502. Unchained Melody (Alex North and Hy Zaret) - HKWMVC

Alex North used this melody as a theme for the obscure prison film, "Unchained" (1955). Todd Duncan, the baritone who performed in the original "Porgy and Bess", sang the vocals for the film soundtrack.

Since then, this has become one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, with over 500 versions in hundreds of different languages.

One of the most popular versions was that done by Bobby Hatfield (of The Righteous Brothers). Others who have recorded it include Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Gene Vincent and U2.

Here is an informal performance by the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir at our End of Season party at Helena May. Conducted by our musical director, Bryan Carter.

You can see a playlist of my songs from shows here: http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists?p=32E9752D4EE9BBFA

For lyrics and chords of my songs please see my website: http://www.raymondcrooke.com

Category:

Music

Tags:

• folk
• song
• hong
• kong
• welsh
• male
• voice
• choir
• helena
• may

[twinkie57401]

There seems to be some internet hoaxes about who wrote the song, and who recorded it first. Hy Zaret fought off an imposter who claims he wrote it in 1936, and they say Al Hibbler recorded it years before the movie was made.

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks for that information.

[babybookworm003]

how many in the mens choir

[raymondcrooke]

I think we have about 70 current members, but you'd never get them all together at one time! We usually have around forty for our performances. Most of us are expatriates working on two-year contracts, so people tend to come and go, but we do have some founding members who have been in the choir since it began 30 years ago.

[pmb003]

another Awesome job Raymond

5 *****

Loved this song very much

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks, Phyllis. I can't say I love the song, but I love singing with this choir.

[jslasher1]

The song is based on the original score composed by Alex North for a film called 'Unchained'. Hy Zaret wrote the lyrics. The ASCAP copyright logs list North as composer and Zaret as lyricist. Later on, Jack Nitzsche arranged the song for Phil Spector's record label. It is this arrangement, which was later used in 'Ghost', that is best known today.

[FresnoTwink]

I think the conductor was in a hurry... the pace on this is really fast compared to other versions. Of course, like any marching band member knows, a fast pace covers a lot of errors.

[kbonez2]

Haha, classic response. Great job guys.

[albertaviking]

Yes! I see you there Raymond! That nice shirt of yours really stands out all over the place!