Just Once in My Life

The American musical duo the Righteous Brothers consisted of two guys named Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. The first performed in a group called the Paramours and adopted the name "The Righteous Brothers" when they became a duo. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 and into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005. Today Bill Medley is 82 years old, and Bobby Hatfield died in 2003 at the age of 63.

“Ebb Tide” is a popular song that was written in 1953 by lyricist Carl Sigman and composer and harpist Robert Maxwell. The first version was recorded by the American singer Vic Damone backed by Richard Hayman’s Orchestra. However, the highest-selling version was recorded by the Righteous Brothers in 1965.

“He” was recorded by the musical duo in 1966 and is featured on their album Soul & Inspiration. It was the follow-up single to their number one record, (You’re My) Soul & Inspiration. The song became a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was written by Jack Richards and Richard Mullan.

"Just Once in My Life" is a song that was written by Gerry Goffin, Carole King, and Phil Spector. It was recorded by the duo in 1965 and charted on the Billboard Hot 100. It became a top ten hit for them.

"Little Latin Lupe Lu" is a song that was written by Bill Medley in 1962 and launched the career of the Righteous Brothers. The song charted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Medley was 19 and wrote the song about his girlfriend Lupe Laguna, who liked to dance. This song became one of Medley’s most covered songs.

“On This Side of Goodbye” is a song that was written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. It was recorded by the Righteous Brothers in 1966 and charted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“Rock and Roll Heaven” is a song that was written by Alan O’Day and Johnny Stevenson. It was popularized by the Righteous Brothers in 1974. Their version charted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They recorded this song a few weeks after they decided to reform the duo in 1974. Among other lost rock and rollers, the song was updated to include Jim Croce and Bobby Darin.

Among the mentions were:

Jimi gave us rainbows—"Rainbow Bridge” Jimi Hendrix

Janis took a pice of our hearts—"Piece of My Heart" by Big Brother and the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin.

Otis brought us all to the dock of the bay—"(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay” Otis Redding

Sing a song to light my fire. Remember Jim that way—"Light My Fire" by The Doors featuring Jim Morrison.

Remember Bad, Bad Leroy Brown? Hey, Jimmy touched us with that song—Bad, Bad Leroy Brown by Jim Croce.

Bobby gave us Mack the Knife – “Mack the Knife" by Bobby Darin.

In 1981, when the Righteous Brothers appeared for a one-song reunion on “American Bandstand," they performed “Rock and Roll Heaven," making it longer and including tributes to Elvis, John Lennon, and Keith Moon.

"Substitute" is a song that was written by Willie H. Wilson and originally recorded by the Righteous Brothers. It was featured on their 1975 album The Sons of Mrs. Righteous. It became a global his when recorded by the South African all-female band Clout in 1978.

"Unchained Melody" is a 1955 song that was written by Alex North with lyrics by Hy Zaret. It was the theme for the 1955 prison film of the same name sung by Todd Duncan. Among the most notable cover versions was recorded in 1965 by the Righteous Brothers. Their popular version was used in the blockbuster film “Ghost” and reappeared again on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1990.

"(You're My) Soul and Inspiration" is a song that became the musical duo’s first hit after leaving long-time producer Phil Spector. The song was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The song went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and also charted on the UK singles chart.

“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” is a song that was written by Phil Spector, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil. It was recorded by the Righteous Brothers in 1964 and is featured on their album of the same name. It charted on the Billboard’s Year-End Top 100 of 1965 Hot 100 hits.