AL HIBBLER - UNCHAINED MELODY

[Mr121211]

My beloved mom died at a early 51 when I was 27 .. I had this song sung at her Funeral .

Maybe in heaven she got to see my many Business's success'sShe would be amazed by she saw a a young former ReCon Marine that would never grow up . Mom I did becoming Tops in the Furn IndInternationally . Rich and famous from our poor home you always made far better always at Christmas .. while Dad stayed Drunk during ,

[beaumontsonny]

I understand this is the most recorded song ever. Nobody but nobody does it like Al Hibbler. His lilting English accent Adds the final touch to this beautiful melody

[Jimmy110459]

Back in the late 70's at a revival show at the Felt Forum in NYC one of the acts was Al Hibbler . When he sang Unchained Melody he received rousing applause.

[worldwidepeekinin]

some people own a song well this is Mr Hibblers, no other can top it

[Franghurst]

I have just discovered Hibbler and am really enjoying his music. Thanks for uploading his works millsbrothers.

[rebelrandle]

Who says that the Righteous version is the best should listen to the master Al Hibbler

[pmsrxw]

When I was in College and listening to WCBS-FM in the early 70's, this was THE version on their playlist.

[theonlymoo5e]

The only versions that I ever hear on the radio anymore are by Les Baxter or by the Righteous Brothers, even though I have close to a dozen versions of the song

[harryandsimba]

To think that such a wonderful song was only voted as fourth best song from a

film at the 1955 Oscars.

This song is still heard today, while the others have been almost forgotten.

[trendy188]

Bring back memories of yesterday,the days of innocence.

[mrsbetsie]

This was my Dads favourite song of all time. We played it at his funeral and it sounded beautiful. My Dad had taste.

[SuperSEE999]

When I was a teen, living in the South, I walked to School singing Mr. Hibbler's medoley love it, still.

[timlawray1]

Such a beautiful and heartfelt song! Makes you want to actually cry! I am so happy I found this video... along with the song "HE"... if you haven't listened to the song called "HE"... please do. These songs make you want to just be so... peaceful.. and understanding of EVERYONE EVERYWHERE! Give the other song a listen to... PLEASE!!!!

[blackamethyst923]

This is good but Al Green's version is intense and sexy. I'm in my twenty's and Al Green gets me happy!

[sleepytimegalz]

The 1st person to record this Beautiful song was Todd Duncan in 1955..The recording was made for the soundtrack of the obscure prison film "Unchained."

[prblack6]

This is THE version of this great song. I was lucky enough to se Al Hibbler in Reno once. What a talented singer he was!!.

[MrFrisco8]

I prefer Roy Hamilton's rendition...Hibbler is a close 2nd

[mkl62]

Al Hibbler's version of this song hit #1 on the Rhythm & Blues charts, #3 on the Top 40 charts, and #2 in the United Kingdom. It finished at #21 for the year 1955. 1955; the year that the music scene changed forever. On July 9, 1955, Bill Haley and His Comets hit #1 with Rock Around the Clock, signifying the beginning of the Rock Era.

[YoungAtHeart1941]

Not enough credit has been given Al for his great rendition of this song.

[jgmagoo1]

Dear Rappers,

This is called singing. Try it sometime.

[Honey1931]

07/20/11 even today, anyone who has lived long enough can appreciate this heavenly voice. this is magic. nothing today can compare with the lyrics and interpretation of the artists of yesterday. THANK YOU FOR POSTING. roselli

[samuelbecket1977]

we played it for our first (wedding) dance...the song still gives me chills....

[william49365]

I have this on vinyl, along with a number of other beautiful renditions, such as I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues and Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me. If you can find the double album entitled The Best of Al Hibbler, released by MCA Records in 1976, it will be worth the effort.

[Larry72023]

I am Larry, I was a young Soldier on the west coast when Al Hibbler sang that song on the old Lucky Strike Hit Parade. it stayed Number #1 for 16 Consecutive weeks

[nobledancer1]

A total eclipse of the heart!

