Bobby Hatfield's isolated LIVE vocal is on a different vocal LEVEL! Literally!

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  • Опубликовано: 29 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 1,3 тыс.

  • @farawayorganics
    @farawayorganics 2 года назад +1033

    I was in the audience at this show. Andy Griffiths later explained that Bobby was suffering from a head cold, which was why some of the song was a little “strained”. Most of the audience gasped in amazement. And it was his Mum only in the audience. I’m over 80 now, and this show (Bobby’s performance) is as fresh in my memory as yesterday.

    • @grand73am
      @grand73am 2 года назад +72

      Andy Williams you mean. Otherwise, thanks for your recollection of the performance!

    • @barbaraburton8914
      @barbaraburton8914 2 года назад +49

      You lucky dog to have heard this live. I was watching it at the time at home.

    • @carolynsteinecke
      @carolynsteinecke 2 года назад +28

      How great that you were there! In the intro, which is in some version of these videos, Bobby's voice sounds a touch hoarse. Thanks for the explanation!
      I was only 6 when this came out, & I didn't notice it until the movie "Ghost." Instant adoration!
      This live version still gives me chills. It's my son with my husband, & will be played at my funeral. God rest Bobby Hatfield. He owns this song.
      None other need try.

    • @HansDelbruck53
      @HansDelbruck53 2 года назад +9

      Andy Griffiths?

    • @if6was929
      @if6was929 2 года назад +15

      @@HansDelbruck53 Williams

  • @sourisvoleur4854
    @sourisvoleur4854 2 года назад +896

    One of the most incredible live vocal performances ever recorded, in my opinion. No words do it justice.

    • @doyoulikepiaf3323
      @doyoulikepiaf3323 2 года назад +39

      Agree! It’s just otherworldly..!

    • @geralyn-mm
      @geralyn-mm 2 года назад +52

      WITHOUT the music we can appreciate this man's talent even more. What a trip!

    • @alexb2351
      @alexb2351 2 года назад +21

      100% true!

    • @bradhuskers
      @bradhuskers 2 года назад +21

      @DoYouLikePiaf
      Yes, this is one of the greatest recordings, live or studio, in music history.
      My question is, why wasn't he able to record many critically acclaimed masterpieces, given the voice he had?
      Ella Fitzgerald, frank Sinatra, Ray charles, elvis presley, etc.....etc.......ALL created many critically acclaimed masterpieces in the recording studio. So why wasn't this the case with Bobby?
      Any observations?

    • @doyoulikepiaf3323
      @doyoulikepiaf3323 2 года назад +32

      @@bradhuskers reading his bio it seems he had a troubled life and not much luck with record companies and overall. One could only wish talent would always result in successful stories.. in the end external forces play a huge part and a lot of that great potential is sadly wasted 😢

  • @nancy9891
    @nancy9891 2 года назад +583

    His parents were in the audience and he truly could not have done a better job. So beautiful.

    • @louisejohnson6057
      @louisejohnson6057 2 года назад +52

      I always love that little boy smile he gives at the end of the performance. It's as if he's saying "Ma, I did it!". It's so cute.

    • @janetorman9131
      @janetorman9131 2 года назад +19

      Love his voice

    • @dwightdodd3734
      @dwightdodd3734 2 года назад +21

      NEVER equaled anywhere...................

    • @Friesian-q6u
      @Friesian-q6u 2 года назад +4

      That is so touching Nancy. Thank you for your comment🙏🏻

    • @williamboyd8688
      @williamboyd8688 2 года назад +7

      @@louisejohnson6057 I noticed that as well. He's impeccable.

  • @MostlyBuicks
    @MostlyBuicks 2 года назад +436

    As much as I like Elvis, Hatfield's performance of this song is the one to beat. And it has never been beaten.

    • @stege9979
      @stege9979 2 года назад +2

      Where Elvis will always beat Hatfield, and anyone other, is in the area of "Soul". That stuff/shit you sing actually mattered. In this particular version Bobby's on par with perfection of course. The usual Elvis version is from him around 6 weeks prior to his death.
      I don't want to make this about any pro/con argument (or am I?) but after all these years Bobby Hathfield's appearance on RUclips is limited to this one performance. Regarding Elvis we at least see 100's of very different videos/time periods.
      What I'm saying is: being a one hit wonder vs becoming a timeless legend are two very different areas.

    • @MostlyBuicks
      @MostlyBuicks 2 года назад +4

      @@stege9979 Elvis is my all time favorite. I have all his recordings, some many times over. I do not own a single Righteous Brothers song. Yes, Elvis was VERY sick when he performed this song in 1976 and 1977. He still pulled it out of his "soul" quite incredibly. Elvis could convey/communicate emotion with this singing like no other. Not contrived, but sincere and often understated. Sometime a bit over the top, but never contrived.
      But, I will still have to say Hatfield owns this song. Give credit where credit is due. It takes nothing away from Elvis to do so. Heck, he would be the first to point out and admire the talent of others. He once said he would never bother covering Roy Orbison.
      However there were several songs both Elvis and Orbison covered. I made a compilation CD in which I had to omit one or two songs due to the 80 minute time constraint. There were only TWO songs where Oribson matched or maybe beat Elvis' version of the song in my opinion. They were What'd I Say and Mean Woman Blues. And even those two are just a matter of taste as their approach was so different on these two (and most of the other) songs.
      Actually What'd I Say and Mean Woman Blues are really the only two songs that both Elvis and Orbison sang where I think Orbison did a great job. Once you get beyond the Monument Hits, very few of the album filler and a small percentage of the MGM material is very good at all. Not until his comeback did Orbison regain his mojo.

