield's. This is one of the greatest live performances ever recorded. BTW when he sang this on the Andy Williams Show he was only 25.

[@kajlennartsson4234]

Thank you Beth. This song is amazing. 🙏🥰

[@BethRoars]

Thank you!

[@debrawucik826]

Bobby Hatfield just had it, a counter tenor, control, range, emotion…..a wonderful singer.

[@b1blancer1]

Bobby Hatfield - Making women swoon since 1962.

[@Shifo_47]

😂❤

[@S0ldeed]

This might be my favorite reaction yet. I love the idea that solid technique opens the ability for spontenaiety and serindipity to create something special.

[@markzalubas5793]

Textbook example of great singing. Amazing.

[@yesorlando05]

So talented, classy. Very handsome. Love this era.

[@AverageJoeDoh]

I love the explanatory pop-ups you added for this video. Well done!

[@BethRoars]

Glad you like them!

[@zanhar7688]

Actually the coin flip thing was another off the cuff remark. Both 'brothers' sang solos on their albums and Bobby chose this one. Bill produced it and, on the original version he played piano and even sang backup vocal on it ... you have to listen closely for it. For this, of course there is no backup vocal and it's the Andy Williams orchestra playing...

[@DanCanReact]

It really is so fun to watch your deep analysis of this song. Having reacted to this song myself, I was blown away by the sheer control Bobby has over his voice. It's fascinating to hear you sing his praises and explain the intricacies of his vocals. Thanks for the fun watch Beth 😝

[@FuzzyMarineVet]

Oh my God, Beth, when you are into the music your beauty is multiplied fourfold. Your enthusiasm enhances your appeal.

[@danieldickson8591]

Notice that Bobby moves his microphone closer to or farther from his mouth, to change the volume creating elegant fades. He's essentially "tuning" himself as he sings. That's practically a lost art today.

[@silgen]

Beth Hart does it very well. See her live version of "I'd Rather Go Blind" with Joe Bonamassa.

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

lucy Thomas also does that, see her live performances on her concert !!

[@KarmaKahn]

Nah, that is a common technique among professional singers.

[@ptrlxc]

Love your analysis. Love the song. I remember hearing it on the radio as a child.

[@FrankUli]

Bobby had such a ANGELIC voice. He’s now singing in Gods Choir and in the front row

[@Forward.the.blue.brigade]

This is the very top. No other live performance can match this, by anyone, ever.

[@greggcastro237]

One of the few songs and performances that merit a "second look" - and you did a phenomenal job on this 'deeper dive"!

[@RabbiSteve1]

Another deep dive reaction and analysis by Beth, on this outstanding classic performance, of an already great song.

[@Sharkman1963]

He had a cold that night. A COLD, PEOPLE!!!!! And still made one of the most beautiful recordings ever.

[@mikeb7379]

True. But I think I prefer The Platters version?

[@stevenmeyer9674]

What's your point? If he had a cold (I doubt it) it had no effect on the performance. By the way, since this sounded exactly like the record, it is still disputed whether the performance was lip synced.

[@Sharkman1963]

@@stevenmeyer9674 A head cold is difficult to sing around. Also, you're full of shit on the lip-synch allegation. You can hear the head cold in his voice, for fuck's sake. Troll somewhere else.

[@snorelacks7069]

@@stevenmeyer9674 It was considered better than the studio recording which drove the speculation- "Recently, my producer Kyle and I reacted to an old clip of The Righteous Brothers (more precisely, Bobby Hatfield) performing “Unchained Melody” on The Andy Williams Show. While I had already seen the video, this was Kyle’s first viewing. In introducing the clip, I noted that, while there was a possibility that Hatfield was lip syncing, the vocal take was both different and better than the original studio version and was thus worth a listen regardless. As we watched the video, I observed the performance closely, coming to the conclusion that Hatfield was not lip syncing. I announced my conclusions in the commentary, and Kyle agreed."

[@stevenmeyer9674]

​@@snorelacks7069 How do you explain the backing orchestra ? It was exactly the same as the record, and it could only be reproduced in a studio. I remain cynical of this performance being live.

[@johnsimon2988]

Thank you Beth! That was an amazing reaction. And one of the very few that is meaningful. Lots of great info.

