ROY HAMILTON - UNCHAINED MELODY/YOU'LL NEVER WLK ALONE

[richardjgriego]

I still like Roy Hamilton's version of this the best. He was taken from us too soon.

Bobby Hatfield's version is too theatrical for my taste, although I do like it.

[goddydee2]

What a beautiful and strong voice! This is especially so in the second song.

[dougiebryan2]

Great song by Roy.Did'nt he have another version to this song,one that was a little bit faster...a little uptempo?

[MrRickG7]

If Elvis is the king of Rock I guess Roy is the EMPEROR cause Elvis totally copied him. I know he was Elvis' boyhood idol and all but how come you hear soo much about the copyer and not the original.

[djdavemick]

2 great songs from him. Gone way too soon RIP 1929-1969.

[gdavidsingle]

My favorite song as a teenager; no one signs it quite like RoY Hamilton!

[BlacknesUnforgivable]

Youve got a black singer with nothing but pictures of white people hmmm

[musicmemories2010]

Beautiful classic song.......Wonderful video. Thanks for sharing.

[FilmNoirFan1]

Many performers, both Black and White, have been mistreated by the record industry and those handling them. It happened back then and it happens now that is why so many performers today get involved in other areas like clothing lines and perfumes. If they didn't, they'd be broke. Performers, Black or White, get very little money from the sell of records. They get a bigger percentage from live performances.

[FilmNoirFan1]

This is a beautiful version of Unchained Melody. You'd be surprised at how hit songs are remakes like At Last by Etta James. I saw an old movie from the 40's with At Last in it. You would not have guessed how good At Last could be if you only heard the original version. In that case, the remake was better. Roy Hamilton's Unchained Melody is better than the remake and it's not because he's Black. It's because he sings it in a better way.

[phaeriestud]

my ears are in heaven!

[robertclemon]

thank you much for the insight, trully grateful

[tonywsmith2]

If you were misguided enough to think that Bobby Hatfield of the

Righteous Brothers could sing, Roy's greatness would be wasted on you.

[CalypieAndroid]

Elvis died on the shitter, and he is on the shitter in Hell for Breaking the 10 Commandments thou shalt not Steal,ELVIS IS THE KING OF STEALING AND PARROTING ANY BLACK SINGER HE COULD. ELVIS EXPLOITED THE MASS EVIL OF WHITES. THAT IS WHY ELVIS, AND EVILS, HAVE THE SAME LETTERS. ITS ONE IN THE Same White Heathenism, on Steriods, trying to make a Thief, a King, to satisfy their animal Egos of White Skin.

[tonywsmith2]

@CalypieAndroid

Maybe you should just get your black ass back to Africa after that rant.

[TheMG63]

@CalypieAndroid Elvis was influenced by black artists, he didn't steal from them. You should actually learn something of the man's early life in Mississippi, and how he lived amongst the black community. Jackie Wilson, a friend of Elvis, sadly spent the last years of his life in a coma, and it was Elvis who helped pay the hospital bills. Yeah, really evil wasn't he? Elvis also gave Roy Hamilton a song that he was due to record, 'Angelica'. You're a typical chip-on-the-shoulder black racist.

[Peace3407]

Can you here the influence this man had on Bobby Hatfield or what?!!! Bobby emulated Roy every chance he got! I've been listening to both of them sing both of these songs since I was five and I will never get tired of them. Simply tremendous stuff!

[kardo053]

this version of roy hamilton really amazed me

[toscanini9]

Of the four major vocals of "Unchained Melody," released in 1955, Roy Hamilton's was my favorite. Some five hundred-plus recordings later, it still is! Of course, Les Baxter's legendary instrumental from the film is right up there as well. Thanks to Bedfordcf for sharing this and for adding Hamilton's monumental recording of "You'll Never Walk Alone."

[youngmindedman]

I loved his voice, and have this album by Him; but like "unchained melody" more by Bobby Hatfield.

[wizardalvin]

just heard the Roy Hamilton Unchained Melody [45 version i think i remember ages ago] now this. His voice has resonated some or production differences - unknown? Anyway, this is really brilliant. rhetorical: i now hear how a voice may improve. never really noticed prev. thank you very much. allan

[ILoveLugoff]

What can I say? PERFECTLY DONE. WOW WOW . He is the greatest. I love this song. Unchained Melody is one the giants of my era. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[KissMeQuk]

I love Weddings.... and songs for Weddings!!! Great pictures of happy couples!!! Roy Hamilton has a great voice!!!

