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.
Give It To The People
The Righteous Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I dream about the way it would be
Mama had me playing on that classical piano
But that was not the music for me
I had my very first introduction
By singing in a local band
I've got my rock and my roll instruction
Playing every club in the land
I made a deal with the angel of music
And I found what you said was true
If you give it to the people like the people want it
They'll give it, they'll give it
They'll give it right back to you
I can't think of anything that I wouldn't do
As long as someone wants me to sing
You don't have to label me a Hollywood hero
Just let me do my RIGHTEOUS thing!
‘Cos when the crowd they're just waiting for you
And the lights they check-out okay
There ain't no words to describe the feeling
That everybody's come to hear you play
(Yes I will)
I made a deal with the angel of music
And I learned what it's all about
If you give it to the people like they wanna hear it
They'll let it, they'll let it
They'll let it all hang all night
You know I, you know I made a deal with the angel of music
And I found what she said it was true
If you give it to the people like the people wanted
They'll give it, they'll give it
They'll give it right back to you
I made a deal with the angel of music
And I learned what it's all about
If you give it to the people like they wanna hear it
The Righteous Brothers song 'Give It To The People' is a celebration of the power of music to connect with people and bring them together. In the song, the singer talks about his own personal journey to discover and create music that speaks to people, reflecting his own experiences growing up and learning to play the piano before discovering his love of rock and roll.
The lyrics suggest that the key to success as a musician is to give people what they want- music that speaks to their own experiences and emotions. In return, the people will give back to the musician through their appreciation and support.
The singer also emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself as an artist and following one's own 'Righteous thing' rather than trying to fit into any particular label or mold. The song ends with a repetition of the idea that if you give it to the people, they will give it back to you, suggesting that the cyclical relationship between musician and audience is what keeps the power of music alive and thriving.
Line by Line Meaning
Ever since the time that I was ten years old
Since I was a child, I dreamed of being a musician.
I dream about the way it would be
I constantly imagine what it would be like to be a successful musician.
Mama had me playing on that classical piano
My mother taught me to play classical piano, but it wasn't the type of music that I wanted to play.
But that was not the music for me
I didn't enjoy playing classical music.
I had my very first introduction
My first experience with music was singing in a local band.
By singing in a local band
I had the opportunity to start my music career by performing locally.
I've got my rock and my roll instruction
I learned how to play rock and roll music.
Playing every club in the land
I performed at various venues all around the country.
I made a deal with the angel of music
I made a personal commitment to dedicate myself to music.
And I found what you said was true
I discovered that the advice given to me about music was accurate.
If you give it to the people like the people want it
If you make music that your audience wants to hear, they will appreciate it.
They'll give it, they'll give it
Your audience will reciprocate the appreciation you give them when performing music.
They'll give it right back to you
Your audience will give back the same energy and enthusiasm that you give to them while performing.
I can't think of anything that I wouldn't do
I am willing to do whatever it takes to succeed in music.
As long as someone wants me to sing
As long as there are people who want to listen to my music, I will continue to perform.
You don't have to label me a Hollywood hero
I don't need to be famous to consider myself successful in music.
Just let me do my RIGHTEOUS thing!
Allow me to perform the type of music that I love, and do it in the most genuine way possible.
‘Cos when the crowd they're just waiting for you
The excitement of a crowd waiting for my performance is a unique and exhilarating feeling.
And the lights they check-out okay
Once the technical aspects of a show are set up, I can focus on performing for the audience.
There ain't no words to describe the feeling
There are no words to explain the excitement and thrill of performing in front of a live audience.
That everybody's come to hear you play
Audiences come to see me perform because they want to hear my music and see me play it.
(Yes I will)
I will continue to perform and share my music with audiences.
And I learned what it's all about
I gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in music.
If you give it to the people like they wanna hear it
If you create music that appeals to your audience, they will enjoy and appreciate it.
They'll let it, they'll let it
Your audience will be receptive and engaged when you perform music they love.
They'll let it all hang all night
Your audience will be enthusiastic and committed to the experience of seeing you perform live.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN POTTER, DENNIS EARLE LAMBERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind