The Righteous Brothers

The Righteous Brothers were the musical duo of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. They recorded from 1963 through 1975, and continued to perform live until Hatfield's death in 2003. Their emotive vocal stylings were sometimes dubbed "blue-eyed soul." Hatfield and Medley both posessed exceptional vocal talent, with range, control, and tone that helped them create a strong and distinct duet sound (and perform as soloists). They gained their name when an African-American Marine in the crowd shouted out "That was righteous, brothers" at the end of a show.

Related Topics:
Music - Bill Medley - Bobby Hatfield - 1963 - 1975

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Their first major hit single was "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" in 1965. Produced by Phil Spector, the record is often cited as one of the peak expressions of Spector's Wall of Sound production techniques. It was one of the most successful pop singles of its time, despite exceeding the standard length for radio play. Indeed, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" remains the most played song in radio history, estimated to have been broadcast over 8 million times to date.

Related Topics:
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - 1965 - Produced - Phil Spector - Wall of Sound

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They had several other Spector-produced hit singles during the 1960s, including "Ebb Tide" and "Unchained Melody" in 1965 and "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration" in 1966.

Related Topics:
1960s - Ebb Tide - Unchained Melody - 1965 - (You're My) Soul and Inspiration - 1966

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In 1974, no longer with Spector, they scored another hit with "Rock and Roll Heaven", a paean to deceased rock singers.

Related Topics:
1974 - Rock

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They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10, 2003 by a great admirer of theirs, Billy Joel.

Related Topics:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - March 10 - 2003 - Billy Joel

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Hatfield died of a cocaine overdose on November 5, 2003. He was found dead at a hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan, half an hour before he was due to perform at a Righteous Brothers concert.

Related Topics:
November 5 - 2003

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