[supafatty]

i love this song so much and owning an original record of it makes it even better :)

[JubalCalif]

This version & the one by Al Hibbler are my TWO favorite versions of this classic romantic ballad. Both singers have (had?) such magnificent voices...perfect for a song like this! THANK YOU so very much for sharing this delightful musical treasure for us to enjoy...and I ADORE those lovely wedding photos! CHEERS! :)

[blue45bj]

I just love these two songs by Roy.

Thank You Very Much.

[MrsThurman0807]

Hell no..Bobby Hatfield was so much better...but this guy is still very talented,I just don't like this version.

[flemit11]

@MrsThurman0807 I think Roy Hamiltons arrangements lets this song down, I think this is a great song for a lyrical Baritone such as Roy.

Bobby Hatfield is an amazing singer mind

[budbutcher]

Elvis' favorite singer

[kwilly1954]

You Good People Should Be Asking The

Question, Why Roy Hamilton Is Not In The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ?

[rich14285]

I agree a thousand percent.

[stanibol]

@kwilly1954

According to Wikipedia he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Maybe his song selection didn't match the Rock 'n Roll genre?

[ppk62fla]

thanks for sharing two joyous things in life a great singer in roy hamilton and that special time in a couple's life their wedding day.

[guitarristagolden]

Amo essa música! Ainda bem q eu a encontrei!

[evdon2]

This was a terrific version.

If you want to hear something outstanding listen to his take on Stardust which includes the introduction lyrics

[hermieuntalan]

THIS IS THE BEST.....THANKS ROY...

[bjoyc]

This makes me Miss Mr. Roy H. more.

[RJV26]

This is the original version of the "Unchained Melody" by Roy Hamilton from the Movie "Unchained" which premiered in 1954 or 55.

[saturnaspider]

Though Roy Hamilton 'owned' this song (sorry Bobby Hatfield fans) it was Todd Duncan, an African American baritone of Porgy and Bess fame, who originally performed the song for the film, "Unchained." This clip with its pairing of two wonderful Roy Hamilton performances showcases the voice that inspired the vocal stylings of so many popular singers, including such greats as Elvis Presley and Jackie Wilson. Hamilton is a truly influential artist who deserves more exposure.

[campdavis0202]

An awsome voice. I first heard him on Randy's Record Shop on the radio. When I was about fourteen. I like his materials. By the way I am white.

[dreamcatcher4581]

My husband went to see Roy Hamilton in person at the Pink Poodle bar in Indianapolis Indiana when he was at his prime. We were the only whites in the club but it didn't seem to matter because everyone was so mezmerised with his voice. I still get shivers when I hear his music. What a great loss and such a young age.

[hartommitch]

Orbison's version off Unchained Melody rules..

[TheSpag68]

My fav will always be Don't Let Go, but this is great. In Pgh in the 50tys,we had a choice,KDKA Pat Boone , or WILY Howling Wolf, Chuck Berry and others. I visited a lounge in the "bad" section of town and bluffed my way in. This is the music I have loved all my life. Thanks to U Tube I can connect again to My roots. My mind was forever expanded by the music.

[SotR59]

Wow, I never heard of this guy. What a beautiful voice. Glad I happened upon this clip.

[wickedshadow83]

beautiful

[Jim275]

After all these years this remains my all time favorite song and singer. A truly amazing voice. Every time I hear it It's like the first tome. Thanks for including it here.

[blue45bj]

I love his voice and his songs. I was just a kid as well when I first heard him. I was around 11 or 12 years old. Amazing talent that was passed over. Why? I don't know.

Thanks for sharing his music as it brings back many, many memories when I was growing up

[kwilly54]

How can any one after listening to the sheer majesty of this man's voice not ask the question; What kind of mindset prevented and prevents to this day the proper promotion of his music ? Racism, Stupidity, Ignorance, What ?