    • @zanhar7688
      @zanhar7688 2 года назад +18

      @@stege9979 Taking nothing from Elvis, who was a phenomenon with a phenomenal voice, don’t sell the Righteous Brothers and Bobby Hatfield short. This song is all over RUclips because of its perfection but there is plenty of their other music out there too. Bobby’s solo “Ebb Tide’ is another stunning example of his vocal range. They dominated the sixties with three albums and plenty of singles in the top 20 all at one time and that was before they encountered Phil Specter who produced their first #1. “You’ve Lost that Lovin Feeling’ was written for them and was the most played song in the 20th century. Their breakup in 68 sidelined a lot their hit-making but they got back together and have always had a strong following.
      The term ‘blue-eyed soul’ was coined for them …. And before they ‘hit it big’ Elvis used to go to see them at the clubs and lounges where they were playing when he was in town making movies. He would also call in requests for their songs when they were on Shindig, and particularly admired Bill’s bass-baritone voice.

    • @johndevlin347
      @johndevlin347 2 года назад +13

      So true. Elvis is my all time favorite performer but this solo will never be bear. Hats off to Bobby.

    • @poorthing
      @poorthing 2 года назад +33

      WHAT? WHAT? Elvis who?
      NOBODY can sing this except Bobby

  • @jamesoconnor2753
    @jamesoconnor2753 2 года назад +341

    Singers who can sing! What a concept!

    • @pookiepookie8669
      @pookiepookie8669 2 года назад +12

      I know. Glad I got to live through those times and had an opportunity to see and hear many live.

    • @MsBenlane
      @MsBenlane 2 года назад +13

      i suppose the days of singers who came out and sang are gone with computers and lip synching.

    • @jamesthecat
      @jamesthecat 2 года назад +13

      @@MsBenlane I think it'll come back, and Fil is playing an important part in encouraging it!

    • @joeyricefried9621
      @joeyricefried9621 2 года назад +13

      Wish it was still like this. Technology gets better, Music gets worse.

    • @prestachuck2867
      @prestachuck2867 2 года назад +3

      @@MsBenlane In a lot of pop music. There are still some younger artists who are not faking it. Check out The Black Pumas, or Jeremy and The Harlequins, Kaleo, George Ezra. They’re all around us.

  • @ralphdye451
    @ralphdye451 Год назад +44

    There is so much to analyse with this performance. Bobby is a pure tenor giving us an operatic lesson in how to sing and utilize to scales. I wrote Plácido Domingo and asked him to comment. Twice, finally he responded. Aside from some reservations he had in pronunciations, he rated it A+, saying that Bobby's "climbing the ladder" at the end, he could hear the angels sing.

    • @BiddyBiccy
      @BiddyBiccy Месяц назад

      This is amazing! THE Plácido Domingo! I wonder what Bobby would have thought about that comment from him.

  • @EyesOfTheInternet
    @EyesOfTheInternet 2 года назад +122

    The moment when Boby Hatfield sang this live, for that moment anyway, he was the greatest singer in the world.

  • @diane9247
    @diane9247 Год назад +154

    A voice to break hearts. So nuanced, absolutely gorgeous. Here I am, 75 years old, and I still get goosebumps!

  • @JosephEMcIsaac
    @JosephEMcIsaac Год назад +19

    It was live! Live! The definition of "professional singer".

  • @andidreyes5323
    @andidreyes5323 Год назад +27

    I once heard that the Righteous Brothers could literally span the tones of a piano. Bill hit all the low notes to not quite halfway...and Bobby hit it all the rest of the way up.

  • @chuckcarles8288
    @chuckcarles8288 Год назад +83

    I am 81 and have heard several artists before Bobby’s version and several after. No one comes close to this, Bobby owns it. This version came out as I was headed for Viet Nam. You can feel the loneliness in the words and the way we felt as we were away from our families for one long year. Bill and Bobby always did one solo on each of their albums and while on tour. They both wanted to do “Unchained”, so they flipped a coin. The music was written as the theme for the little-known prison film “Unchained” (January 1955), hence the song title. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack. It has since become a standard and one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, most notably by the Righteous Brothers. The movie “Unchained” is about a man in prison and longing for his wife and children. Hoping his wife will still be there when he gets out. So, you can now understand the meaning of the song. The movie was not very good, or so my friends told me. But we were all teenagers so what did we know. Several artists sang it and it made the billboard top 100. But no one can come close to Bobby Hatfield’s version. Bobby’s version hit the top ten chart. And did it again when it was used in the movie “Ghost” It has since become a standard and one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, most notably by Bobby. According to the song's publishing administrator, over 1,500 recordings of "Unchained Melody" have been made by more than 670 artists, in multiple languages.

    • @leahmollytheblindcatnordee3586
      @leahmollytheblindcatnordee3586 Год назад +1

      You are so right, I never realized why this song had so much effect on my feelings, loneliness is the perfect word. Thank you.

    • @commonsense6967
      @commonsense6967 11 месяцев назад +4

      It always reminds me of the Vietnam War era, also. And writing letters to my boyfriend in Vietnam, who did two tours of duty over there. There's so much longing in that song, as done by the incomparable Bobby Hatfield.

