Comments: 68

• Monty from IsraelI love these songs from my youth
• Pepper from Cape Coral FloridaTo my handsome Matthew who I am missing so much tonite and cant wait until he can come home. Love you my Matthew.
• Zvi Swerdlove from IsraelBobby Hatfield performed this song live on "The Andy Williams Show" in 1965. That performance is available on YouTube and in fact has become a very popular choice for "reaction" videos. Bobby's performance is even more powerful than the studio recording. I can't imagine anyone doing a better version. How lucky for us this performance is available today.
• Gary From Nj from Lindenwold, NjJoni Mitchell has an interesting way of using lyrics of the song in her medley "Chinese Café / Unchained Melody" on her album "Hits".
  
  It's a song about change. Uranium money has come and new modern buildings are replacing old landmarks. It's also about a guy's memories of a girl named Carol who he dated and separated from. He remembers how they would spend at a Chinese café listening to a particular song he cannot remember the title of.
  
  A different lyric line from Unchained Melody is used in each occurrence of the Chinese Café chorus as his way of identifying the song:
  
  Down at the Chinese café,
  We'd be dreaming on our dimes.
  We'd be playing, "Oh my love, my darling,"
  One more time.
  
  The song ends with Joni Mitchell singing a verse of Unchained Melody.
  
  This version was not a chart hit, but Joni Mitchell did have a hit where she played the part of a man: "Free Man in Paris" which hit #22 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and #2 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart.
• Cee Gee Dee from Big D, Texas, UsaPhil Spector died on January 16, 2021, age 81. Probably most folks commenting on this thing know his legacy, brilliant and pathetic. On January 17, 2021, I listened to You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling for the first time in years, cried like a child, etc. I did start to become interested in Unchained Melody again, the version by Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley. However, for some bizarre reason, I thought it was recorded in the late fifties. No, 1964, 1965. This will be brief. Thank you, songfacts and participants, for what you do!! Phil, warts and all, you were part of USA culture to the max, especially at one time. RIP Phil Spector and Bobby Hatfield. Bill Medley, Carry on, age 80. Thanks for that rock and soul wisdom!
• Richard from San DiegoFor those who are wondering a friend of mine w perfect pitch has told me the high note at the end sung by Bobby Hatfield is an E4
• Leonard Isaksson from Northern Wisconsin By Lake SuperiorWhat is that high note Bobby Hatfield hits at the end of Unchained Melody?
  
