The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody (A. North, H. Zaret) ~ Erwin Lazaro 020

"Unchained Melody" is the only song that my dad has requested for me to sing, since my mom passed into our Lord God's Kingdom in Heaven, on August 9, 1999. It's the perfect reflection for the state of my dad's heart. So, of course, since I began this YouTube journey, dad has continually asked me when I was going to sing "Unchained Melody" for him. I all ready knew, from the beginning of this singing adventure, that "Unchained Melody" was going to be dedicated for one of two occasions: my parents' 43rd Wedding Anniversary, or for the 11th year Memorial of my mom's passing into our Lord God's Kingdom in Heaven. Unfortunately, very early in this journey, when my dad had made his request, I had to pretend that I didn't know when I'd get a chance to work on it. Even though, I had all ready tried several times. My dad is persistent. After several weeks, I had to finally confess that I had been working on his song, but with little success. At first, he couldn't understand why I was having a hard time. I explained that I just couldn't hit those high notes anymore. Yes, the high notes are troublesome, but that was not the root of my disappointment with my efforts. This was another emotional ride for me. The first two times I tried to sing "Unchained Melody", knowing that this was a tribute for my mom and dad, I couldn't get through the song without crying. It was just too difficult. I took a break from my efforts and when I finally came back to it, I was determined to do this well. After several more efforts, I finally found the tenderness I was looking for, without breaking down in the middle of the song. My rendition of The Righteous Brothers' version of "Unchained Melody" is accompanied by incredible memories of my mom and my dad. This has become another emotionally draining and heart-wrenching project for me. I hope that you can feel the anguish I struggled to control as I used the depths of my will to get through my rendition of "Unchained Melody". Thus, it was inevitable that this tribute is presented for my parents' 43rd Wedding Anniversary. Otherwise, I would have never heard the end of it. Right, dad? And, I wouldn't have it any other way ...

"Unchained Melody" is a 1955 popular song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. Rerecorded in 1965, it became one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, by some counts having spawned over 500 versions in hundreds of different languages. In 1955, North used the music as a theme for the obscure prison film Unchained, hence the name. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack. Les Baxter, released an instrumental version which reached #2. Then song recordings were released by Al Hibbler, reaching #3 on the Billboard charts, Jimmy Young which hit #1 on the British charts, and Roy Hamilton, reaching #1 on the R&B Best Sellers list and #6 on the pop chart. Hundreds of other recordings followed. It was the July 1965 version by The Righteous Brothers that became a jukebox standard for the late 20th century, regaining massive popularity when used in the 1990 blockbuster film Ghost.

In 1955, Alex North and lyricist Hy Zaret were contracted to write a song as a theme for the obscure prison film Unchained, and their song eventually became known as the "Unchained Melody". The song doesn't actually include the word "unchained", and songwriter Zaret chose instead to focus his lyrics on someone who pines for a lover he hasn't seen in a "long, lonely time". The 1955 film centers around a man who contemplates either escaping from prison, to live life on the run, or completing his sentence and returning to his wife and family. The lyrics note, "Lonely rivers sigh, ' Wait for me... I'll be coming home; wait for me'...". Unable to see them for years, he pleas, "I need your love, God speed your love to me". With Todd Duncan singing the vocals, the song was nominated for an Oscar in 1955, but the Best-Song award went to the rival hit song "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing".

Ricky Nelson, The Supremes, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Cyndi Lauper, Barry Manilow, U2, Christian Singer David Phelps, and The Smashing Pumpkins, all did covers. Gareth Gates recorded a cover version following his appearance on Pop Idol in the United Kingdom.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Erwin
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• Roy
• Orbison
• Cyndi
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• Smashing
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• jazz
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[elvidinck]

Even Melinda got up to post a comment on your fabulous version of this special song Erwin. I really think you nailed it, every high note, all in the right spots and so accurately accomplished. I am highly impressed by your stellar performance! Congrats to your dad and may God bless your dear Mother. I lost my mom very young in 1996, so I know all about the pain of such a loss. Great job with this my friend.

[cglazaro100]

@elvidinck I was pleasantly surprised to find Melinda's comment, and your comment too. Thanks, Mark.

Your review's very kind. I had such a hard time singing this one. I've sung this for many years and after my mom passed, "Unchained Melody" became very difficult to sing. Of course, my dad wanted me to sing it whenever we had parties. That was torturous, though I'm always honored to fulfill my dad's wishes.

I'll pass along your sentiments. And yes, empathy is the best source of compassion.

[23Piccolina]

absolutely incredibly beautiful erwin, a really special rendition! i loved it



[cglazaro100]

@23Piccolina I'm honored by your visit, Melinda. Thank you for experiencing this very special video. I'll never make another one quite like this one. My emotions were drowning beyond any description could ever justify.

[tracysstuff1]

wow! Im all choked up.........phew!

[cglazaro100]

@tracysstuff1 Yeah ... this was a tough one. Emotionally devastating ... I was relieved to get a fairly clean vocal to the end of the song. I just kept thinking, while I was singing; "I'm doing this for dad. I'm doing this for dad".

[ondaness]

ohhh I see, you are handsome like your dad!!

[bowdish67]

Erwin, really fun seeing the old pics. I love the one in the boats on the water and good job on the song.

[theonlymoo5e]

Les Baxter's version peaked at #3 on the Jukebox chart, #2 on the Best Sellers chart & #1 on the Disc Jockey chart - so is considered a #1 hit (non-certified million seller) by Billboard.

[MyLifeMyExpression]

What a wonderful tribute to your Mother. You did your father proud I am sure!

[Superhoneylove123]

OH MY WORD..... I was left speechless

[ElizabethGS]

Well, Erwin, this did it for me. I play chromatic harmonica and canNOT play some songs when I'm emotional (tears running into the mouthpiece have an effect on breathing properly) so I truly understand. :( You succeeded admirably to please your Dad and I give you kudos for fulfilling his wish. The last scene in the video did me in completely. I'm just going to have to sign on to your account, after all - something I rarely do. You have a beautiful voice I certainly want to hear more of.

[Superhoneylove123]

Quite frankly I stumbled on your sight looking for something else. I am now a fan and want more... Keep it up  Good music is hard to find nowadays . Absolutely blew my mind away. Having lost my mother in April of this year, I know how emotionally difficult this must have been because I sang at my own mother's funeral. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us and having nailed this one, everything else should be a piece of cake. America's got Talent is waiting for you !

[kez51able]

Erwin,This is my very favourite song of all time you sing this beautifully thank you from the bottom of my heart,<3

[leighmarie69]

Wow- that really was something!! It helps knowing the story behind why you chose that song, or rather why your father did. Beautifully sang. You have an amazing talent and I dont think it is ever too late to use that talent to bring happiness to others!! Well done

[mslegacy01]

OH-MY-GODDDDDDDD!!! You should be on America's Got Talent with that awesome voice!!! Beautiful. That is a very very hard song to sing and even the Righteous Brother's had a very hard time nailing it. Took several takes before they got the final cut....

[ndan3]

You have awesome parents, I too just lost my mom in May of this year 2011, she was a strong lady all her life, and I took care of her for the last 14 years and I saw her give her last breath, this song you posted brings it all home to me. I know that she is now at peace with the Lord, as your lovely mother is also. God has blessed you with a great singing voice, thanks for sharing that blessing with us on you tube.

[metaltrekman]

Great song. Very nice Job Erwin!