    • @Larry-g4y3i
      @Larry-g4y3i 8 месяцев назад +4

      I remember Bill singing "Old Man River" as a solo and I was floored. I can only imagine how Gershwin would have felt hearing that being done by this white guy. Bill and Bobby were unique. Where they found their voices, who knows? But finding each other and doing what they did was something to behold.

    • @christytaylor5000
      @christytaylor5000 25 дней назад

      Love this Song by Bobby Hatfield 🎤🎹❤️

  • @Wormfish
    @Wormfish 2 года назад +298

    Such a haunting, beautiful voice. NO AUTOTUNE kids. Pure talent on display. Thanks Fil!

    • @finallythere100
      @finallythere100 2 года назад +8

      When he sings lonely river sighs to oo oo oo oo the sea - it makes me think of the river movement heading for the sea..

    • @Wormfish
      @Wormfish Год назад +2

      Yes

    • @myhatmygandhi6217
      @myhatmygandhi6217 11 месяцев назад +2

      Not all the kids these days use autotune.

  • @kennethwoodby4528
    @kennethwoodby4528 Год назад +34

    he just stands there totally relaxed and effortlessly bellows out the most beautiful notes i have ever heard from man

  • @maryanngarrimone1153
    @maryanngarrimone1153 2 года назад +60

    OMG...the late Bobby Hatfield! What a voice! He owns this song! No auto tunes, just pure raw talent! I'm 74 yrs old and remember when the Righteous came out in 1964. Love you, Bobby! RIP 💖 🙏

  • @johntrench
    @johntrench 2 года назад +180

    The rarest of all voice types, a true contra tenor, and a consummate performer, nothing in excess, totally in control at all times, at every point in his incredible vocal range, with no strain, completely effortless and relaxed throughout his entire range. An amazing talent. This is one of the most amazing live performances in modern music history, and possibly through all of the known history of live musical performances. I would argue that it is the finest live singing performance, but I freely admit that is just my opinion. Bobby Hatfield’s voice, his talent, and this performance, are all wonderful gifts, and I am grateful that it has been preserved, and has been rediscovered by today’s generation, it’s viral spread throughout social media making it evident that it touches people’s hearts today at least as much today as it did on the day he performed this song. It is all the more impressive given that it was totally live, one take, and just him, his talent, and a simple microphone, no auto tune or any other computerized tricks of the trade available today.
    He was, it has been reported, suffering tremendous stage fright at the time, and his mother was in the audience listening to him sing, and was striving to impress her and make her proud. I have also heard that he had a head cold at the time. All of these things provides a perspective and a context for this already incredibly impressive performance, that takes it to a whole new level.
    Rest In peace, Bobby Hatfield. Your voice, your talent, and your good humor, are all sorely missed.
    Thank you for this excellent and insightful analysis of his vocal range and performance in this piece.

    • @keithvieira4679
      @keithvieira4679 Год назад +9

      And the world just talk about Elvis! Elvis didnt know how to sing compared to Bobby!!

    • @timothykscarborough7047
      @timothykscarborough7047 Год назад +6

      I can't imagine what Bobby would sound like performing without a head cold, can you!? What a professional and talent!! What a special man and I am still saddened by his death as he was. preparing to go on stage when he had heart failure in his hotel room at the age of 62 in 2003. Sing on, Bobby, we still miss you so!!!🎵🎶😞

    • @ivanalaff5346
      @ivanalaff5346 Год назад +1

      Wowzers!

    • @nagagab9224
      @nagagab9224 Год назад +5

      not a counter tenor at all- a real tenor - countertenors are baritones with falsetto- he sings in head voice very often instead of falsetto

    • @jrbleau
      @jrbleau Год назад +3

      "I would argue that it is the finest live singing performance, but I freely admit that is just my opinion." - not just your opinion - mine as well.

  • @whitneymacdonald4396
    @whitneymacdonald4396 Год назад +24

    What a great breakdown to get to, ultimately, "That is ****ing unbelievable." "Often imitated, never matched." Also, I just love your appreciation for all these great artists. It makes me smile every time.

  • @patricias5122
    @patricias5122 Год назад +47

    They were born with tremendous talent, but these two worked and worked and worked, when they were very young. Practiced. That's important to point out, I think. The way Bobby can bend those notes is extraordinary....There was no such thing as auto-tune. There is nothing today that compares to this. Nothing.

  • @lstj2979
    @lstj2979 Год назад +10

    When Bobby moves his jaw he is also rotating the sound. It rolls it slightly and gives a gentle sound variation.

  • @dagmar.6954
    @dagmar.6954 2 года назад +186

    Best version hands down of this classic song. Absolutely loved the Righteous Brothers. Their style of music was referred to as blue-eyed soul. Sadly we lost Bobby Hatfield almost 20 years ago now. He had such a beautiful one of a kind voice.

  • @sheririos7534
    @sheririos7534 2 года назад +234

    I don't think Bobby was ever under appreciated. Anyone hearing that voice knows that he was so talented. Thank you Fil for visiting this song again.

    • @JohnRodriguesPhotographer
      @JohnRodriguesPhotographer 2 года назад +4

      He has been, sadly, somewhat forgotten. People associate this song more with the movie Ghost than the Righteous Brothers. At least in my opinion.

    • @beatatshamwari101
      @beatatshamwari101 2 года назад +4

      I agree Sheri, I, for one, am of the opinion that he was very much appreciated. Then again I am 72 years old!!

    • @opaulamorgan4265
      @opaulamorgan4265 2 года назад +1

      @@JohnRodriguesPhotographer this is because they were too young to have experienced this genre of music. Now, they know what they missed by being born in the wrong generation!

