The world received sad news on Monday when it was reported that actor Patrick Swayze had lost his long battle with pancreatic cancer. Patrick’s family was at his side.

Patrick was a three-time Golden Globe nominated actor, dancer, and singer/songwriter.  He is probably best known for being the romantic lead in the movies, “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost.”  He also had a starring role in the TV series, “North and South.”

According to Broadway World, Patrick’s first professional job was in Disney on Parade where he put his dancing skills to use.  On Broadway, Patrick starred as Danny Zuko in the musical, Grease. In 2006, Patrick made his London stage debut in Guys and Dolls

Patrick’s peers from Hollywood and Broadway have been reacting to the news of his death.  Jennifer Grey, his co-star in “Dirty Dancing” said:

“When I think of him, I think of being in his arms when we were kids, dancing, practicing the lift in the freezing lake, having a blast doing this tiny little movie we thought no one would ever see. … Patrick was a rare and beautiful combination of raw masculinity and amazing grace.”

Whoopi Goldberg talked of Patrick on The View.  She stated that because of Patrick, she won an Academy Award.  She was visibly upset on the show as she remembered him.

I will always remember “Dirty Dancing.”  I saw it so many times I could almost say the lines with the actors.

But, when I think of Patrick Swayze, I think of “Ghost” and the beautiful song Unchained Melody. I am so glad that Clay Aiken likes the song too.  His rendition of the song is vulnerable, yet full of passion.  No one can sing it better.

There are two videos to see attached to this article.  The first is of Clay singing Unchained Melody at a Benefit Concert for David Foster’s Charity.  The second video is Clay’s part in the AFI – 100 Songs from the movies.  Clay recalls his memories of the movie “Ghost” and his love of Unchained Melody.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AZHYG2AiNY

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUUzhRJnC7g