In 1966, The Righteous Brothers’ single, ‘Soul and Inspiration,’ became a chart-topping success in the US, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Canada Top Singles, and #15 on UK Singles. The song was significant for Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, marking their first hit since splitting from producer Phil Spector. Produced by Medley himself, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil wrote the song. It became the only one of their studio albums to achieve gold certification in the US, despite their previous anthemic hit, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” not receiving this accolade.
While the song’s success is undoubtedly impressive, the real impact of this track is the emotion it still evokes from fans, as seen from the upvoted YouTube comments. One commenter notes, “I still get goosebumps when I hear this song,” and another says, “Each of them had an incredible voice on his own. The two of them finding each other and forming a duo was an inspiration straight from heaven.”
Despite being recorded nearly 60 years ago, the song inspires fans across generations. One commenter notes, “these guys were before my time, but still, the lyrics, harmonies, and melodies are pure artistry and masterful. What an absolute joy to close my eyes and absorb the essence of two American-made angels.”
The performance features Medley and Hatfield’s exceptional vocals, blending seamlessly to create a stirring and emotional sound that resonates with audiences today. The audience’s positive reactions are palpable, with thunderous applause at the end of the performance.
The background of the track is significant as well. After splitting from Phil Spector, the duo took control of their music and produced this exceptional song. The choice of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil to write the track was fortuitous, as their style perfectly complemented the duo’s vocal style.
The song’s upbeat trivia reflects the era in which it was produced. In 1966, a gallon of milk cost 99 cents, while a gallon of gas was only 32 cents. Lyndon B. Johnson was President of the United States, and the Beatles dominated the music charts.
Despite the passing of time, The Righteous Brothers ‘Soul and Inspiration’ remains an emotionally stirring and impactful song that resonates with listeners. As one commenter notes, “the greatest duo of all time, their music is timeless, the sound is so pure.”
If you haven’t heard this classic hit or need a reminder of its beauty, take a moment to watch this video and share it with your friends because, as one commenter said, “their voices are angelic.”
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