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.
Secret Love
The Righteous Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That lived within the heart of me
All too soon my secret love,
Became impatient to be free
So I told a friendly star,
The way that dreamers often do
Just how wonderful you are,
Now, I shout it from the highest hills
Even told the golden daffodils
At last my hearts an open door,
And my secret love's
No secret anymore.
The lyrics of The Righteous Brothers's song Secret Love tell a story of a person who had been keeping their love for someone a secret within the depths of their heart. However, as time went by, this love became too strong and they felt the urge to let it out and be free. The singer of the song chose to confide in a friendly star, which is something dreamers often do, and expressed how wonderful their love interest is, and why they are so deeply in love with them. The chorus indicates that the singer is no longer keeping their love a secret and is now telling everyone about it, shouting it from the highest hills and even telling the golden daffodils. The final lines of the song signify that the person's heart is now an open door and that their secret love is no longer a secret anymore.
The song Secret Love was actually written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster for the 1953 film 'Calamity Jane,' starring Doris Day. It was awarded an Academy Award for Best Original Song that year. The film tells the story of Calamity Jane, who is mistaken for a man and ends up bringing an actress back to Deadwood, South Dakota, to perform at the local saloon. Within the film, Doris Day's character performs Secret Love and makes it an iconic piece of romantic music.
In 1963, The Righteous Brothers covered the song and it became a chart hit, reaching number 3 on the U.S. Pop Chart. In the same year, Shirley Bassey also covered the song and reached number 11 in the U.K. charts. Throughout the years, Secret Love has been covered by many notable artists such as Freddie Mercury, Elton John, and Michael Ball.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I had a secret love,
At some point, I had a love that I kept hidden from the world.
That lived within the heart of me
This love was deeply rooted in my heart and was known to no one else.
All too soon my secret love,
Unfortunately, this love could not stay hidden for long.
Became impatient to be free
It started to weigh me down, and I longed to set it free for the world to see.
So I told a friendly star,
I confided in the stars above, as many dreamers often do.
The way that dreamers often do
Like many idealists, I voiced my deepest feelings to the universe in the hope of fulfilling them.
Just how wonderful you are,
I gushed about how great the object of my affection truly was.
And why I'm so in love with you
I explained exactly why this person held such a special place in my heart.
Now, I shout it from the highest hills
My love is no longer a secret, and I will shout it from the rooftops if I must.
Even told the golden daffodils
I've even expressed it to inanimate objects because I cannot contain the joy within me.
At last my hearts an open door,
I am finally ready and willing to let people into my heart and reveal my true feelings.
And my secret love's
The love I once kept hidden
No secret anymore.
is now out in the open and known by all.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PAUL FRANCIS WEBSTER, SAMMY FAIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@debrawucik826
I can’t believe that Bobby Hatfield was not more well known for classics like this. He add Ed so much to a song like this! Wha t a talent.
@rubydazzler
I really like this tune done this way, a little bit jazzy. Come on, Bobby, make it your own! :)
@nelitasciretta7101
Bobby could make any song sound wonderful!
@user-zu4cc6pb9x
Oh yeah
@celialopes1692
Célia amo Bobby 2021
@patricialabbe1416
From movie Calamity Jane starring Doris Day and Howard Keel. Doris sang it in the movie.
@marieross3677
I remember that movie. Never heard this before by Bobby Hatfield. He jazzed it up from the movie. The style reminds me of Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, big band sound. I kinda like It!
@patricialabbe1416
@@marieross3677 This is from a great CD called The Righteous Brothers Greatest Hits. There are a number of songs that only the most avid RB fan would have ever heard them sing. It's available on Amazon. An hour of pure entertainment. I especially like Bill doing a jazzed up My Darling Clementine. It's a hoot! It's available on Utube.
I too saw that movie. Loved it. Had a copy of a 45rpm album with all the songs including The Deadwood Stage. Shows how old I am! 😄