The Righteous Brothers Amaze the Audience with “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin
|The Righteous Brothers were truly a groundbreaking musical duo. Their appeal crossed generations, captivating not only teenagers but also older pop audiences and even the Black community at a time when music often reflected cultural divisions.
In the video below, Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, the legendary Righteous Brothers, deliver an electrifying live performance of their classic hit “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” during an American TV special in 1965, at the height of their fame. While the video quality has faded with time, the audio remains remarkably clear, showcasing the duo’s crisp, powerful vocals. It’s impossible not to be floored by their talent! I hadn’t realized the full extent of their vocal prowess and commanding stage presence until watching this. Bill Medley, in particular—the singer on the left—had the audience hanging on every note.
Despite their polished suits and neatly styled hair, there’s an untamed energy in their performance that makes the crowd roar. The song, written by Barry Mann, Phil Spector, and Cynthia Weil, and produced by Spector, was the #1 hit of 1965. It made a triumphant return to the charts in 1986 when it was featured in *Top Gun*. Over the years, it’s been covered by iconic artists like Cilla Black, Dionne Warwick, and Hall & Oates, but none have captured the magic of the original.
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” continues to resonate with listeners today, remaining as fresh and soulful as ever. One YouTube commenter perfectly summed it up, saying, “Issued 50 years ago today and still as fresh and vibrant as it was then. A true Classic. How fabulous this sounded in those days on my little turquoise transistor radio.”
A timeless masterpiece that transcends generations, The Righteous Brothers’ performance remains unforgettable.
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