♫The Most Played Song in the 20th Century♫

Music is a matter of interpretation not limited simply to the tunes listened to on the radio, DVD, CD, MP3, MTV. Music is in the air. Music is everywhere. Life is music. The key to understanding the music around you is listening. Pausing. Stopping. Simply taking the time to listen.  

Some of the greatest music ever produced came out of the 60s. The melodies. The rhythms. The lyrics. Ah-h-h! The lyrics said so much, still do, in an understandable manner. Each word, each with expression touching the heart, piercing deep into the soul.

Today in Music History: February 4

Welcome into the Spotlight...

The Righteous Brothers:  pop-soul duo of the 60s influenced by the intimate and expressive style of black soul singers, but unlike most previous white groups they sought to emulate the raw intensity of those singers.

The Righteous Brothers were given their name by black fans who responded to their voices with an approving, “That’s righteous, brother!” Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley were not actually brothers but rather partners in song. Bobby sang tenor while Bill was noted for his bass-baritone voice. The Righteous Brothers got a big bump when they became regular guests on the variety show Shindig!, which launched in 1964. It was perfect timing for the duo: they still looked like teenagers (they were in their early 20s), but were seasoned performers with a collection of catchy Pop tunes that played very well to the Shin-diggers. The show was produced in Los Angeles where The Righteous Brothers were based; at first, they didn't realize the broadcasts were reaching a national audience.

On this day...

1965 The Righteous Brothers were at No.1 on the US singles chart with the Phil Spector song 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'. Also a UK No.1 at the same time. In 1999, the PRS announced that it was the most played song of the 20th Century. It was immortalized in the 1986 movie Top Gun.

"You never close your eyes…"
That simple, six-note opening line from You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' resonates among the most familiar kick-offs in pop music history. It helped create an unexpected legacy. When Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield (The Righteous Brothers) closed their eyes at their beginning in 1962, they clutched a rather naïve dream: They simply wanted to put a group together that was good enough to play Las Vegas lounges. The rest is history...

Top 5 Songs of 1965

1. Sam The Sham and The Pharaohs - Wooly Bully
2. Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
3. Rolling Stones - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
4. We Five - You Were On My Mind
5. Righteous Brothers - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'

Click the icon at left for the songs that were No.1 on February 4 from 1940 to 2016. Then, select a year to see all songs that hit No.1 in that year.

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...