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.
Georgia On My Mind
The Righteous Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The whole day through
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
I said Georgia
Georgia
A song of you
As moonlight through the pines
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you
I said Georgia
Ooh Georgia, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you
Whoa, Georgia
Georgia
No peace, no peace I find
Just this old, sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind
I said just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind
The song "Georgia On My Mind" by The Righteous Brothers is a tribute to the state of Georgia in the United States. The lyrics describe the singer's longing for the state and the memories that keep it on his mind. The repetition of the phrase "Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind" emphasizes the power of the memories and the song's ability to evoke them. The lyrics speak of the singer's dreams of Georgia and how the road always leads back to the state. The use of nature imagery such as moonlight and pine trees creates a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time.
The song was originally written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell in 1930 and has been recorded by many artists, including Ray Charles, who made it famous with his soulful rendition in 1960. Charles, who was born and raised in Georgia, added his own personal touch to the song, making it a symbol of the Deep South and a tribute to his home state. The song was eventually adopted as Georgia's official state song in 1979.
Line by Line Meaning
Georgia, Georgia
The singer is addressing the state of Georgia and repeating its name for emphasis.
The whole day through
The state of Georgia is on the singer's mind all day long
Just an old sweet song
The singer’s memories of Georgia are associated with a familiar and beloved song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
The singer cannot stop thinking about Georgia because of the song that keeps it top of mind
A song of you
The singer is referring to the beloved song as being about Georgia itself
Comes as sweet and clear
The song has a beautiful melody and the lyrics of it are full of memorable moments in Georgia for the singer
As moonlight through the pines
The song is clear and sweet, evocative of the relaxed atmosphere under moonlight in a pine forest
Other arms reach out to me
The singer is being offered comfort by other people in other places than Georgia
Other eyes smile tenderly
The singer is appreciated by others too but the memory of Georgia is too strong
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The singer is dreaming about being back in Georgia but it's not a nightmare, it is peaceful.
The road leads back to you
No matter how far the singer goes away from Georgia, they always think of it and will always come back someday
Ooh Georgia, no peace I find
The singer is admitting that no other source of peace is as strong as thinking about Georgia
Whoa, Georgia Georgia
The singer is calling out to Georgia again, trying to gain peace through the sweet memories
Just this old, sweet song
The song that keeps Georgia on the singer's mind is described as old and sweet
Keeps Georgia on my mind
The singer keeps thinking of Georgia because of the beloved song
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Hoagy Carmichael, Stuart Gorell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Liv Good For God
I’m young, but I know soul when I hear it! Thank God for they’re talent! 🙌🏼
Vik Lares
This song is a treasure, wonderful Bill's deep voice. thanks for unloading it.
aghi75
Very great version!!!Wonderful!!!!
Beky de la Caridad Toledo Gutierrez
Music has no color, only the color of the Soul.
Terry Lee
He does Ray Charles better than Ray Charles. I only wish they made even more than they did. I could listen all day long.
julisheh
THIS SONG IS FROM RAY CHARLES WHICH MY BROTHER LOVED IT IS THE FIRST TIME I HEAR THEM SINGING IT SOUND NICE TOO.....
Gene Forte
Spencer Davis Group also did a cover of this featuring Steve Winwood.
fish star
Sounds much more raw than unchained melody...
Little Mrs
Bobby Hatfield sings Unchained Melody and Bill Medley sings this one. That's why
Adrian Otero
I wish Bobby would have sung this one as well.....