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Hatfield's Melody Dies Out
12-Nov-2003
Written by: Matthew Braine
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer, Bobby Hatfield, died last week at age 63. The other half of the popular duo, The Righteous Brothers, was found dead in a Radisson hotel room in Kalamazoo, Michigan and apparently died in his sleep. He was discovered in his bed by a staff member after he failed to respond to a wake up call a half hour before the blue-eyed soul duo was supposed to kick off their tour at the Miller Auditorium on the campus of Western Michigan University.
The duo is famous for producing such hits as "Unchained Melody" and "Lovin Feelin," both of which were popular in the '60s. In 1986, Tom Cruise and all his sailor buddies brought new life to "Lovin Feelin" as he serenaded Kelly McGillis in Top Gun. The movie, Ghost, also rekindled the success of "Unchained Melody" in 1990, which earned the duo a Grammy nomination.
In March, the Righteous Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by long time fan Billy Joel. They are credited with bridging the gap between R&B and pop, and their hit, "Unchained Melody," is reported to be the all-time most-played song on the radio. Hatfield surprised his fans when he sung the lead on that song as Medley was the running front man. Hatfield and Medley formed with the Paramours in the early '60s and with their "blue-eyed soul" sound; listeners often assumed they were African-American. After a gig at a local bar, a black marine reportedly shouted out "that was righteous, brother!" I'm sure you can guess where they got the duos name.
In the duo's long existence they have opened for the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. After the duos success of "Lovin Feelin" in 1964, they split in 1968. When they came to their senses and regrouped they scored a hit with "Rock and Roll Heaven" in 1974. After all those years the duo still played up to 80 shows a year for their fans and often played in Las Vegas for 12 week stands fulfilling their dream to be a lounge act.
Bobby Hatfield was an innovator and a great musician. He died in the middle of doing what he loved; playing music. He will forever be remembered as part of one of the most influential, daring, and soulful duos of all time.
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