  High __
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn this in day 1955 {June 2nd} Al Hibbler's version of "Unchained Melody" peaked at #1 on Billboard's Most Played R&B Records on Juke Boxes chart, while at #2 was Roy Hamilton's version of "Unchained Melody"...
  At the time Roy Hamilton's version was also at #2 on Billboard's Best Selling R&B Records in Stores chart and Billboard's Most Played R&B Records by Jockeys chart...
  The month before on May 5th, 1955 Mr. Hamilton's version peaked at #1 {for 3 weeks} on the Best Selling R&B Records in Stores chart...
  Sadly, Roy Hamilton passed away at the young age of 40 on July 20th, 1969 {cerebral hemorrhage}...
  May he R.I.P.
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn January 25th 1990, Billy Medley appeared as himself on the 'Finally! (Part 1)' episode of the NBC-TV sitcom 'Cheers'...
  Six months later on July 13th the movie 'Ghost' was released; and the Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody" was featured in the film...
  Two versions of the song would make Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; the brother's original 1965 version and re-make on Curb Records...
  On October 14th, 1990 the original would peak at #13 {for 1 week} and on that same week the Curb Record's version was at #25, the Curb version would reached #19 in late October.
• Coy from Palestine, TexasNeil Diamond also covered Unchained Melody on his Movie album LP. Perry Como also did a brilliant version of the song in 1955.
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn August 11th 1965, the Righteous Brothers performed "Hung On You" on the ABC-TV program 'Shindig!'...
  At the time the song was at #50 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; four days later on August 15th it would peak at #47 {for 1 week}...
  At the time of this appearance on 'Shindig!'; the record's flip-side, "Unchained Melody", was at #6 on the Top 100...
  R.I.P. Jimmy O’Neill {Shindig’s host, 1940 – 2013}.
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyPer: http://www.oldiesmusic.com/news.htm
  Vito Balsamo, lead singer of Vito & the Saltuations, was hospitalized Saturday (June 13th, 2015) with undisclosed heart problems...
  The group is best remembered for their version of "Unchained Melody" (#66)* in 1963...
  May he R.I.P.
  * The NYC doo-wop quintet’s covered version of "Unchained Melody" entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart on October 20th, 1963 at position #97; five weeks later on November 24th, 1963 it peaked at #66 {for 1 week} and that was also its sixth and last week on the Top 100.
• Shane from Usa MichiganLes Baxter and Roy Hamilton did this song first before the movie "Unchained" the movie version was Todd Duncan. I have the original 45 from 1955 with Baxter and Hamilton.
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyPer the December 31st, 1955 issue of Billboard Magazine:
  The first version of "Unchained Melody", recorded by Les Baxter, was named the #1 top- selling single of 1955...
  Mr. Baxter's version peaked at #1; and three other versions charted in 1955, Al Hibbler {#3}, Roy Hamilton {#6}, and June Valli {#29}...
  #2. Ballad of Davy Crockett by Bill Hayes
  #3. Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White by Perez Prado
  #4. Yellow Rose of Texas by Mitch Miller
  #5. Melody of Love by Billy Vaughn
  #6. Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley
  #7. Sincerely by the McGuire Sisters
  #8. Love Is a Many Splendored Thing by the Four Aces
  #9. Autumn Leaves by Roger Williams
  #10. Ain't That a Shame by Pat Boone.
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn July 11th 1965, "Unchained Melody" and the B-side, "Hung On You", both entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; "Unchained" at position #72 and "Hung" at #90...
  "Unchained" peaked at #4 (for 2 weeks) on August 22nd, 1965 and spent 13 weeks on the Top 100 chart; while "Hung" reached #47 on August 15th, 1965 and stay on the chart for 7 weeks...
  R.I.P Mr. Hatfield (1940 - 2003) and Mr. Medley will celebrate his 74th birthday in two months on September 19th, 2014.
• Fred from Christchurch, New ZealandPete in Nowra - what did Bill Medley do, whilst Bobby was singing the lead, anybody know???
  Yeah I know, He walked out of the Studio, down to the Bank and Waited.
• Bob from Boston, MaWilliam Stirrat was an imposter; please see the Wikipedia article about him. For more about "Unchained Melody", please see Unchained Melody Publishing LLC web site or Unchained Melody Publishing LLC Facebook page.
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn December 21st 1963 the New York City doo-wop group Vito and the Salutations performed "Unchained Melody" on the ABC-TV program 'American Bandstand'...
  Two months earlier on October 20th it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #97; eventually it peaked at #66 and spent 6 weeks on the Top 100...
  It was the groups only Top 100 entry...
  Their version of the song was featured in the 1990 movie 'Goodfellas'.
  