[speakwhnspkn2]

probably perpetrated upon him by people like you. lmao

[CD122344]

I was in tears listening to this -- memories.I bought this recording in 1955. I went into town on the bus by myself to the 5&10. I was 11 years old, southern Italian background, etc. His race didn't matter to me - I just loved his voice. There was also You'll Never Walk Alone, If I loved You,etc. What a great voice! For those out there, Al Hibbler also recorded the song. My black teacher friend, musician and colleague couldn't believe that I knew of these 2 singers back in '55 when I was 11.

[kwilly54]

Roy Hamilton's music should be in movie

sound tracks.

[JubalCalif]

What a wonderful talent Mr. Hamilton was! The Righteous Bros notwishstanding, this is my favorite version of the song. Thank you, bedford, for sharing it with us! :)

[ILoveLugoff]

No one can beat this classic by Roy Hamilton.

WOW! What a singer. Can't be beat. What a song. No. 1 of all times, now and forever. THANKS Mr. Hamilton.

[PutOnASweater]

Roy's interpretation of "Unchained Melody" was copied entirely by Righteous Brothers whose version was used in "Ghost". They were huge fans of Roy"s & covered other of his hits. Roy was one of Jackie Wilson's idols & his influence is very obvious in his voice...they were best of friends & even toured together. When Jackie recorded "You'll Never Walk Alone" you can see how much of an influence Roy actually was...but he always added those, "Wilson-isms".Two of my favorite singers..what a loss

[MrGrey76]

LOL... Roy aint the first to sing Unchained Melody. It was written by Alex North and Hy Zaret. It was written for the movie "Unchained" and perfomed by Todd Duncan. So, Roy snatch'd the song too...

[adebarde]

I prefer this sung with the deeper voice, like this one.

[robertclemon]

This is the guy Elvis imitated

[scalliee14]

your so right

[stanibol]

@robertclemon

I can believe that.

[dimges]

@robertclemon

Elvis, Jones and another take some of Hamilton style , especially in covers of this song

[cambridgecableguy]

@robertclemon Nope...it was Clyde Mcphatter Elvis modelled his style on...try listening to their respective versions of White Christmas

[Ticia77]

@robertclemon No. Elvis imitated Jackie Wilson...who was good friends with Roy Hamilton. Roay admitted himself that he could not outsing Jackie. Check out the page Putonasweater....he has worked with both artists and many others from that time period. You can learn a lot about plaigiarism and doo-wop/soul music during that time from him. Worth the subscription. Plus, he's just a very nice man!

[AngelAndTheWolf]

@robertclemon Elvis also immitated Roy Orbison, and Gene Vincent.

It all came together in Elvis, who had the looks the others lacked.

Still, Roy Hamilton's voice is beautiful.

[TheMG63]

@AngelAndTheWolf Elvis was a recording artist in 1954, before both Roy Orbison and Gene Vincent, so I fail to see how he copied them. No disrespect to them as I admire them too. On another note, these idiots on here who say he stole black music and merely copied the black versions have obviously never compared his and their versions - his are totally different. Also, he is never given credit for breaking racial barriers and bringing music to an audience that otherwise wouldn't have heard it.

[AngelAndTheWolf]

@TheMG63 Yes Elvis was recording that early, but his style was still in it's rockabilly infancy. He didn't start singing like Orbison or Vincent until much later. Elvis really did put together a great style, but like most of us singers, he built his style upon many earlier singers.

[54spiritedwill54]

good!!!! Nice

[dancingincircles]

Wonderful! Hearing these great songs bring back memories of happy times of my youth. Thanks

[bombona59]

thanks a lot for such a lovely song and great singer.Regards from Argentina !!!!

[nathan0578]

Still prefer Al Hibbler,not as harsh on some notes.The high notes in particular seem to be forced not smooth.

[Fegen]

I love both of these hits by Roy and have

them in my collection.

[possumnumi]

The best of the early versions for sure. A masterpiece. I have never heard the very first version by Tod Duncan in the film "Unchained". That would be a treat. Great, but completely different versions by Doo Wop groups Vito & The Salutations (1963)(fast and slow versions)and The Five Discs (early 60s) are also wortrh a listen.

[MusicDude86]

much better than the Righteous Brothers

[dinkas]

They are very different songs, both in style and cadence.