[affabledj]

Hy Zaret wrote the words to this song with Alex North in 1955 ( two White men). It became the biggest song of Hy Zaret; over 300 artists sang it. The Songwriters Hall of Fame honored “Unchained Melody” with its Towering Song award for having “influenced the culture in a unique way over the years.” Both R.I.P.

[butchthebeezer]

Saw him sing this at a Alan Freed show in Boston in the Fiftys. This rendition is the best, with Roy Hamilton a close second.

[Pentax645]

I saw the Righteous Brothers sing this and it was fantastic; truly memorable, but Al Hibbler's version is by far the most technically excellent. However, I am not going to judge what version is best.  These two and others are supurb, each in their own way.

[TheDicamillo]

he proably sings it the best and if he had phil spector with him it would probably be the best performance ever. but i prefer the righteous brothers since phil spector produced it.

[drseberk]

This is by far the best version of this song. Hibbler's voice is clear and full of deep expression. The later versions of it, the Platters and the Righteous Brothers don't sing this beautiful song straight the way he does, and they mess it up. The words speak for themselves. You don't need all the yah yah.

[MrNoejr]

@drseberk you are so right

[soutu52]

Keesler AFB - Route 90 to New Orleans to see my truest love.

God what memories.

Soutu52

[1967mustanggta]

I think you could make an album of the variety of those who did this song in their own way and not get tired of the song one bit.

[Airrizzon]

One person couldn't find the likes button.

[rogharm]

@Airrizzon i hope the like button works because i will definitely press it. i love the great arrangement and operatic voice in the minor opera key. rated highest 11+. ROGHARM sometimes i click on the like button for some songs and THE LIKE BUTTON DOES N O T REGISTER.

[MrZip61]

1955 and this was 'our song'!

[gypsyclublady]

The song was first performed by TODD DUNCAN near the end of the 1955 prison film UNCHAINED ( starring NFL football star Elroy " Crazy Legs " Hirsch as the featured inmate ). The song ( music/lyrics ) was written for this film. AL HIBBLER's renditon was likely the first FULL LENGTH version recorded and also the first released as a single. Duncan's shortened version only runs 1:19 in the film and there is no evidence that this minor, forgetable movie ever had a soundtrack Lp release.

[hialeahkid]

The best recording of this song. Hilbler sang with Duke Ellington also.

[honeylove1031220]

beautiful song by Al Hibbler first time I heard the name

[dimges]

great cover history ...Duncan, Hibler, Hamilton, Harry Belafonte 1956 ... Marty Robbins 1961..Righteous brother 1965, Supremes 1966, Orbison 1969, Jones and 1977 Presley .. later U2, Lauper.....

[123rexc]

Giving my age away now. I bought this record in 1955 on the Brunswick label and I still reckon it's the best version. It was hardly heard on UK radio because some guy named Jimmy young did a hit cover version and murdered it ,along with a few others.

[MrZip61]

@123rexc I worked off Fillmore in SF for Ma Bell. I walked down Fillmore on my lunch hour to a hole in the wall basement record store and bought this record. This was when Rythem (sp) and Blues was just starting. Jumping George was the rage in the Bay Area!

[stevevandien]

I've loved Hibbler since I first heard him about 36 years ago. Fine voice, utterly distinctive style His "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me," for example, is still the best rendition in my experience:)

[samarlama]

I really don't feel like this is the best recorded version. Good, but the Righteous Brothers did the job. Every time I listen to their version I'm grabbed by the gut and carried away. This version is sweet just not as moving as the others.

[lookatamonkey]

wowwwww the original! i found it [:

[Petemonster62]

Al Hibbler had a graet voice! Anyone who attempted to sing " Unchained Melody " doing Karoke can tell you it is not an easy song to sing!