[@pauperme8852]

Back then there was no auto tune, great voice

[@mikeb7379]

Just because there was no auto tune back then doesn't necessarily mean that it hasn't been auto tuned, more likely pitch corrected since? Sad but true.

[@redhotchilifan98]

Not every artist uses auto tune such a played out argument.

[@clintlandrum9498]

Thats the standard we're going by, that not every single singer used auto tune? So we don't have any argument or cant have the observation bc, well, not everyone was enhanced by auto tune? Such a silly, played-out argument.

[@hulkkrogan420]

There's no argument. Some use auto tune some dont. That's just a fact. Are these live performances from 50 years ago auto tuned? No. You can hear that they are not.

[@bgs9man]

You are correct! “Originally, Auto-Tune was designed to discreetly correct imprecise intonations to make music more expressive, with the original patent asserting: "When voices or instruments are out of tune, the emotional qualities of the performance are lost." Auto-Tune was launched in September 1997.”

[@gatesurfer]

I think the story behind the recording was that Bobby sang it three times, and after the third he said he could do it better, and Bill said “No you can’t” and that was it. Of course this rendition was in fact better, because of that gorgeous countertenor vocal at the end, but we don’t know whether this was what Bobby had in mind. The head movement thing is interesting. You should do something on Paul McCartney. I think he had a very distinctive head bob that everyone recognizes.

[@mikeconway9849]

Great reaction, Beth! IMO, one of the greatest live performances.

[@harmonys2102]

Thank you! This song touches so many people.

[@pault1964]

His mother was in the audience

[@TheWeaponing]

Thanks for bringing it up ❤

[@LDP-i5n]

Unchained Melody Unchained Melody is a timeless song that has captivated generations of listeners with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics. The song was composed by Alex North, a prolific and versatile composer who created memorable scores for many films, such as A Streetcar Named Desire, Spartacus, and Cleopatra. He wrote the song as the theme for the 1955 film Unchained, which tells the story of a prisoner who longs for his wife and hopes for parole. The song was first performed by Todd Duncan, who played the lead role in the film, and released in 1955 by Al Hibler and Liberace, who popularized it on his television show. The song has been recorded by hundreds of artists in various styles and languages, but perhaps the most famous version is the one by The Righteous Brothers, who released it in 1965 as a single. Their rendition features Bobby Hatfield's soaring vocals and a lush orchestral arrangement that adds drama and intensity to the song. The Righteous Brothers' version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the most successful pop songs of all time. It was also featured in the 1990 film Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, which revived its popularity and introduced it to a new generation of fans. However, not everyone appreciates The Righteous Brothers' version of Unchained Melody. Some critics argue that they changed the original mood and meaning of the song, which was more subtle and restrained. They also point out that there are other versions that are more faithful to the composer's vision and more expressive of the song's emotions. For example, Al Hibler gave a powerful performance that conveyed the pain and longing of the prisoner. Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, and John Gary also recorded beautiful versions that showcased their vocal talents and captured the essence of the song. One of the most recent and remarkable versions of Unchained Melody is by Angelina Jordan, a young and talented singer who has amazed audiences with her unique voice and style from the age of 7 to now 17. She performed the song at her concert in Portsmouth, NH on September 22, 2023, and gave it a fresh and original twist. She rearranged the song to suit her own interpretation and added elements of jazz, soul, and blues to create a stunning rendition that mesmerized the crowd. She sang with passion and grace and delivered every note with precision and emotion. She proved that Unchained Melody is a timeless song that can be reinvented and reimagined by different artists.

[@sharonelliott2366]

Bobby's song forever! Love the moving-your-head thing. Instrumentalists do it, too, even on instruments that you might not think are conducive to it. I play violin (classical) and although somewhat hindered by the chinrest and necessity for fingering (so melody) to occur on the wooden environment of the neck and fingerboard, with the bow making the changes in dynamics, it still happens to express the emotion of the piece, even when you're not the soloist or are confined by reading music. My brother played upright bass. It's a huge instrument. He's a big guy at 6'4" and can move his whole body while playing, and still it is the head movements that are the most important in conveying emotion. Must be a human thing.

