Bill Medley life and biography

William Thomas Medley is an American singer and songwriter, best known as one half of The Righteous Brothers.

The Soulful Journey of Bill Medley: From The Righteous Brothers to Grammy Glory

William Thomas Medley, often referred to as Bill Medley, stands as an American singer and songwriter of remarkable acclaim. His name is indelibly linked with The Righteous Brothers, a legendary musical duo that carved their name in the annals of music history.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born on September 19, 1940, in Santa Ana, California, Bill Medley's lifelong affair with music ignited in his formative years. Raised in a family with a musical lineage, he initially resisted formal instrument lessons but found his voice in the church choir. This devotion endured through high school until the irresistible allure of rock and roll beckoned, leading him to form a band and perform at local venues.

The Birth of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley's extraordinary journey took a pivotal turn in 1962 when he crossed paths with fellow musician Bobby Hatfield. The instant camaraderie between them led to a musical partnership that would transcend generations. Despite their white middle-class backgrounds, they embraced the rich tapestry of rhythm and blues and soul, adopting the moniker "The Righteous Brothers." Signing with Moonglow Records, their inaugural album, "The Righteous Brothers," surfaced in 1963, resonating primarily with a discerning black music-loving audience.

The Phil Spector Era and Chart-Topping Triumph

The turning point in The Righteous Brothers' careers came through their association with the legendary record producer Phil Spector. Spector enlisted Medley and Hatfield for his own Philles label, and in 1965, they unleashed their magnum opus, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'." Geoffrey Stokes, in his book "Rock of Ages," aptly captured the essence of this classic recording, a sublime blend of Medley's mellifluous baritone and Hatfield's impassioned tenor. This timeless masterpiece scaled the pinnacle of the charts and left an indelible mark on music history. Hits such as "Unchained Melody," "Ebb Tide," and "Soul and Inspiration" further solidified their status as musical icons.

The Solo Odyssey and Reunions

In 1968, Bill Medley's decision to venture into a solo career marked a significant juncture. He released albums and remained a cherished live performer, but the unique chemistry of The Righteous Brothers remained unmatched. Reunions with Hatfield, including a memorable appearance on "The Sonny and Cher Show," yielded hits like "Rock and Roll Heaven" during the 1970s. The 1980s witnessed further reunions, capitalizing on the nostalgia for the 1960s music era that swept across the United States.

"The Time of My Life" and Grammy Glory

In a remarkable twist of fate, Bill Medley achieved an extraordinary milestone in 1987 with "The Time of My Life," a duet featuring singer Jennifer Warnes, prominently featured in the film "Dirty Dancing." This chart-topping sensation, propelled by the film's colossal success, earned Medley and Warnes a coveted Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal. It marked a pivotal moment in Medley's solo journey and cemented his place in the annals of musical history.

Bill Medley's enduring legacy, both as one half of The Righteous Brothers and in his solo endeavors, continues to resonate with music aficionados across the globe.

Famous works from Bill Medley:

Singles with Hatfield, except as noted:
"Little Latin Lupe Lu," Moonglow, 1963.
"You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," Philles, 1965.
"Unchained Melody," Philles, 1965.
"Ebb Tide," Philles, 1965.
"Just Once in My Life," Philles, 1965.
"Soul and Inspiration," Verve, 1966.
"Rock and Roll Heaven," Haven, 1974.
(With Jennifer Warnes) "The Time of My Life," RCA, 1987.

LPs with Hatfield:
- Righteous Brothers Moonglow, 1963.
-Some Blue-Eyed Soul Moonglow, 1965.
-You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' Philles, 1965.
-Just Once in My Life Philles, 1965.
-Back to Back Philles, 1965.
-Soul and Inspiration Verve, 1966.
-Go Ahead and Cry Verve, 1966.
-Sayin' Somethin' Verve, 1967.
-Greatest Hits Verve, 1967.
-Greatest Hits Volume 2 Verve, 1967.
-Souled Out Verve, 1967.
-Standards Verve, 1967.
-One for the Road Verve, 1968.
-Give It to the People Haven, 1974.
-Sons of Mrs. Righteous Haven, 1975.

Solo LPs:
-100% Bill Medley MGM, 1968.
-Soft and Soulful MGM, 1969.
-Gone MGM, 1970.
-Someone Is Standing Outside MGM, 1970.
-Nobody Knows MGM, 1970.
-A Song for You A & M, 1972.
-Wings A & M, c. 1972.
-Smile A & M, 1973.
-Sweet Thunder Liberty, 1980.
-The Best of Bill Medley MCA, 1989.

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