[tkeitez66]

I was there when the Al Hibler version came out. and it actually made it on to the white stations. You have to be pretty old to know that music was only on am and that a lot of "oldies" that you hear never made it to the white stations. This is a great song and one that does not sound like the black rhythm and blues that was heard only on the black stations. This is one of my all time favorite songs and this is THE version but the Righteous Brothers will always be associated with the song

[rebelrandle]

@tkeitez66 I was there too, had a d j try to tell me the Rightous bros. was the one that sang it first. Guess he was born yesterday HA

[kantucky]

Lord, I don't know where you people are getting it at but to me, this guy's version sounds more like something a lounge singer would have done. Dont' get me wrong, it's good but The Righteous Bros WILL be the ones 100 years from now that will be associated with this song

[OrodesIII]

@kantucky

naa

[Nettaiya87]

@kantucky First of all this is the original. Done in 1955. Rightous Brothers, though good, didn't redo it till 1965. The song is based on the film Unchained, a prison film. Original is original dude. lol

[cmulwee001]

@Nettaiya87

A mostly instrumental version by Les Baxter and His Orchestra came at the same time. Some sourced say that Baxter's is original, other's say it's this one.

But no matter, BOTH are way better than The Righteous Brothers rendition.

[187ichiban]

I always remembered Al did this first and best. Everyone else just stunk it up!

[pmsrxw]

loved hearing this on WCBS - FM in the early 1970's then I could not find it again until youtube

[Corrie121]

There are several great renditions of this great song, but in my view, this one is the definitive one.

Thank you for sharing this 5* post.

Much appreciated.

[latykai]

to rainbowstew, i saw that movie too im am 73 years young. in 1955 i used to go to to watch the LA rams play. but for the longest time ive tried to find the original singer. you have good taste too lol

[johnmorris008]

If any of the struggling artist out there want a number one hit - this is it! Unchained

Melody has been recorded many times by many different singers, and it's always

a hit - always. Thank you posting and the mem'ries.

[kwilly54]

It sounds to me as if none of you good people have heard Mr. Roy Hamilton's

version . Please check it out . I think you'll be amazed .

[rainbowstew46]

I was always disappointed by the Righteous Bros. recording inasmuch as it seemed to erase this great version from the media's memory. There is no comparison (in my opinion), I love this version.  I even saw the original movie (Unchained) starring Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch.

[stanibol]

Go The Hib! Truely compelling! ...Do I have to state that I'm a pale skin too? lol

[rogharm]

great voice and i love this record. thank you for posting. ROGHARM this man is singing this song chino prison in california usa. it brings back the great music 1950's!!!!!!********love the violins

[banner74]

I have to argue strongly that the Bobby Hatfield/Righteous Brothers version is superior to this,knowing that this is the original. Hatfield just wrenches the listener's heartstrings with his powerful yet haunting vocals.

[Kirke182]

@banner74 It's overplayed.

[boiragirules]

@Cetara86 god knows mate...but truely....what a great great great tradition of music tradition is being lost.

[nancyfloressantos]

A 1955 hit song......always treasured and cherished. One of the most recorded songs, Al Hibbler's is one of the best version (1955).

[JubalCalif]

This version & the one by Roy Hamilton are my TWO favorites versions of this classic song. Both men had (have?) perfect voices for a beautiful romantic ballad like this. THANK YOU so very much for sharing this musical gem for us to enjoy! CHEERS! :)

[Popstops1]

@JubalCalif I so remember this when I was a very young whipper snapper. This is really nostalgia.

[OrodesIII]

It has been rightly said that this is the best version.

[soutu52]

It was 1954 and I was stationed at Keesler AFB Biloxi. My true love , later my wife, was an Airline Stewardess in NO. How many days I remember driving those 90 miles back and forth just to spend a few hours together. This song , by the great AL Hibbler.

Thank you so very much for bringing it all back to me.

Soutu52

[PokeyGreen]

Al's is the ONLY version as far as I'm concerned!

[scofield13]

i agree, his version is the best! <3

[boiragirules]

it brings tears in anybody's eyes.

[boiragirules]

what a great voice befitting to a great song. The tune was given by him as well. Being a curry muncher myself..i urge all black people please stop the gangsta rap and go back to these kind of music. This is to me, the actual black people's music..and I love it dearly.

[Tigermoon1950]

@boiragirules The kids today are missing a wealth of incredible music. Such a pity.