    • @22lyric
      @22lyric Год назад +3

      I DO think he was under appreciated. Even though you read so many good things about him and so many people loved his voice, you DIDN'T hear/see him in the media enough. I'm 74 and remember when this came out. And I've noticed when he's been played or talked about on TV, etc. I think the fact that he and Bill feuded and wasted so many years had a lot to do with it. We can love and appreciate him more than anything but it doesn't mean he didn't deserve a LOT more appreciation than he got!

    • @22lyric
      @22lyric Год назад +4

      ​@@beatatshamwari101I'm 74, he still deserves more appreciation than he got.

  • @Rid3thetig3r
    @Rid3thetig3r 2 года назад +72

    Bobby's little smile at the end. He knew he'd absolutely crushed it!

  • @Ceelle2
    @Ceelle2 2 года назад +48

    Was in elementary school when the Righteous Brothers hit...we loved them in the Black neighborhood where I grew up. They got their name from Black military folks who called their singing "righteous." This performance is gold.

  • @zster09
    @zster09 2 года назад +178

    I have the distinct pleasure of having seen Bobby Hatfield live in a very small venue. This was right after they broke up. When he began to sing this song I was wondering how good it would be live. It was as you hear. Unfreakin' believable! Thank you Fil for quantifying this performance. He is the best singer I have ever seen live.

    • @JenLoAdaM
      @JenLoAdaM 2 года назад +6

      You're a lucky man!

    • @chocho8036
      @chocho8036 2 года назад +3

      lucky you

    • @chocho8036
      @chocho8036 2 года назад +3

      i barely know this duo and i am envious of you

    • @aleccaprani5906
      @aleccaprani5906 3 месяца назад

      Excellent analysis and excellent vocal performance by the late great BH. R.I.P.

  • @jeanettesmith765
    @jeanettesmith765 2 года назад +67

    Thrilling - no matter how many times I hear him sing this.

  • @janicesnyder9305
    @janicesnyder9305 2 года назад +64

    His softening of his voice to draw in the audience is an example of a speaking tactic. As a teacher, I learned that it was impossible for my one voice to overcome the class of 25. I found that if I lowered my voice, the kids would quiet down in order to hear what I was saying. Bobby was a true artist who, as so many, left us too soon.

  • @denisebohar4338
    @denisebohar4338 2 года назад +34

    Easily one of the greatest voices ever

  • @colinkeefe
    @colinkeefe 2 года назад +161

    Our band played with Bobby Hatfield’s band for a week at a club in Atlanta back in 1973. He sang solo with a back up band and we alternated sets. He was good, but it seemed like he was phoning it in or maybe pacing himself. Until their final set on Saturday night when he let loose on Unchained Melody…looking over at us as if to say “See…I’ve still got it!” And he NAILED it.
    They stayed at the same motel as us (8 Days Inn) so we got to party with them several nights. On an interesting side note - Tommy Shaw was in our band then (MSFunk) and you’ve done some fantastic videos of him on your channel.
    Small world huh…! ;~)

    • @CaffeineInjected
      @CaffeineInjected 2 года назад +5

      Awesome! Tommy shaw! Love em. Thanks for the story colin!

    • @lilibetmargaret
      @lilibetmargaret 2 года назад +7

      Wonderful vignette! Thanks for this story!

    • @jerryglen986
      @jerryglen986 2 года назад +2

      Bobby like to party.

    • @bcpr9812
      @bcpr9812 2 года назад +4

      It's funny... I just clicked over to this video from watching a video by Kitten Lady, aka Hannah Shaw, aka Tommy Shaw's daughter😸

    • @Bamaboompa
      @Bamaboompa 2 года назад +2

      Were you in the band with Shaw from Montgomery AL? When I’d go see a good friend there maybe 76-78, he’d always want to go to the bowling alley where they were playing in the bar. Y’all-they?- were great then not very long I read Tommy had moved on.

  • @a.duncan6791
    @a.duncan6791 Год назад +41

    I've watched a number of these reaction and analysis videos for Bobby's Unchained Melody. Many commenters, especially those who give their age, pine for the days when singers could sing without electronic aid for voice adjustments. I studied voice, especially classics and opera, and I know how absolutely difficult it is to make something look effortless. Bobby made it seem as if he was as relaxed as most of us feel when we're listening to ocean waves. He was a master of his craft. I'm sure, if there is such a thing as heaven, his voice and his songs are in high demand. RIP BH.
    I appreciated your presentation. It reaffirmed the mechanics behind this great "live" performance. Thanks...

  • @wendylee8436
    @wendylee8436 3 месяца назад +3

    You can clearly hear he had a head cold of some sort, he sounded congested.
    BUT I still cried and got goose bumps. This song punches you in the heart. We miss you Bobby!

  • @stevenkerr8965
    @stevenkerr8965 2 года назад +56

    I don't need a computer to know this guy is amazing lol. Excellent analysis as usual.

  • @barbaramay1866
    @barbaramay1866 5 месяцев назад +9

    This is perfection. Look at his shy smile at the end. 💕💕So adorable.

  • @armymomheatherc
    @armymomheatherc 2 года назад +287

    TY 4 this! Bobby Hatfield was impeccable!! Its not talked about nearly enough. The man was angelic and his range stands alone in an elite group.

