Biography of The Righteous Brothers

The Righteous Brothers vocal duo consists of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield (both b.1941). Generally regarded as the popular originators of "blue-eyed soul," they originally formed as The Paramours in a stronger doo-wop style, eventually tackling harder R&B material in a more gospel-oriented fashion, prompting the name change. The duo's early recordings featured the hit "Little Latin Lupe Lu," written by Medley. The song quickly became a garage-band staple of the '60s, successfully covered by both The Kingsmen and Mitch Ryder. With producer Phil Spector, they scored Top Ten hits consistently with classic ballad material like "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and "Unchained Melody," the latter featured prominently in the movie Ghost. Even with label and production changes, the hits kept coming through the end of the '60s, when they went their separate ways. They reunited in 1974-1975, had another Top Ten smash with "Rock and Roll Heaven," and are still performing today to appreciative audiences. Their 21 entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and contribution to the music makes their eventual induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame a given. ~ Cub Koda