• Sioraf from Macroon, IrelandIn the Robson and Jerome version they are indoors, it's in black and white and while the place is full at the beginning people keep leaving until only Robson and Jerome are left. In the Gareth Gates version he is on the street, it's in colour and he's by himself at the beginning but more and more people keep coming until a lot of people are surrounding him.
• Mark from Atlanta, GaNo one has mentioned the superb George Benson version of this tune. From his collection, "Greatest Hits." Benson's version features more lyrics and heartfelt singing.
• Jean from Owensboro, KyBobby Hatfield loved the Roy Hamilton version of this song, and was singing it in clubs before he met Bill Medley. When they started recording as the Righteous Brothers, they usually included one solo each on each of their albums. Bobby chose this song for the "Just Once in My Life" LP. Because it was never intended to be released as a single, Bill Medley produced it (Spector only produced the singles), and it was released as the intended "throwaway" B-side to the Spector-produced "Hung on You". However, radio stations flipped it over to play "Unchained Melody", which infuriated Spector. Spector attempted to convince radio stations to play "Hung on You" instead, but it ws too late--"Unchained Melody" had become an accidental smash hit. Bill Medley has since said that Bobby "just killed it," recording the song in about 30 minutes. Medley sings it in tribute to Bobby at his shows now, complete with a video slide show. It's a tearjerker.
• Roger from San Diego, CaBe a combat photographer for one week in Vietnam taking (documenting the war ?), hang out of a helicopter taking pictures
  down below (documenting the war ?) ---- then go to mail call. Then listen to AFVN Radio and Bobby Hatfield singing "Unchained Melody" and you'd see American soldiers holding their one precious piece of mail from the USA - just start
  crying. Bobby "The Blonde Bomber" Hatfield "owns" that song and Bill Medley produced it. God Bless The Righteous Brothers for their music, kindness, patience signing autographs, patience getting into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and treating all of us fans - "Righteously." Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley - THE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  
  Roger C., San Diego
• Coy from Palestine, TxGreat version of this song was recorded by Perry Como in 1955. Bill Medley is just being modest when he says "I wasn't a producer"..in fact Medley was a great record producer. "Soul and Inspiration" was produced by Bill Medley and sounds exactly like Phil Spector.
• Joseph from Martinsville, , InThia ia one of the most HAUNTING melodies ever written...many years ago while in lockup I REALLY felt and understood the MOOD and MAGIC of this song.
• Drew from Chicago, IlThis song also gained a lot of popularity in the movie "Ghost"
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyThis song was nominated for Best Song at the 1955 Academy Awards!!! {The song that won was "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing"}
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyBetween 1955 to 1981 eight diffrent artist have made the Top 100 with this song; Lex Baxter, Al Hibbler, Roy Hamilton, June Valli, Vito & The Salutations, The Righteous Brothers, The Sweet Inspirations, and Heart!!!
• Pok Chu from Baltimore, MdAlso check out the emotionally draining version by the Platters. Listen to the words "touch" and "much", but its enough to wrench the tears from you when he cries " I need your love".
• Jessica from Tulsa, OkOne of my favorite songs of all time...so beautiful
• Cyberpope from Richmond, Canada*LOL* Just took a quiz on Facebook that says this is my sex song! Not 100% sure why, but why not? :)
• Tom from Alston, MiA version of the song was recorded in the early 60s by the Rhythm Rockers that resembled the Righteous Bros version
• Chloe from Christchurch, New ZealandHeart did a great live cover of this!
• Holly from Toronto, OnOne of the best versions of Unchained Melody is by an R&B singer from the USA, Jimmy Young.
  His CD Jimmy Young Classics has songs like "Stand By Me" "Unchained Melody" "Save The Last Dance" "I Who Have Nothing" etc. etc. its a fantastic CD and Jimmy is a protege of Ben E. King.
  I bought the tracks from Rhapsody online and believe me this man has one of the best soulful voices i have heard in a long time.
• Katrina from Pullman, WaThis song has also been covered by Rockapella, Il divo (In Italian) and Amici Forever (also in Italian)
• Quebec_zeus from Quebec CityThe Original 1965 Album is: Just Once In My Life.
  Don't write : the Greatest it album of The Best Of The Righteous Brothers. The right is The FIRST ALBUM!
  Be serious! or no write...
• Lester from New York City, NyAnyone remember Vito & the Salutations Do-Wop version of 'Unchained Melody' from the early '60s?
• Teresa from Mechelen, BelgiumHy Zaret, who wrote the lyrics of this song died july the fifth at the age of 99. This beautiful song has been covered several times but the best version is the one from the Righteous Brothers, produced by Phil Spector, the greatest producer all times.
• Brandon from Sterling, Vai love elvises version better which he recorded on June 21, 1977 just 6 weeks before he died
  