I like both.

[matthewestella]

one of the greatest voices of all time

[blackga55]

I listen to him in the 1950's. I was a kid and he was one of my mons favortie singers.

[Jordan0090]

This is my very favorite song in life.

Thank you so much for posting and sharing it

pooh's corner

[Montaukme]

...my Dad's favorite song, from his favorite singer....thank you so much for the memories, and the message I've learned through the years from this tune....

[djangoman2008]

Thank you for these great songs by a great singer - WOW! Dj

[cquaman]

Never heard YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE sang any better!!!!

[dantecabebe]

Roy Hamilton has been a favorite in the Philippines. He has inspired a lot of artist in his time. I loved this guy .

[Jordan0090]

Roy Hamilton is the One and Only Singer in

my heart of this song!

[Christopher12151980]

I'd have to go with Elvis, but they are both great and were friends.

[justicejayant]

Correct, Roy hamilton and Elvis Presley, both rules!!!

[Michaelbos]

Roy owns the first song. NO ONE can touch him on that recording.

[56elvis]

One hell of an underrated singer!

[rikhichfy]

Fico feliz em saber que R.Hamilton inspirou Elvis em tres canções.

Esta canção é a melhor interpretação entre todos que já gravaram, inclusive a do U2.

Extraordinário interprete. Fez história.

[MerrittStDiner]

Bedford, long ago you promised us Roy Hamilton fans that you would be posting his version of "If I Loved You." It's another performance which deserves to be heard.

[bedfordcf]

ok will do it this weekend i promise

[jazzysweettone]

@bedfordcf ok what happened to "if I Loved You? somebody pleeeeze post it

[RodCornholio]

YES, you can definitely hear where Elvis got -- quite a bit -- of his style.

If it wasn't for Roy, Elvis might sound quite different.

Thanks Roy!

[ftgt]

Elvis was a huge fan of Roy Hamilton, and listening to these classic songs it's easy to see why. Roy inspired Elvis to 3 of his finest performances - You'll Never Walk Alone in 1967 with Elvis belting out the song to his own piano accompaniment, Hurt from 1976,and which was to become a concert highlight thereafter, and Unchained Melody, which he sang during his last year of touring in 1977, again just to his own piano accompaniment.Awesome performances inspired by the great Roy Hamilton.

[battenwood]

Jackie Wilson was a big fan of Roy's also and I think you can spot the Hamilton influence on Jackie even more readily than you can on Elvis. Too bad all three men had to die young.

[JohnNPG]

good!!!! Nice!!!!!! Beautiful!!!!!!!!

[MerrittStDiner]

Has everyone here heard Roy's version of "Till Then"?

[bbukid]

First heard both songs 1955-56.., and loved them. Roy's rendition of "YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE" is the Best Solo Rendition of this song..., bar none..., ever.

[CKYZZIE]

This is the Hamilton's version that I remember as being the signature of "Unchained Melody", yet I never hear it played or mentioned. Those Righteous Brothers laid claim to it and put it to bed.

Hamilton nailed "You'll Never Walk Alone" too, yet he never gets mentioned. It's just not right. I had to look him up on YouTube to hear him again. Damn shame. He doesn't get his 'props'. This man's voice is right up there with Johnny Mathias'. They both are perfection.

[Jim275]

I started listening to this man in the 50s. T to this day, I still think he is the most complete singer I have ever heard. There have been some good ones but none with his range amd talent. He died young but we were blessed with the time he was here. You'll never walk alone was my wedding song. It's never been done better.

[luisalubell]

His Unchained Melody is so much better than the Righteous Brothers .... but, YOULL NEVER WALK ALONE ... wow ... amazing. What a gorgeous voice.

[coralwave59]

When one hears Roy Hamilton's voice....one knows this is "music". What a masterpiece!

[mickiyelly1960]

such a great voice. i can't understand why he doesn't get more airplay than he does. there must be some kind of conspiracy against him or something. i have just recently discovered him and his music and he is off the charts as they say nowadays. now i see who influenced elvis presley--it was the great roy hamilton.

[schtoonkmeyer]

in the fifties, when he was going strong, he was considered a problem because he was part of the black civil rights movement, to his everlasting credit. So many dj's were reluctant to play his music. Now it all sounds so stupid.