    • @johndevlin347
      @johndevlin347 2 года назад +6

      Well said

    • @bradhuskers
      @bradhuskers 2 года назад +5

      @john devlin
      Yes, this is a masterpiece.
      However, that being said, why wasn't he able to record many critically acclaimed masterpieces?
      Given that voice, he should've easily been able to.
      But strangely, he didn't.
      Ella Fitzgerald, frank Sinatra, Ray charles, elvis presley, etc....etc......etc....
      All recorded many critically acclaimed masterpieces in the recording studio. Yet for some reason, Bobby didn't do it.
      Which is very strange considering his masterpiece here.
      Any thoughts?

    • @Faristol7
      @Faristol7 2 года назад +7

      Brad rawsner... Interesting you should say this - l've wondered for some time why he just wasn't 'more famous'...???? That kind of voice was unique.

    • @bradhuskers
      @bradhuskers 2 года назад +5

      @@Faristol7
      100% correct. With a beautiful voice and perfect delivery, it really makes you wonder why he doesn't have a massive body of critically acclaimed recordings. Sometimes that is just the way the chips fall.

    • @katie-didellis2437
      @katie-didellis2437 2 года назад +7

      @@bradhuskers It is sad he didn't have more. Would have loved to hear what he could have done.

  • @LindaLandry79
    @LindaLandry79 Год назад +49

    Bobby was a master at utilizing his voice as in instrument. His talent was in using his voice to tell the story of the song as well as his body to create emotion. He felt his music and was able to convey that feeling to the listener. No amount of critique can enhance nor discount the unbelievable perfection and emotion of this performance. Bobby makes it his own with his 'soulful' enhancements. RIP Bobby Hatfield; you are truly missed.

  • @kathleenmckeithen118
    @kathleenmckeithen118 2 года назад +48

    He was just amazing. I was born in 1948 and graduated high school in 1966 so I was blessed to hear this music when it was new. It's still new!!

  • @ronniebarba3263
    @ronniebarba3263 Год назад +24

    His breathing, rhythm and emotions mixed is perfect. He's made this song and his rendition so persuasive. We teach music as well and I know what I'm saying. His style is his very own, nobody can say he should and shouldn't do this and that. His rendition is the best among all the singers through all the years. ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @redherring9444
    @redherring9444 Год назад +15

    many people try that song , have heard a few decent versions , But , Bobby will OWN that song forever , just perfect , unbeatable

  • @TheLastPharm
    @TheLastPharm Год назад +7

    All I can say is that this guy, with this one song and performance, managed to define what the idea of unconditional love must be.
    I don't think that he understood that by releasing this single that it would be his ticket to immortality.
    Pure legend.

  • @badplay156
    @badplay156 2 года назад +207

    These analyses that you are doing really showcase the true talent of these singers. It makes someone appreciate them even more

  • @pookiepookie8669
    @pookiepookie8669 2 года назад +55

    Love how he starts with the breathy voice until that 1st big jump up and continues to accelerate until that incredible ending. Lovely.

  • @geralyn-mm
    @geralyn-mm 2 года назад +148

    This is the most amazing song and performance of all time. The stunning beauty of eye and ear candy .....has any other performance eclipsed it? To watch Fil's smiles was the frosting on this beautiful cake. Thank you Fil and Bobby!

    • @johndevlin347
      @johndevlin347 2 года назад +7

      Totally agree

    • @katie-didellis2437
      @katie-didellis2437 2 года назад +7

      I know seeing Fil's smiles of amazement and approval just add to this video.

    • @kevinandlisa6952
      @kevinandlisa6952 2 года назад +11

      And the most requested love song on pop radio of all time!

  • @chocho8036
    @chocho8036 2 года назад +13

    i am convinced now that Bobby Hatfield is an angel ..
    especially the smile he gives at the end.
    he looks like he just finished his effortless heaven magic.

  • @lolagibson2044
    @lolagibson2044 2 года назад +10

    This live performance was better than the studio recording. Bobby nailed it 100+ %.

  • @bryanstaddon5998
    @bryanstaddon5998 Год назад +13

    So glad there were no egomaniac producers “fixing” his voice. Saw them once, gave up singing out of embarrassment! This is Holy Grail stuff!

  • @randolphpick3057
    @randolphpick3057 Год назад +18

    This by far is BEST VERSION!!! The ease, control, and range are UNPARALLED. I CAN,T VISIALIZE ANYONE TODAY EVEN COMING CLOSE TO BOBBY EVEN WITH AUTOTONE. C-A-S-E C-L-O-S-E-D

  • @coldlakealta4043
    @coldlakealta4043 2 года назад +26

    I personally regard this performance as the single most brilliant I have ever seen or heard. I can never listen to the perfection of Mr. Hatfield's performance too much. Esteemed vocalists recording in high-tech studios cannot match this live demonstration of what the human voice is capable of.

  • @harrietthowever3351
    @harrietthowever3351 9 месяцев назад +3

    I would love to hear your assessment of Bobby Hatfield's "Summertime" performance! So different from "Unchained Melody".

    • @spoodlew
      @spoodlew 9 месяцев назад +3

      I was coming here to suggest that. Summertime is so phenomenal but on the opposite side of the spectrum. I read a comment that said Bobby invented a few notes. If anyone could, it would have been Bobby.

  • @tammydoolittle6054
    @tammydoolittle6054 2 года назад +102

    This song is spellbinding! It gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it. Beautiful!

  • @faxcapper
    @faxcapper 2 года назад +27

    The other version of this Andy Williams talks to Bobbie and Bill before and after the song. When Bill and Andy walk out onto the stage and looks Bobbie right in the eyes and sticks out his hand. Andy Williams to me looked like he was in awe of that performance! !!!

