Introduction
The captivating and emotive power of music has the ability to transcend time and touch the depths of our souls.
Unchained Melody, a song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret, is a perfect example of such a timeless ballad.
Originally written in 1955 for the film Unchained, this song has become a standard and one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century.
In this article, we will explore the origins of Unchained Melody, the various artists who have performed it, and the impact it has had throughout the years.
The Birth of a Melody
The story behind Unchained Melody begins with the film Unchained, released in 1955.
Alex North, the composer, was approached to create the score for this prison movie.
Inspired by the film’s theme, North composed a beautiful melody that perfectly captured the emotions of the prisoners as they await their freedom.
To bring the melody to life, he enlisted the help of lyricist Hy Zaret. Initially hesitant due to other commitments, Zaret eventually agreed to write the lyrics for the song.
Zaret, however, decided not to include the word unchained in the lyrics, contrary to the producer’s request.
Instead, he focused on the longing of someone who yearns for a distant lover.
The result was a poignant and heartfelt composition that would soon become known as Unchained Melody.
Todd Duncan and the Movie Soundtrack
In the film Unchained, the vocals for Unchained Melody were performed by Todd Duncan.
The scene in which he sings the song is a poignant moment, with Duncan lying on a bed, accompanied by a fellow prisoner on guitar, while others listen with a sense of melancholy.
Duncan’s rendition of the song added depth and emotion to the film, earning him recognition and praise.
It is worth noting that Unchained Melody was nominated for an Academy Award in 1955 but ultimately lost to the hit song Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing.
Despite this loss, the song’s popularity continued to grow, cementing its place as a timeless classic.
The Righteous Brothers: A Definitive Version
While several artists recorded their versions of Unchained Melody in the 1950s, it was the rendition by The Righteous Brothers that would become the definitive version of the song.
The duo, consisting of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, released their recording in July 1965.
Bobby Hatfield, known for his soaring vocals, took the lead in this track.
It was Hatfield’s idea to record the song, as both he and Medley were allowed to choose a solo piece for their albums.
Hatfield was a fan of previous versions by artists like Roy Hamilton and Al Hibbler.
Little did they know that their recording of Unchained Melody would become a massive hit.
Initially released as the B-side to Hung On You, the song quickly gained traction when DJs across the country began playing Unchained Melody instead.
This unexpected success infuriated producer Phil Spector, who had intended for the A-side to be the focus of attention.
Despite Spector’s initial reservations, The Righteous Brothers’ version of Unchained Melody soared to number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Resurgence: Ghost and Beyond
The popularity of Unchained Melody reached new heights in 1990, when it was prominently featured in the blockbuster film Ghost.
The iconic pottery scene, with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, heightened the emotional impact of the song, creating an enduring association between the film and the ballad.
The Righteous Brothers’ version experienced a second wave of great popularity, captivating a new generation of listeners.
In 1990, two versions of Unchained Melody charted simultaneously in the US: a reissue of the 1965 original Righteous Brothers single and a re-recording.
This unique achievement highlighted the enduring appeal of the song and the lasting impact of The Righteous Brothers’ interpretation.
Artists Who Have Sung Unchained Melody
Unchained Melody has seen countless interpretations by various artists over the years.
Its universal appeal has attracted performers from different genres, showcasing the song’s versatility and enduring beauty. Some notable artists who have sung Unchained Melody include:
- Sam Cooke
- Bing Crosby
- Spike Milligan & Peter Sellers
- Willie Nelson
- George Benson
- Heart
- Leo Sayer
- U2
- Cyndi Lauper
- Barry Manilow
- Elvis Presley
- Leann Rimes
Each artist brings their unique style and interpretation to the song, breathing new life into its timeless melody and lyrics.
Despite the different renditions, the essence of Unchained Melody remains intact, evoking powerful emotions in listeners.
Elvis Presley’s Unforgettable Performance
One of the most memorable renditions of Unchained Melody was by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.
On June 21, 1977, at a show in Rapid City, South Dakota, Elvis gave a stirring performance of the song.
This live show is regarded as one of Elvis Presley’s best, paying tribute to this iconic melody.
This performance was a mere two months before the death of Elvis Presley in August 1977, adding a layer of poignancy to his rendition of the timeless ballad.
The Story Behind the Songwriting Credit
While Alex North and Hy Zaret are credited as the composers of Unchained Melody, there has been some controversy surrounding the song’s true origins.
In 2003, it was revealed that a man named William Stirrat, using the pen name Hy Zaret, had claimed to have written the lyrics as a teenager in 1936.
However, the case went to court, and Zaret, the true songwriter born Hyman Zaritsky, was recognised as the rightful author, receiving all royalties associated with the song.
This legal dispute sheds light on the complexities of songwriting credits and the importance of proper recognition and compensation for artists’ creative contributions.
The Impact and Legacy of Unchained Melody
Unchained Melody has left an indelible mark on popular culture, transcending generations and genres.
Its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The song’s enduring popularity is evident in the numerous covers and recordings made by artists from diverse backgrounds.
With over 1,500 recordings by more than 670 artists in multiple languages, Unchained Melody has become an iconic piece of music history.
Its emotional depth and universal themes of love and longing have made it a beloved ballad cherished by millions.
Conclusion
Unchained Melody stands as a testament to the power of music to evoke deep emotions and connect people across time and space.
From its origins in the film Unchained to its definitive rendition by The Righteous Brothers, the song has captivated listeners for decades.
