50s - Unchained Melody

Unchained Melody

"Unchained Melody" is a popular song composed by Alex North (music) and Hy Zaret (lyrics) in 1955.

Initially, North and Zaret were contracted to write a song for for an obscure prison film "Unchained", and hence their song eventually becamed known as "Unchained Melody". Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack. The song was nominated for an Oscar Best Song Award in 1955 but did not win.

Les Baxter released an instrumental version which topped the US Single Charts for 5 weeks (May - June, 1955). Jimmy Young's version hit #1 on the British charts for 3 weeks (June - July, 1955). Hundreds of other recordings (including Ricky Nelson, Roy Orbison, Cyndi Lauper, Barry Manilow, U2) followed.

However, the July-1965 version by The Righteous Brothers became a jukebox standard for the late 20th century, and it regained massive popularity when used in the 1990 blockbuster film "Ghost" that starred Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg.

1995, the song was performed by Robson Green and Jerome Flynn in the UK drama series "Soldier Soldier". This version was subsequently released as a single and reached #1 in the UK.

Pop Idol talent contest winner 2002, Gareth Gates also recorded a cover version of the song. The single reached #1 in the UK Singles Chart on its first week of release, remaining at the top of the charts for four weeks (Mar - Apr 2002).