  • @Tin_Man1
    @Tin_Man1 2 года назад +20

    Bobby Hatfield produces the gold standard of this beautiful ballad. Incredible performance.

  • @ronkrupovich7152
    @ronkrupovich7152 2 года назад +119

    I've seen this video dozens of times and I'm still shocked at the quality of Bobby's live performance. Thanks for showing this.

  • @EvaderGuy
    @EvaderGuy 11 месяцев назад +4

    Also he made it seem so effortless.!

  • @razvanmazilu6284
    @razvanmazilu6284 2 года назад +55

    This was performed long before I was born and here I am listening to it yet again, nearly two decades after Bobby's departure from this world.
    Honestly this is one of those legendary performances that will probably be looked back upon even when those of us listening to it now will have long turned to dust.

  • @FriendofDorothy
    @FriendofDorothy 2 года назад +13

    This man could've had a hell of a solo career. He is the very definition of blue-eyed soul and an extraordinary singer. "Unchained Melody" is one of the greatest pop singles ever recorded IMHO.

  • @americansuperdad5769
    @americansuperdad5769 Год назад +7

    My favorite male vocalist of all time. He gave us an impressive gift. Thank you, Mr. Hatfield!

  • @BigBadWolf1st
    @BigBadWolf1st 2 года назад +21

    Rarely do I feel like a singer is really feeling what they're singing. Harry Nilsson's "Without You" (especially the last chorus) is one of the few that hit me hard in the ole emotional gut. Watching Bobby sing this without the music and with so much ease yet put (what I interpret as) some feeling into it by changing up as much as he does really makes me appreciate it more than I have in the past. His voice is a masterpiece.

  • @rosamarija8930
    @rosamarija8930 Год назад +27

    The most beautiful voice and song I ever heard...Since I heard it for first time,I never stopped playing it..Bobby Hatfield we miss you so much...Everytime I see you and hear you,,you melt my heart...I love you Bobby... Rest in Peace precious and beautiful soul ❤️❤️❤️

  • @walfredswanson
    @walfredswanson 2 года назад +11

    Bobby’s melisma is what too many singers cannot do today. It’s tasteful and intensifies the emotion, not mere acrobatics.

  • @paul8926
    @paul8926 2 года назад +45

    One of my favorite male singers who was very underrated in his vocal talent. Sad to have lost this great singer.

    • @stevenkerr8965
      @stevenkerr8965 2 года назад +5

      Who would ever underrate this guy? Seems impossible.

    • @graceholaday4793
      @graceholaday4793 2 года назад +7

      Don't agree that he was underrated.

    • @kasperkjrsgaard1447
      @kasperkjrsgaard1447 2 года назад +6

      Underrated is an overrated word

    • @jessieball6195
      @jessieball6195 2 года назад

      @@kasperkjrsgaard1447 lol. Yes, and who would ever consider arguably the greatest male singer ever, as underrated?

    • @patricialabbe1416
      @patricialabbe1416 Год назад

      Not under-rated ever.

  • @mamb70
    @mamb70 2 года назад +119

    The Dynamic Duo Bobby and Bill Medley were both two of the greatest singers ever. To me Unchained Melody is Bobby's song and will always be his song. Very much appreciate the respect you gave him and the other singers voices u analyze. Keep up the good work.

  • @lecoq591
    @lecoq591 2 года назад +11

    Bobby had the greatest voice ever...! His vocal range in this song was truly unbelievable....

  • @supervisorone5960
    @supervisorone5960 Год назад +31

    Bobby had such a beautiful voice that I feel grateful to him for sharing his talent with us as expressed in this song

  • @crystalregan2481
    @crystalregan2481 2 года назад +10

    He smiled at the end.. he knew nailed it absolutely beautiful vocals

  • @sonyawasmer2344
    @sonyawasmer2344 2 года назад +108

    So beautiful! Bobby and Bill's harmonies were magical!

    • @debralarose8790
      @debralarose8790 2 года назад +5

      They sure were! Always loved the Righteous Brothers, especially this song. So glad I was able to see them back in the day at the Circle Star Theatre.

  • @pjesf
    @pjesf 2 года назад +32

    17:10 "If you've watched any of these vocal analysis videos before..." - I've watched them all. This was such a good one; Bobby Hatfield sure had some mad skills

  • @carrieorsel1340
    @carrieorsel1340 Год назад +5

    Bobby knows this song inside and out. I love how he plays with the melody. Plus, I can't unhear the fact that he has a cold in this performance.... a true professional and talent. So very missed.

  • @toodlescae
    @toodlescae 2 года назад +22

    From what I understand he also had a head cold that day. I watched this performance that night at 4 yrs old. I was already in love with music thanks to my family singing together all the time. Listening to talent like Bobby and Elvis gave me a life long fascination with music that is still with me at 60.

    • @joeculpepper9960
      @joeculpepper9960 2 года назад +5

      Sometimes the last day or so of a receding head cold gives a certain tone that accentuates a vocal. Odd but true.

  • @nanook8721
    @nanook8721 2 года назад +23

    I have a recording of Bobby Hatfield singing ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story. I’ve listened to it hundreds of times, and his rendition never ceases to deeply touch me. It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard.

  • @andre_p
    @andre_p 9 месяцев назад +2

    The very end of the song - and the video - shows Bobby’s face once the final note has been sung. I mean, look at him: he’ so calm, so collected. No sweat, no flared nostrils, no bulging eyes, no eyebrows merging with the hairline… just an air of insouciance, sheer physical happiness and emotional bliss.

