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, HyZaret 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.
On Wednesday, a list of the Top 25 most shared videos from The View listed Clay Aiken’s performance of Unchained Melody as # 3. The wonderful performance has been shared on Twitter, Facebook and many different blogs. The following is the YouTube of Clay singing Unchained Melody on The View.
Clay was born to sing this song. Beautiful! 🙂
Thanks for the background on Unchained Melody. I have always loved the song, and nobody sings it better than Clay. I especially love the beautiul new arrangement by Ben Cohn. His version is custom made for Clay's soaring voice!
Unchained Melody has been my favorite song since 'forever'. I loved it when the Righteous Brothers came out with their new version.
But, Clay Aiken's version just blew me away. I was there to hear it live at the Raleigh concert–just stunning. Then I heard it live on The View–too beautiful and moving to describe. I also heard it live during the Tried and True tour and was blown away again. I cannot imagine anyone else singing that song now–he does own it!!
This is such an important song through the years. It really suits "singers" such as Clay Aiken who has imo the best version yet. His voice truly does it justice.
You are right…no one sings Unchained Melody like Clay. He is in a class of his own. This is one song that should never been messed with. Yes, some variation, but it needs to stay true to the original…It's such a beautiful song. Clay has so much control, like SueRue said, from soft and sweet to strong and powerful…He takes you on a journey. I absolutely love Clay's version.
I totally agree that Clay owns Unchained Melody. I adore his fabulous version and I never get tired of listening to it. Clay's voice soars on this unique arangement.
From the minute he starts singing UM till the last note he has my complete attention. I cannot take my eyes off of him…(who can?). He is one magnificent singer…and especially with this song. He certainly does own it now…and anyone in their right mind wouldn't even try to sing it. Gosh! I guess I really got carried away there…Lol…but, it is the truth.
This has always been my favorite song. I love the Rightous Bros version and I love Clay Aiken's version even more.