The Great Pretender - The Righteous Brothers
"The Great Pretender" by The Righteous Brothers is a classic pop song that was originally written and recorded by The Platters in 1955. The Righteous Brothers' version was released in 1965 and became a massive hit, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's theme revolves around a person who is pretending to be happy and carefree on the outside, but is actually feeling lonely and heartbroken on the inside. The lyrics describe the struggles of trying to hide one's true emotions and putting on a facade for the world to see. Musically, "The Great Pretender" features a soulful and emotive vocal performance by The Righteous Brothers, with Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield's powerful voices conveying the raw emotions of the lyrics. The song is characterized by its lush orchestration, soaring melodies, and intricate harmonies, which add to the emotional impact of the lyrics. One notable fact about "The Great Pretender" is that it was one of The Righteous Brothers' biggest hits and helped solidify their reputation as one of the premier vocal duos of the 1960s. The song has since become a classic of the era and is still beloved by fans of oldies music today. Overall, "The Great Pretender" is a timeless ballad that captures the pain and vulnerability of putting on a brave face in the face of heartache. Its poignant lyrics and stirring vocals make it a standout track in The Righteous Brothers' discography.
The Righteous Brothers
The Righteous Brothers were an American musical duo consisting of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, known for their soulful and powerful vocal performances. The duo first met in 1962 while performing individually in the Los Angeles music scene and quickly bonded over their shared love of rhythm and blues music. They decided to join forces and began performing together as The Righteous Brothers. The Righteous Brothers gained widespread popularity in the 1960s with hits such as "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and "Unchained Melody". Their unique blend of Medley's deep baritone voice and Hatfield's soaring tenor created a distinctive sound that set them apart from other vocal groups of the time. Their emotionally charged performances and passionate delivery resonated with audiences and helped them become one of the most successful duos of their era. In addition to their commercial success, The Righteous Brothers also made a significant impact on music history. They were pioneers in the blue-eyed soul genre, which refers to white musicians who perform soul music with a deep emotional intensity. Their influence can be heard in the work of artists such as Hall & Oates, Michael Bolton, and Michael McDonald, who have all cited The Righteous Brothers as inspirations. The Righteous Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, recognizing their lasting contributions to the music industry. Their songs continue to be beloved by fans around the world and are frequently featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials. Despite the untimely death of Bobby Hatfield in 2003, The Righteous Brothers' music lives on as a testament to their enduring talent and legacy in the world of music.