[@michaeldorich4485]

I enjoyed your explanation of his techniques. The other stories about this performance, which may or may not be true, was that his mother was in the audience and he had a cold.

[@doloresschultz6804]

Yes, his mom sat right behind him. Not only did he have a cold, but he suffered stage fright to the point of vomiting before he sang. When he tells Andy the source of their name, you can hear his uneven breathing. (never used falsetto; listen to Bee Gees. and you can tell the difference.)

[@ewanhaig4566]

do you even realise what extraordinary pleasure it is to watch your face while you're experiencing this song? perfect manifestation of beautiful music on humans 😇

[@johnhmaloney]

Such an iconic song. I never knew that it was named after a movie. I’ve always thought that the title was a reference to the freeness and fluidity of the melody.

[@joeedley3936]

If you havent seen it yet, you might want to hear Angelina Jordan's version, sung in 2023 at the Nobel peace Prize ceremony when she was 17. A pulled back version, given the special occasion, but EXTRAORDINARY!

[@shirleynoble685]

The song on the charts would have been the studio version not this live one, which some people believe is better. Shout out also to the beautiful orchestral backing.

[@drhester1]

Best reaction yet. Thanks for information

[@dalepettiner5036]

Austin Brown does this as a solo AND Home Free does the song too. BOTH are quite good.

[@costeladejanela]

Saudades de você Beth!❤ Não recebia notificações...

[@scottrbloom]

His pitch control and breath control was unreal. What an incredible voice. And somehow he and the amazing voice of Bill Medley teamed up to create some of the best songs ever.

[@KevinRiggle]

9:00 oh that's a bit of the story i hadn't known before, that's fascinating, I first encountered this song entirely from its piano instrumental in 5th grade jazz band and fell in love, it's cool to know more about where it came from (as my writing instructors put it, style is what you can't help doing)

[@M_ondo]

Actually HUNG ON YOU was the A side of Unchained Melody. Just once in my Life is another great song by them.

[@davidpyorkshire]

You're absolutely right that a lot of people could hit that high note. Full credit to him for hitting it perfectly singing it live. I also noticed the movements of his mouth and jaw to kind of shape the notes and "riffs" that he created. I love this song and performance as much as you do ❤❤

[@chadkutcher8179]

I really do love your detailed knowledge of the human voice. I am a novice singer at best that has never been instructed in any way so its nice to hear why I do certain things. Kinda cool!

[@danieldickson8591]

Don't just consider Bobby's high notes. Also look at the low notes in his chest voice. He had a five-octave range. And no, his high notes were not falsetto. That's why they're so rich and clean, his range went into counter-tenor.

[@uliwehner]

if you did not hear the switch, i don't know about you.

[@toodlescae]

An opera singer confirmed the countertenor as well as every reference to his range anywhere you look.

[@uliwehner]

@toodlescae sure. Part of the range can still be falsetto

[@Aurora-tp3dy]

​@@uliwehner But, it isn't here.😊

[@Aurora-tp3dy]

The countertenor range is G3 to E5. He ends here sharp of G5. His lowest note in this performance is D3. [The totality of Bobby's range on his studio recordings is B2 to Eb6. That's the E above D. What he reached live?? Bill has said they never figured out high he could go. 😲]

[@michaelpond6386]

Remarkable talent, no auto tune. No tricks.

[@mccaine1]

So beautiful! This is my platonic ideal of the love song...

[@danieldurocher9279]

Did you know that was the last song that Elvis sing on stage (June 21 1977) before is death on August 16 1977. You can find this performance on youtube.

[@metaluna1000]

So well presented

[@cspaikido]

Technically, this was a #1 hit for Les Baxter in 1955, but the Righteous Brothers' superior version reached #4 in Billboards Top 100. However, it may have reached #1 on the Adult Contemporary Charts.

[@chipurBillWhite]

I enjoyed watching you get into it.

[@joaobabler1584]

really touching performance

[@ChicagoDB]

This live performance is actually vastly superior to the record/radio version…far more dynamic and it’s one of the finest Live vocal performances in TV history!

[@BrianMorin-t3c]

One of the best songs to dance with your lover with😊😊❤❤

[@franklingonzales9306]

We are so lucky to still be able to see these songs live.