[mickiyelly1960]

thanks for the information. your info sheds light on why this great voice has been silenced for over forty years. i would think that sufficient time has passed and that roy hamiliton would once again become a fixture on the airwaves. to hear you tell it, it was blacklisted. with a voice like that, he deserves to be heard and we deserve to hear him.

[coralwave59]

"You'll never walk alone"....the second part of this video is the very best. It would be a good idea to list under that song's name, separately.

[coralwave59]

Classic!

[GOD711]

I'm sure millions of people will not agree with this, but here goes. I believe Les Baxter, with the original release of this, and Roy Hamilton, with his rendition were the best I have ever heard. This is the most recorded song in history and it is ironic that the worst version by the Righteous Brothers was the biggest hit of all. The first time I heard their recording, I cringed. Even, Al Hilber's release was better than theirs. Do you have "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Cry Over You by Roy?

[Feldsher75]

You are definetly wrong. Righteous Brothers is the best. Anybody that doesn't agree with me, has a right to their own riduclous

opinon. J. Rufus Winham

[NYDutch1968]

You are not alone. Strangely Les Baxter, Roy Hamilton and Al Hibbler all had this song go to #2 on Billboard in 1955. Bobby Hatfield did a unique rendition and given the number of times this was recorded before his version, he needed to do something different. I wouldn't call his version the worst, although like you I personally prefer the purer and simpler versions of Les Baxter, Al Hibbler and Roy Hamilton. For sheer voice, John Gary has a great version.

[joantwt]

roy hamilton was the very best. I saw him in north carolina many many years ago.

[elfinia]

Please add "You'll Never Walk Alone" to the title or even better ,please upload it separately in it's own right. Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou. Really enjoyed this.

[WAXmyPOLE]

Bedford, I don't know what can be done for those visitors who listen to your video and NOT realize that it also contains You'll Never Walk Alone. But, for the sake of those people who are looking for Roy's version of that song, you might want to add You'll Never Walk Alone to the video's title.

[hashbrown55]

Please include You'll never walk alone, by Roy Hamilton

[hagenranch]

This song was in the movie Unchained,starring Elroy Crazy legs Hirsch. It played in the late 50's.The movie takes place in a prison,and it was sung by an unkwown black singer.

[OCK18ANS]

Wasn't Al Hibbler who sang Unchained Melody. I saw the film when 'when' was 'then'.

[folsom37]

How about HURT and YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE ??

[LadyLuv100]

Does anyone know who was the first artist to sing Unchained Melody? Just curious..

[Fegen]

Roy was a good singer. Had some wonderful

hit recordings of "Ebb Tide," "Unchained

Melody,""You'll Never Walk Alone, "Hurt,"

etc.

[WAXmyPOLE]

You might be surprised to know that both Unchained Melody and You'll Never Walk Alone are on this very video here.

[hashbrown55]

what video?

[Tommy07shotgun]

im 17 and i love hamilton, vocally amazing. i much prefer his version of you'll never walk alone to any other apart from elvis.

[thespunkypinatas]

Its a shame that young people will never appreciate music like this.

[lolitinkerbell]

I do and I,m 22 is that young :P!

[MusicDude86]

I'm 22 as well.....Roy Hamilton is fantastic.

[artensia]

Thank you for posting this great video.

It is my favorite version of this song.

Roy Hamilton was one of the first Artist to record "Unchained Melody" and it was one of his first hit songs. "You'll Never Walk Alone" was his first #1 Hit Song.

[MerrittStDiner]

Bedfordcf, thank you for this Roy Hamilton double play. If I had the computer acumen of at least a four-year-old, I would have posted both songs myself. Do you have Roy's versions of "If I Loved You" and "Ebb Tide"?

[TCB123]

Thank you so much for posting this! I was desperately looking for it and it appeared -- almost as if by the grace of God. I'm glad that Roy Hamilton is getting more exposure. He was a HUGE inspiration for Elvis Presley and Elvis ended up covering both of these songs. I'm sure he wouldn't want a great talent like Roy Hamilton forgotten.

[bedfordcf]

adding ebb tide as we speak and will follow up shortly with if i loved you