They adopted their name in 1962 while performing together around Los Angeles, USA as part of a five-member group called The Paramours, which featured John Wimber (who was much later one of the founders of the Vineyard Movement) on keyboards.
Hatfield and Medley both possessed exceptional vocal talent, with range, control, and tone that helped them create a strong and distinct duet sound (and perform as soloists). Medley sang the low parts with his deep, soulful baritone, with Hatfield taking the higher register vocals with his soaring tenor. They gained their name when an African-American Marine shouted out "That was righteous, brothers" at the end of a show. John Wimber, one of the founding leaders of the Vineyard Movement, played the keyboard in the band.
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. A little known fact about this song was that Spector utilized Sonny and Cher as back-up singers.
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.
Soul and Inspiration was produced by Bill Medley for Verve Records. Phil Spector was not involved with this recording in any way, shape or form. Also, although it is credited to Phil Spector, Bill Medley produced "Unchained Melody". Medley produced the B-Side for the singles and Spector handled the production work on the A-Side. The A-Side for "Unchained Melody" was the single "Hung on You" produced by Phil Spector although it was the B-Side that ended up being the hit.
Ebb Tide
The Righteous Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Plants a kiss on the shore
Then rolls out to sea
And the sea is very still once more
So I rush to your side
Like the oncoming tide
With one burning thought
Will your arms open wide
And as we kiss through an embrace
I can tell, I, I can feel
You are love, you are real
Really mine in the rain
In the dark, in the sun
Like the tide at its ebb
I'm at peace in the web of your arms
Ebb tide
The song "Ebb Tide" by The Righteous Brothers is a song that describes the ebb tide and how it is similar to the love between two people. In the first verse, the singer talks about how the tide rushes in and kisses the shore, only to roll out to sea, leaving the sea still once again. Similarly, the singer rushes to their lover's side like the tide rushes to shore, hoping to be greeted with open arms.
In the second verse, the singer describes the moment they are finally face to face with their lover, and how they can feel that the love between them is real. The lyrics "Really mine in the rain, in the dark, in the sun, like the tide at its ebb" indicate that the love between them is constant and never ending, just like the ebb tide. The singer feels at peace in the web of their lover's arms, just as the sea is calm during the ebb tide.
Overall, the song is a beautiful analogy of the ebb tide and how it is like the love between two people. It shows that love can be constant and never ending just like the ebb tide.
Line by Line Meaning
First the tide rushes in
The ocean's tide starts to surge and move towards the shore.
Plants a kiss on the shore
The ocean's tide gently touches and caresses the beach as it arrives.
Then rolls out to sea
After the tide reaches the shore, it retreats back into the ocean.
And the sea is very still once more
Once the tide has departed, the ocean becomes calm and peaceful again.
So I rush to your side
Just like the tide, the singer is drawn towards their loved one and runs to be with them.
Like the oncoming tide
The singer moves towards their loved one with the same strength and intensity as the ocean's tide.
With one burning thought
The singer's only desire is to be with their loved one and feel their embrace.
Will your arms open wide
The singer hopes that their loved one will accept them and open their arms in welcome.
At last we're face to face
The singer and their loved one are finally together, looking into each other's eyes.
And as we kiss through an embrace
The couple shares a deep, passionate kiss as they hold each other tight.
I can tell, I, I can feel
The singer knows without a doubt that their loved one is the real deal and their love is pure and true.
You are love, you are real
The singer acknowledges their loved one's true and genuine love, and feels blessed to have it.
Really mine in the rain
The singer's love is not just a fair-weather romance but can withstand even the heavy storms of life.
In the dark, in the sun
The love between the singer and their loved one persists through every season and time, good or bad.
Like the tide at its ebb
Just as the tide ebbs and flows, sometimes calm and sometimes surging, so too does the singer's love come and go.
I'm at peace in the web of your arms
The singer feels a deep sense of contentment and security when in the loving embrace of their partner.
Ebb tide
The ebb tide represents the cyclical nature of love and life, with its ups and downs, but the singer remains optimistic and dedicated to their love.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Robert Maxwell, Carl Sigman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SeaMonster111
I love the Platters. I love Tony Williams. But Hatfield's inflection, dynamics, and range make his version the absolutely best - the top of the hill. Nobody sings like Bobby.
Jennifer Adam
Ditto!
Jody Wilke
One of the most beautiful voices, I've ever heard. RIP, Bobby Hatfield.😔⛪
Wendy F
Absolutely,magnificent voice.
Roger Pr
I second that Jody!
Roger Pr
Hi there Jody! I've bin Looking for this tittle for so many years and here I am!! Cheer's to you!!☺
Joe george
What a voice
Joe george
Absolutely
Jody Wilke
What a voice this man had! I always thought "Unchained Melody" was Bobby Hatfield's masterpiece, but this is just as beautiful. RIP, Bobby--too bad we lost you so soon.😔💒
Tom Ewald
It's that final note...Incredible.