Unchained Melody at a Wedding

“Unchained Melody” is one of world’s most favourite long songs. It is the only song to have sold over a million copies by three separate artists in the U.K.

It was originally written in 1955 for a little-known prison film called “Unchained”, hence its title. It’s a haunting song about someone who pines for their lover. It was originally recorded by Todd Duncan & was nominated in 1955 for an Academy Award.

The Righteous Brothers (friends Bill Medley & Bucky Heard), re-recorded the song in 1965 as the B-side to their single “Hung on you” which flopped. Despite this it was popular with radio DJs who played it. The band’s producer, Phil Spectre, reportedly phoned up radio stations & told them not to play it. Despite this it reached No4 in the US charts & No14 in the UK.

In 1990, the Righteous Brother’s version was re-released when it was used as the soundtrack for a sensual scene in the hugely popular film, Ghost staring Patrick Swayze as Sam & Demi Moore as Molly.

Sam is murdered & the film explores the torturous pain of the bereaved Molly. The standout role is played by the brilliant Whoopi Goldberg. As Oda Mae Brown, a clairvoyant, she becomes the conduit through which Sam’s ghost communicates his love to Molly & helps her to solve his own murder.

Thanks to the film, the Righteous Brothers version of Unchained Melody became the definitive version.

British TV actors, Robson & Jerome re-recorded Unchained Melody in 1994 on the back of their drama series, Soldier Soldier. It was picked up by a little-known music producer called Simon Cowell who turned it into the best-selling single in the UK in 1995.

That man, Simon, recorded Unchained Melody again in 2002 with his artist Gareth Gates, who was runner-up in the TV talent show, Pop Idol, which was the forerunner to X-Factor.

Unchained Melody has been recorded over 100 times. Easy to see why it’s one of the world’s favourite long songs.