  • @mttaylor129
    @mttaylor129 2 года назад +17

    I heard him sing that live, a cappella, in the Latin Casino in New Jersey. Late 60s or early 70s. They did several shows a week, I think, so he performed this level consistently, reliably. His performance was truly amazing. As I recall, the audience gave him a standing ovation.

  • @stephenlane9168
    @stephenlane9168 Год назад +6

    Bobby Hatfield RIP legendary Tenor 👌so naturally gifted. Awesome 👏

  • @christinamitchell7356
    @christinamitchell7356 Год назад +9

    True talent. He owns this song

  • @armymomheatherc
    @armymomheatherc 2 года назад +62

    You may the first expert to mention the Jaw thing pertaining to him and generally speaking. Great info!! I noticed that and always wondered why he did that. Thanks for explaining.

  • @barryhambly7711
    @barryhambly7711 Год назад +8

    Thank goodness there was no Autotuning back then or voice shaping this is a real voice that has life in it and draws you in with real feeling., the best ever recorded live performs by anyone that I have heard with that control of sound

  • @58joana
    @58joana 2 года назад +22

    I knew Bobby was great I knew it was a wonderful song. But now I know I wasn't wrong!

  • @juliajones1425
    @juliajones1425 2 года назад +69

    Bobby singing that particular song always gives me chills and goosebumps. Emotional, technical, mind blowing, certainly never duplicated. Thanks, Fil!

  • @markr.devereux3385
    @markr.devereux3385 2 года назад +47

    I've heard for a long time what a great voice this man had from his early days how soulful it was. With an isolated track it is so obvious. Great analysis.

  • @randolphpick3057
    @randolphpick3057 2 года назад +9

    ****The RANGE combined with the effortless CONTROL, THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER VERSION LIKE THIS****

  • @SeanCleverly
    @SeanCleverly 2 года назад +62

    Everyone who loves music knows how awesome Bobby Hatfield was, so it is absolutely brilliant seeing what makes him so great and on top of that having it all explained, at the technical level, why he was just so good. As always your analysis is super insightful, coherent, and most of all you help those of us with little, or no, technical understanding, to truly appreciate the amazing talent of this man.

  • @jackeetaylor2671
    @jackeetaylor2671 2 года назад +93

    We sometimes forget how awesome Fil's voice is! This was GREAT to hear it alongside Bobby's!! Thank you Fil. Truly a video to keep!! Loving it all the way from Texas, USA. ❤

    • @dsoule4902
      @dsoule4902 2 года назад +2

      I noticed that here and with his Judy Garland clip. 😘

  • @Sheerkat7
    @Sheerkat7 2 года назад +16

    Bobby was in his early 20's here - so polished and professional. Amazing voice.

  • @WildIronLizzy
    @WildIronLizzy 2 года назад +66

    Love Bobby Hatfield! So glad you did Hatfield vocals. He is one of my favourite singers. His vocal nuances are breathtaking. Very emotive singer. Also, his breath control is admirable. ❤ 💯👌I love how versatile he is with his vocals too like on his 1972 solo rock album called 'Messin' in Muscles Shoals' where he is much more aggresive in delivering the vocals for uptempo rock music. Big departure from Unchained Melody.😊

    • @WildIronLizzy
      @WildIronLizzy 2 года назад +7

      Oh, you maybe interested, on his solo album, he hits a Eb6 on 'If I Asked You' 😊

  • @Guardducks
    @Guardducks 2 года назад +62

    Crazy range. He hits that high effortlessly. Nice video. 🤘🏼

  • @catserver8577
    @catserver8577 Год назад +28

    Have watched the video so many times, because not only is it beautiful, he seems so peaceful performing it. Like he knows he can knock it out of the park, and he's glad to share it with everyone. And they agree.

  • @bbb462cid
    @bbb462cid 2 года назад +58

    I'm glad you revisited this one Fil. Hatfield is literally awe-inspiring here. I can't help but feel good listening to this.

  • @brookehornback1896
    @brookehornback1896 2 года назад +49

    I was always curious how many octaves he hit in this song.Great analysis.

    • @silby1867
      @silby1867 2 года назад +10

      Me too. G5!!! Many women can't get G5! So impressive and so effortless. What a talent!

    • @Hollylivengood
      @Hollylivengood 2 года назад +7

      Love how he says "he just glides up there." For real. Isn't that up there in soprano range?

  • @AliasMark69
    @AliasMark69 2 года назад +19

    “The Righteous Brothers” are considered by most to be the Greatest Male Vocal Duet Of All Time. I agree. Between Bill Medley’s Lows and Bobby Hatfield’s Highs they can hit every note on an 73 key piano. No other male singers can do that. Legendary.
    “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’ was the most played song on radio in the 20th Century
    "Unchained Melody" - Bobby Hatfield Live 1965 Andy Williams Show . Considered by most as The Greatest Live Male Vocal Performance In History... I agree. Bobby’s use of “Runs” is masterful. He created the style and set the table that all others have fed off of for decades. 7 notes just to say the word “I” is melodic brilliance.
    Their name came from doing a show near a marine base in So Calif and a black marine said to them…. You two guys are Righteous Brothers.
    In 1983, in Newport Beach O.C. Calif. Bill and Bobby at the Jolly Roger Restaurant . I was 13 feet away for... "Unchained Melody"- "You've Lost That Lovin Feeling" - "Soul And Inspiration".... They were perfect, awesome, amazing, incredible......

