More sad news from the music world: Bobby Hatfield, the tenor half of the legendary Righteous Brothers duo is dead at the age of 63. His body was found in a Kalamazoo, MI, hotel yesterday about a half hour before Hatfield and his bass-baritone partner Bill Medley were slated to perform a concert at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium.
The Brothers were known for singing "blue-eyed soul." If you have ever heard their classics — "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration," "Unchained Melody," "You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling," and "Rock 'n Roll Heaven" among them — you know that their dynamic, passionate singing was something truly special — and it would have been no matter the skin tones of the artists.
From MSN:
The duo's signature 1965 single, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," has been cited by numerous sources as the most-programmed song in American radio history. The inclusion of their songs in films such as "Top Gun," "Ghost" and "Dirty Dancing" repeatedly re-established the Righteous brand.Does Joel sound stupid here, or what? But a little slack for the Piano Man, please. Remember that back in the 1960s, when the Righteous Brothers hit it big, many people were still trapped by the ludicrous notion that only brown- and black-colored people could be soul singers. The music world owes a debt to Hatfield and Medley for being among those who helped open their eyes and ears to the fact that music is music, good music should be applauded whatever its source, and color should not have a damn thing to do with it.Earlier this year, singer Billy Joel inducted Hatfield and Medley into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
"Sometimes people with blue eyes transcended the limitations of what their color and culture can actually be," Joel said. "Sometimes white people can actually be soulful. This was a life-changing idea. It changed my life."
The cause of death is unknown, pending an autopsy.
Here is one comforting thought:
"If you believe in forever
And not in just a one-night stand,
If there's a rock 'n roll heaven,
Then you know they've got a helluva band."
And one helluva new member in the tenor section.
Rest in peace, Mr. Hatfield. Condolences to Mr. Medley and all of the Righteous Brothers' loved ones and fans.
Article comments
1 - Marty Thau
This loss hurts.
2 - Natalie Davis
Indeed it does. I just listened (again) to Bobby wailing on "Unchained Melody." The song almost always brings me to tears anyway, but today... damn. I'm a mess.
3 - Eric Olsen
Thanks Nat, I was pretty flippant earlier because I didn't much feel like thinking about it. Your tribute is just right and says really important things quietly and now I am really sad, but in a much better way than not thinking about it. They were really great, with and without Phil. And Phil makes me really sad too.
4 - Natalie Davis
Bobby Hatfield was righteous, brother.
Phil makes me mad. Love that Wall of Sound, though.
5 - mike
These guys in their youth were the two whitest looking motherfuckers on the planet! I always thought that "Lovin Feelin'" was performed by brothers. It's like finding out that Work It was done by the Mormon Tableknuckle Choir. Fucking hilarious!
6 - Eric Olsen
although not technically a "review, I put this up on Cleveland.com. Thanks Nat!
7 - Natalie Davis
Mike, it *was* performed by brothers: The Righteous Brothers.
8 - Natalie Davis
Wow, Eric, thanks!
9 - Natalie Davis
Eric, is there a link to it?
10 - Eric Olsen
Looks like they haven't popped up yet, but when they do they'll be here, where they are all accumulated.
11 - Natalie Davis
They have now. Way cool.