[rogharm]

@boiragirules i am white i love this song and al hibbler. he is great and great arrangement. he sounds like a great opera singer. highest complement i can give, love the violins. HIGH CLASS MUSIC LOVE IT!!!!!!!ROGHARM

[Kirke182]

@boiragirules I so totally agree with you that blacks need to get back to this older music and see what a load of crap they are promoting today but I'm afraid that's a plea that is going to fall on VERY deaf ears. Of course, how can you not be deaf after cruising around for three hours with boom speakers shaking the pictures off walls as they drive by?

[pangetkunu]

@boiragirules This is not just a black music it is a universal kind of music, it does not matter if you don't understand the lyrics, the melody alone is superb!

[murkserious1600]

@boiragirules We(Black People)Are A People Of Self Expression...OUR Current Condition Of Self Hatred Is Being Expressed Through The Music Of Today....Don't Depend On Us To Provide The Soundtrack To Your "Beautiful" Existence...WE Do What We Feel...Make Your Own Shit..

[Whitlandy]

@boiragirules I urge all people to write music from the heart that they can be honest about.

[nicktesla45]

@boiragirules Ohhh God ! I could'nt agree more !! This is the way black people use to sing ! This song always makes me cry .

[DollyMausDeux]

best version!

[6silhouette5]

the movie "Unchained" actually came out in 1955, same as the song as sung by Al Hibbler.

[ThePablaMan]

nice song

[miketheshanmanmangan]

A classic in everyway from al hibbler to the brothers righteous to the doo wop versio of vito and the salutations.

[redwinge]

Sound track for the "53" movie "Unchained" staring Leroy "Crazy-legs" Herch, a football player back then..

Google it !!!

[donlon47]

@redwing

[donlon47]

@redwinge Kind of wierd that they put love song words to the melody from a movie about the Chino Men's Prison

[aaktow]

Todd Duncan was the first to record this song

[GreazyMuhfoh]

Al Green did a great version of this but after listening to several versions of this song from different artists it becomes clear why the Righteous Brothers are best known for this song.

[lanc3fight4freedom]

Yeah, but i'd say this is the original one!

[nellieprickett]

The original and the greatest.

[tkmathur]

Thanks a ton!! I have this in an audio cassette called "20 Platinum Oldies". This one was a difficult to find on YouTube - I kept getting the Righteous Bros. rendition. This one is just amazing!!

[cmulwee001]

This version, based on what I've read came out within a week or even Les Baxter's instrumental rendition(of which I have a copy on CD collection INSTRUMENTAL GOLD) I prefer both Les's and Al's over the Righteous Bros. rendition

[JubalCalif]

I TOTALLY agree that no one covered this song like the late great Al Hibler. His version is my ALL TIME favorite. What a magnificent voice the man had! A truly unique talent, that's for sure. THANKS a million for sharing this with us! :)

[rcp1936]

Yep I remember it from my HS days

[tuxguys]

Lovely. I now know where the inspiration for George Benson's very fine version came from. Another piece of the puzzle, thank you.

[analyzingfunny]

Thank you for posting this. This makes the Rithcheos bros sound like crap.

[311cdiblue1]

PonyCake, i couldnt have put it better myself.i have always loved the righteous bros and thought that was the original.then,i bought a compilation album for just £1,and there it was,al hibbler!! just the best version ever.

[BrickPa]

The movie this came from (Unchained) was a stinker. But, this song made up for all of the movies' shortcomings. And Al Hibbler sets the standard. Many artists have come close but none beat him. And if you like this, listen to him on "After The Lights go Down Low".

[PonyCake]

Mr. Hibbler is the man!!

[stbhs71]

This is the BEST version.

Thanks for posting

Thanks Al for a great song

[analyzingfunny]

This would be interesting to hear remastered on the new computer.

[curlypete1]

I have always thought this was the finest version of this song ever since I first heard it in the fifties.

[ElvisLivesUpstairs]

How old R U plz?

[curlypete1]

I am a very young 65 years old.

Musically I am always stuck in the forties fifties and sixties the best music ever,and the best time of my life.Why do you ask?

[analyzingfunny]

This is a great song. It wont last long though before they take it down.

[analyzingfunny]

You are out out of your mind.

[OmeVince]

awesome! though tbh I think the Righteous Brothers version was better

[analyzingfunny]

You are out of mind.

