On March 12, 2010, Clay Aiken stood on the stage of the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium and sang one of the most popular songs in history. Unchained Melody is thought to be the most recorded song written in the 20th century. There are approximately 500 different versions of this song.
In 1955, Hy Zaret wrote the beautiful lyrics and put them to the music created by Alex North. Unchained melody was originally written for the 1955 movie, Unchained. Todd Duncan sang the song.
In 1965, The Righteous Brothers created a new version of Unchained Melody. It hit the number four spot on the music charts and continued on the charts for 12 weeks. Their version of the song was used in the 1990 film, Ghost. After the movie, Unchained Melody was once again in the number one spot on the charts.
The song was also used in the film, Soldier, a military drama. Two actors from the film sang a simple rendition of the song. No one really thought much about it until the television station that broadcast the movie received countless calls from viewers who wanted to buy the version by the actors. It was Simon Cowell of American Idol fame who convinced the actors to record the song. And their recording hit platinum status within its first week in 1995.
In 2010, the talented Ben Cohn wrote a beautiful arrangement of Unchained Melody for Clay Aiken. The lush orchestration highlighted the strengths of Clay’s voice. Many feel that this production of the song is one of the best around.
No one can sing Unchained Melody better than Clay Aiken who has loved the song since he was a young child. His passionate rendition will be around a long time. Clay now “owns” Unchained Melody.
The following is a YouTube of Clay singing Unchained Melody
There are no words to describe that night in Raleigh – those moments!!!
I am so thankful that we made the trip for this Concert. It was worth every
hour we spent from the very top of Ohio to North Carolina. Every thing about this show was class, but “UM” left us breathless!!! Clay was and is amazing! We will
never forget this night!
Thank you CANN
Thank you for the pictures and the video. The pictures and the video is great. No one can sing UM like Clay. Ben did a beautiful job of arranging that song. Clay’s voice for that song is perfect. I was not there that night in March, but I am glad I can watch the video over and over again. Thank you for showing the video today. You made my Saturday happy. Thank you for the memories. Thanh you CANN.
I have the DVD on this concert! I cherish the fact that I’m able to watch it whenever I want! Thank you CANN for sharing this special occasion with OMC!
I, too, drove from Ohio to NC to attend this concert by Clay. We had seats in the balcony, and were able to see quite well with no heads in front of us. What a night to remember! I did buy the CD and haven’t worn it out yet.