  while doing elvis in concerct this would be the last song he ever sang on stage maybe even the last song he sang ever
• Coty from Springfield, Ohgreat song. compare it to a long distance relationship.
• Ray from Palm Bay, Idcheck out johnny maestro's version. Breathtaking
• Beach from Brooklyn, Nybobby hatfield version is my favorite, i havent heard most of the other types, stirrat wrote the song when he was 16 years old
• Teresa from Mechelen, BelgiumThere is also a version from The Teddy Bears on their cd "Greatest Hits", completely different than the version of the Righteous Brothers, but I love it very much. The lady has a beautiful voice and it's Phil Spector who has produced it (normal, he was a member of the group).
• Alankar from Dombivli, IndiaI also happened to come across a Air Supply Version this valentine on some Music Channel. Can anyone list all the versions of the song on a single post. Those would surely make to my wish list.
• Steve from Fenton, MoI think Bill Medley must have stood back in awe as Bobby was singing this during it's recording.
• Leon from Waterbury, CtU2's version is pretty decent...
• Jon from Wayne, Pawow what an amazing song...hatfield's voice is incredible, especially during the last minute or so
• Ana from Lokev, Europewas recorded also by cindy lauper released in the album At last (2003)
• Hal from Passaic, NjDoogen notes that Elvis recorded the song. This is true, as the Farmingdale newspaper interview mentioned above states that Elvis' version was Hy's favorite.
• Paul Melita from Mackay, AustraliaAbout 22-24 seconds into The Righteous Brothers version, you may be able to hear some of the string section come in early (just before the first time you hear them), depending of the quality of your copy.
• Dee from Indianapolis, InThis song got my heart broken some years ago, but I still enjoy it if I don't look back on those times.
• Wes from Springfield, Va...makes me think of wet clay for some strange reason...
• Vince from Phoenix, AzIf you happen across the original 45 flip it over and give "Hung on You" a listen. It is an unheralded Spector gem. Cast out of the "Lovin' Feelin'" mold "Hung on You" builds to an awe inspiring call and response crescendo that makes the last half minute of the tune truely unforgettable.
• Steve from St Louis, MoThe following quote appeared in Farmington, NJ News Transcript (http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2003/1203/Front_Page/047.html)
  on Dec 3, 2003 ...
  (and it is worth following the link if you are curious about the origins of this song ... )
  
  Freehold Township resident William Stirrat, 83, aka Hy Zaret (his pen name), still has a gleam in his eye when he remembers writing the lyrics. He was 16 years old and infatuated with "the prettiest girl in my neighborhood." He remembers well the frustration of being too shy to act on his feelings ' the stuttered response when she spoke to him, the frozen reaction when she smiled at him.
  
  "Now, I think she was in love with me, too, but I was too shy to do anything or even talk to her," Stirrat says 67 years later.
  
  It was 19 years later before the song was used in the movie "Unchained".
  
  He wrote it when he was SIXTEEN!!!
• Ivan from Jersey City, NjYou have all missed the emotionally stirring version recorded by Sam Cook in the 1950's for RCA Victor. This is a bit obscure but well worth the hunt for! Very few people got to hear this version as RCA pulled the single right away and the LP was poorly promoted by the album.
• Dino from Athens, Greecehave you ever heard a rick nelson's version? also check lonesome town
• Teresa from Mechelen, Belgium"Unchained melody", a very beautiful song,
  specially the version of The Righteous Brothers,
  produced by Phil Spector, perfect as always, a very beautiful "Wall of Sound" on the background.
• Lis from London, EnglandThis song is taken from the film 'Unchained' hence the literal title: 'Unchained Melody'. It's about a young man who sits in his jail cell wondering if his love back home will wait for him..."time can do so much, are you still mine?"
• Derek from Carmel, InThis song is beautiful. I cry every time I hear it.
• Josh from Pittsburgh, PaThe U2 and LeAnn Rimes versions scare me, but the Clay Aiken rendition will haunt you with nightmares forever. Some songs you just can't cover.
• Chris from Lake Mary, FlEh, this song just makes me want to watch Top Gun..hehehe. Oh, and how come this site doesn't really go into the meaning of the song?
• Lee from London , EnglandAn outstanding version of this was recorded by George Benson and also a huge hit version in the UK in 1955 was by Jimmy Young[now Sir Jimmy].
• Brianne from Nova Scotia, CanadaGreat song! : ) Has been sang by Justin Guarini and Clay Aiken, on American Idol.
• Dave from Cardiff, WalesMore recently, Gareth Gates and Robson & Jerome have both butchered this song, with versions reviled by fans and critics alike, even though both versions also made No.1 in the UK.
• Conrad from Los Angeles, CaIf I hear this one more time. Shoot Me!
• Pete from Nowra, Australiawhat did Bill Medley do ,whislt Bobby was singing the lead, anybody know??? dooo woppss???
• Pete from Nowra, Australiaused alot for weddings, great love song
• Doogen from Evansville, InDon't forget that Elvis also recorded this song.
• Keith from Sydney, AustraliaThere is also a U2 version, one by Leann Rimes, one by Neil Diamond and one Willie Nelson

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