The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” – A 1965 Ballad That Became Immortal
In 1965, Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers emerged as one of the most breathtakingly emotional songs of its era. Originally written in 1955 by Alex North and Hy Zaret for the prison film Unchained, the song had already been recorded by various artists before Bobby Hatfield of The Righteous Brothers turned it into something extraordinary. His soaring, heartfelt vocal performance, paired with the song’s grand orchestration, propelled it to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cemented it as one of the most enduring love songs of all time. While The Righteous Brothers were already known for hits like You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’, Unchained Melody became their signature song, gaining even greater popularity decades later through its unforgettable use in the 1990 film Ghost.
The Righteous Brothers, consisting of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, were not actual siblings but rather a duo with contrasting yet complementary voices. Medley’s deep, rich baritone and Hatfield’s soaring tenor gave their music a unique dynamic that stood out in the blue-eyed soul movement of the 1960s. Their vocal chemistry and emotional delivery, combined with producer Phil Spector’s signature Wall of Sound technique, made them pioneers of a style that blurred the lines between R&B and pop.
Despite having been recorded by many artists before them—including Al Hibbler, Roy Hamilton, and even Elvis Presley—Unchained Melody took on a completely new life in the hands of The Righteous Brothers. The story goes that Medley and Hatfield were working on their Just Once in My Life album when Medley suggested that Hatfield sing Unchained Melody as a solo track, giving him full control over the vocal arrangement. The decision turned out to be monumental, as Hatfield’s performance transformed the song from a standard ballad into an emotionally gripping masterpiece.
The production of Unchained Melody was handled by Phil Spector, though it was unusual for him in one key aspect—it didn’t feature his Wall of Sound. Instead, it had a more stripped-down arrangement that allowed Hatfield’s voice to shine. The song built gradually, beginning with a delicate piano accompaniment before swelling into a dramatic crescendo. This slow build heightened the emotional intensity, making the final notes some of the most unforgettable in music history.
Upon its release, Unchained Melody was not initially intended to be a major single. It was the B-side to Hung on You, a track that Spector had chosen as the primary release. However, radio DJs quickly gravitated toward Unchained Melody, sensing its emotional power. Before long, it had overtaken Hung on You in popularity, climbing the charts and solidifying The Righteous Brothers’ status as hitmakers.
Beyond its chart performance, Unchained Melody had a lasting impact on the industry and culture at large. It became a defining example of how a song could be entirely reshaped by the right artist, proving that music wasn’t just about melody and lyrics but about the emotion an artist could bring to it. Hatfield’s vocal delivery set a new standard for ballads, influencing countless singers in the decades to come.
For The Righteous Brothers, Unchained Melody marked a high point in their career. While they continued to release successful singles, no other song captured the same level of raw emotion and lasting appeal. Hatfield’s performance became legendary, with fans eagerly awaiting it at every concert. The song’s success also reinforced the duo’s ability to navigate multiple musical styles, from the dramatic intensity of this ballad to the rhythmic pulse of their other hits.
Over the years, the song has been covered by an astonishing number of artists, but few versions have reached the heights of The Righteous Brothers’ rendition. Perhaps the most famous reinterpretation came from Elvis Presley, whose live performances of Unchained Melody in the late 1970s were deeply moving, particularly as they coincided with the final years of his life. Other notable renditions include those by U2, Gareth Gates, and LeAnn Rimes, but none have captured the same magic as Hatfield’s original recording.
A defining moment for the song came in 1990 when it was featured in the blockbuster film Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. The film’s iconic pottery scene, set to the song’s climactic swell, introduced Unchained Melody to a new generation. Following the film’s release, the song re-entered the Billboard charts, reaching No. 13 on the Hot 100—an almost unheard-of feat for a song recorded 25 years earlier. Its resurgence solidified its place in pop culture, ensuring that it would remain an anthem of longing and romance for years to come.
At the time of the song’s reemergence, The Righteous Brothers were enjoying a renewed wave of popularity. The duo reunited in the mid-’80s after a decade apart, and Unchained Melody became a focal point of their comeback. Hatfield continued to perform it with breathtaking intensity well into the 2000s, never losing the vocal prowess that made it so special.
The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its continued presence in popular media. It has been featured in television shows, commercials, and even talent competitions, where singers often attempt to match Hatfield’s soaring high notes. Few succeed, a testament to just how unique and powerful his voice was.
In the broader scope of music history, Unchained Melody stands as a prime example of how a song can evolve and take on new meaning through different interpretations. The Righteous Brothers’ version turned a film soundtrack song into one of the most beloved ballads of all time, proving that the right combination of artist, voice, and emotion can create something truly timeless.
Even after Bobby Hatfield’s passing in 2003, Unchained Melody remains a tribute to his extraordinary talent. It continues to be one of the most-played songs in history, its haunting beauty undiminished by time. The song’s legacy is undeniable, and as long as there are hearts that ache for lost love, Unchained Melody will continue to resonate, ensuring that The Righteous Brothers’ masterpiece remains, forever, an essential part of musical history.