    • @beckyraskin3280
      @beckyraskin3280 2 года назад

      I'm pretty sure it was "soul and inspiration" that was the most requested song on the radio for the 20th century. I didn't know about them being the greatest male vocal duo. I wonder how they found each other? It was obviously fated, not random. I didn't know they broke up, I know Bobby died at a relatively young age.

    • @zanhar7688
      @zanhar7688 2 года назад +1

      @@beckyraskin3280 It was ‘you’ve lost that Lovin’ Feeling’ which was the most requested of the 20th century. UM was the most requested in the year of its second release (1990). The Righteous Brothers met up because they both had small bands and were virtually the only white groups doing rock n roll music in So Cal at that time. They dropped in to hear each other and eventually joined forces, finding they loved the same music and that their voices blended beautifully. They broke up in 1968 to follow solo careers, reuniting in 1974. They had another hit song right away (Rock n Roll Heaven) but Bill took a break again in 1976 When his ex-wife was murdered and he became a single dad to his 10 yr old son. They started singing together again in 1981, continuing to perform to packed houses until 2003 when Bobby died. Bill is still performing at age 81.

    • @Aurora-tp3dy
      @Aurora-tp3dy 2 года назад +1

      @@zanhar7688 The guitarist, Barry Rillera, played with both groups and suggested they catch each others acts. If one or both of them didn't know Barry, the Righteous Brothers probably would never have happened. Talk about fate.

    • @zanhar7688
      @zanhar7688 2 года назад +1

      @@Aurora-tp3dy True … but sometimes you can get too bogged down in details when explaining connections 😊. They might well have run into each other anyway, just because they liked the same music -but Barry made it a sure thing… and we all benefited 😁

    • @alrightbal9190
      @alrightbal9190 11 месяцев назад

      ​@@beckyraskin3280it was You've Lost that Lovin'Feelin that was the most played song on radio and television in the 20th century!

  • @davidkettell6236
    @davidkettell6236 Год назад +23

    Not much to say , just sit back and be amazed by the greatest voice of all time.

  • @sanderiggs8916
    @sanderiggs8916 2 года назад +50

    I always love that high range. He could just sing. That being said, the way he kept it together flawlessly, is amazing. I love the analysis that you do about their power and ranges, and flawlessness . Thank you. ❤️

  • @diannelovejoy5514
    @diannelovejoy5514 2 года назад +40

    This still hits my emotions the way it did when I watched this decades ago. Thank you for another great analysis. 💗💗

  • @candaceterry8371
    @candaceterry8371 2 года назад +6

    Not only a beautiful voice, a beautiful man. I had the pleasure of chatting with him in an art gallery.

    • @lesliegeddes7896
      @lesliegeddes7896 2 года назад +3

      What a pleasure that must have been! 👏🏻💜Could you share anything more about your conversation or him as a person? Bobby Hatfield's voice and the way he makes the song come to life mesmerize me. Thanks.

  • @eawe
    @eawe 2 года назад +7

    Bobby Hatfield is an icon. Him w/bill medley made magic. The righteous Brothers legacy lives on. Thank you for this one.

  • @tilog6839
    @tilog6839 Год назад +4

    This is one of the best live performances I've ever heard and I didn't think I could be more impressed with Bobby Hatfield's great voice until I heard this incredible performance with the music removed. He was an amazing talent. Thanks for sharing your expertise on why he was such an amazing singer.

  • @frankofva8803
    @frankofva8803 2 года назад +30

    This series of videos on vocals is like a Master Class for beginners. Great job.

  • @GenxJul
    @GenxJul Год назад +5

    What is it that causes us to get goosebumps when some people
    Sing ? It’s it a tone, or a note? This is one of these rare songs that actually gives me goosebumps.

    • @Gavingamingandvlogs15
      @Gavingamingandvlogs15 10 месяцев назад +2

      It happens because the hair erecting muscles are part of the sympathetic nervous system. When stimulated by brain signals, the muscles contract, making the hairs stand up. When we feel strong emotions, our brains release the same chemicals that tell the muscles to contract and to form goose bumps.

    • @GenxJul
      @GenxJul 10 месяцев назад

      @@Gavingamingandvlogs15 thank you

  • @drewpall2598
    @drewpall2598 2 года назад +44

    Excellent analysis Fil, excellent vocals by Bobby Hatfield. you both nailed it!

  • @CynVee
    @CynVee 4 месяца назад +1

    My absolute favorite live vocal of all time. Thank you Fil. All of us old-timers knew what we were hearing when we first heard it. Pure perfection. No auto tune, no pitch correction. Just pure natural talent.

  • @beverlystebbins3893
    @beverlystebbins3893 Год назад +4

    Bravo Bobby!! And thank you for pointing out all the info with your comments. Brilliant!

  • @barfingobummergo
    @barfingobummergo 2 года назад +14

    Bobby was able to capture the full meaning of the song with the way he sang this song. I have a friend who has done this song without the falsetto, and it really is incredible, but the falsetto notes seem to add the crying type aspect that seal this song with Bobby's version. It gives you chills to hear his feelings throughout this song.

  • @kayrogers880
    @kayrogers880 Год назад +4

    I cry every time I hear this song. Bobby was such a beautiful & talented man. Loved him & Bill together ❤

  • @Apollyon-er4ut
    @Apollyon-er4ut 5 месяцев назад +2

    This is one of the most beautiful love songs of all time, and this performance was one of the amazing.