[@oscararzate7956]

Señorita Beth se acaba usted de aventar un 10 una canción de las mas románticas según mi apreciacion solo es comparada del mito de una sirena tan hermosa bien coach 👏👏🍀🍀

[@thomaspittock4018]

Now that is music. That is how u feel music.

[@jorgebenitez6486]

HOLA PASAN LOS AÑOS Y ESTAS MAS HERMOSA QUE NUNCA . OK SI BOBY CANTABA MUY BIEN.. DESDE URUGUAY SALUDOS.

[@MikeCote-cw2cn]

Bobby Hatfield is one of the best, if you enjoyed this you need to listen to him doing "Summertime"

[@SueKay-rq1lr]

Bobby was handsome, and a great singer. He sung this song beautifully. ❤

[@罗一虎]

It's done well, but you're right. I'm an untrained barriton and in a quick experiment I got (without warmup) almost up there (one full tone lower sadly). My neighbors probably just called the police for someone getting hurt. :)

[@lawwdogg1digr]

Bout time, girl. ❤

[@douglasvega8738]

I first heard of "The righteous Brothers" in an episode of "Cheers" where they sang for Rebeca "You've lost that loving feeling" on a side more important note, let me just say that you Beth, really know your stuff!

[@barcellos7815]

i love you🥰, FELICIDADES, PARA VOCÊ AGORA, E SEMPRE.

[@Robert-jh8yo]

Top shelf blue and soul😊

[@rickstevens1479]

This was a Perry Como television show.. his mom was in the audience listening for the first time , he said he felt ,'a little nervous..".

[@harrietthowever3351]

It was the Andy Williams Show

[@fulano2305]

Ghost....❤

[@rimisark]

60 years later people still react to this song...

[@robbflynn4325]

Oh my word, I never knew there was so much technical stuff to singing 😮

[@jackwickwire3389]

Lucy Thomas recently released this song and it’s amazing.

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

YES!!!! And she raised the bar more than a few notches !!!

[@TheGraemi]

@@wilburfinnigan2142 Yea, would love to hear Beths opinion about Lucys singing. 😊

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

@@TheGraemi It really does not matter as Juliet of the On Line Singing Coach has already reacted to it and said it was splendid, perfect and was all smiles. we have already heard from those that really know and matter !!! ! Beth here i more interested in promoting her songs and music, seems she is not that interested in reacting , it's just a way to promote her music using others !!!

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

@@TheGraemi Beth has reacted to Lucy and loves her singing, and it has been requested Beth react to Lucy's version of Unchained Melodies !!! Wait and see, it will be a great reaction !!!

[@wattheheck6010]

Occasionally, the Innocence Project in the US succeeds in overturning the death penalty for prisoners on death row. For me, this song was a long slow dance marvel in my youth. Now I think of it as an anthem for those wrongly convicted and ultimately released. Your analysis is the best, Beth.

[@lollmao9199]

This song will melt every woman that listens to it

[@dja1353]

I try to sing this. I can only do a little well by singing with him. I definitely can’t hit that last high note. The Platters also did it. I think Bobby studied the guy in the Platters, and managed to improve on him a bit. The nuances or flourishes (whatever you call it) make a huge difference. I think very characteristic of African American singing. Very hard to adopt when you are not. Good job Bobby. Thank you Beth!

[@ugadawgs1990]

Bobby is also famous for singing the song for the A-Team theme.

[@ChicagoDB]

This live performance is actually vastly superior to the record/radio version…far more dynamic and it’s one of the finest Live vocal performances in TV history

[@leannehouston2171]

I really enjoyed your reaction. Great job. One thing you didn't mention and probably don't know is when this song got popular again because of Ghost they didn't have rights to it so they re-recorded it and both versions were in the top 40 at the same time on the billboard. They both stayed in the top 40 for many weeks. Please react to Bobby Hatfield singing "Summertime" live performance 1965.

[@BethRoars]

I did not know that! Thanks for the info!

[@alrightbal9190]

Actually both versions were in the top 20 at the same time. The 1965 version at number 13 and Bobby's 50 year old version was number 19. But the 1965 version hit number one world wide in 1990.