[nellieprickett]

I thought this rendition was beautiul in the 50's, I still thin so.

[VincentTPackhorse]

With due respect to everyone else, this is the definitive version of the song. Al's phrasing, intonation and emotional delivery are at once inspiring and chilling. He knows how to sing, and delivers a most beautiful rendition.

[SotR59]

Out of curiosity of who wrote this song I came across the info that Al Hibbler was the first to record this song.

[elsalfo]

Righteous Brothers version is way better than this...doesn't even flow..

[varmit56]

Your kidding right?

[VincentTPackhorse]

Look up rubato and musical phrasing. Not everything has to be a strict 4-4 tempo.

[kdiscman]

An epic, an absolute epic! By far the greatest version of this masterpiece ever recorded. You can place a copy of this in my grave for eternity!

[childof68]

This man's singing blows me away! It has got to be absolutely the best renditon of "Unchained Melody" ever recorded.

[VincentTPackhorse]

What a strong and beautiful voice. An eternal classic.

[ChadReidSmith]

Al Hibbler's "Unchained Melody" was my favorite song in the 60's and still is.

[OrodesIII]

Al Hibbler's version is unquestionably the classic standard.

[wsegen]

@OrodesIII This was, i think, at least the first cover. Who did the soundtrack? The film was Unchained (1955), about a california prison. The lead was football running back crazylegs hirsch.

[SuperNikki1]

@OrodesIII Yes I agree with you 100%.

[JubalCalif]

@OrodesIII

I second that emotion! His version is BY FAR my fave! Thanks for your insightful comment! :)

[analyzingfunny]

I have never heard it sound so good. What a powerful voice; beautiful. YouTube always take it down, though. I love how the recoding makes him so present, and raw, but beautiful, It feels operetic to me.

[wemar605]

Superb,this is my favorite version .

[loveopera2]

Beautiful song and he sings it so well. It brings back wonderful memories of the good times in music. I saw Donald Braswell perform this song in Vegas and it was outstanding. He kicked it up a notch with some high notes - I mean really high. This is a timeless classic. I'm so glad we have Hib's great sound preserved for all time.

[devedaj]

This is the one I played every day, was my favorite song.

[Tomboycarol]

This was the version i grew up with and for me the best version.

[dmhibb]

Wow what a wonderful son, this is my family

[685191025]

i remember this song from when i was a kid, interesting that the title is not in the lyrics, this is the best version

[NYDutch1968]

Interestingly, the song had four versions in 1955 (3 of which were in the Top Ten). The song was written for the very forgetable 1955 prison farm film "Unchained" starring Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch. Charted in 1955 by Les Baxter (#1), All Hibbler (#3), Roy Hamilton (#6), and June Valli (#29). Later a # 4 hit for The Righteous Brothers in 1965. While I like all the versions and credit the Righteous Brothers for coming up with their own unique arrangement, I prefer Les Baxter and Al Hibbler.

[stubulman]

What a beautiful rendition. I remember listening to it when I was just a youngster glued to the radio. Its passion is undiminished lo these many years.

[slaphappynamwen]

good... but I think Gene vincent Did The Best Version in 1956 .. he put more feeling into the song...

[manchego1944]

When I was a kid in the 1950s I didn't want to be like Mickey Mantle or even like Superman, I just wanted to sing "Unchained Melody" like Al Hibbler sang it.

At 65, I still my wish remains the same, and of course, I still can't.

[rumon37]

The original - from the movie 'Unchained' - and still the best!

[ol49rrrrr]

The original from the movie was by Todd Duncan. I don't think it was ever released on record but it was then followed by the Les Baxter instrumental version, Al Hibbler and so on.

[cmulwee001]

Yes Todd Tuncan, a black baritone singer

performed the song in the film, However,

though I've never seen it, I have heard that Les Baxters version was played during the credits. So one would be right to say that Les Baxter's is the original

[wurly1100]

Wow! What a talent. I can't believe I'm not familiar with Al Hibbler. Thanks for the introduction.

[rumon37]

It was from the film 'Unchained'. The film was about a prison and all the parts were played by actual convicts. Al Hibbler sang the song as the title credits went up.