Is it just me...  I'm not a big celebrity/pop culture guy but Clay Aiken doing Unchained Melody on American Idol in one of the middle rounds was one of the greatest performances of any song by anyone I've ever heard.

There's a lot of innovators in music, but very few that could be called "musical geniuses" in their ability to create a unique style, then deliver a wide range of powerful music using that style.  The RBs are definitely on that list.  In a way it's a shame that so much of their music became popular by association, being in the sound tracks of successful movies.  In a way it hides some of their true musical accomplishment, especially from the youger crowd.

This is indeed sad news for music lovers everywhere. Though before my time, I love the Righteous Brother's music, and a lot of music from the 50-60's actually. Guess I was born too late.

It is sad that so many of the up and coming generations only know of this music due to soundtracks, movies and sampling.

I'm grateful to know the music as it was done then. And also for the song Unchained Melody. I've won a lot of money singing that one for karaoke contests. Lots of money!

Clay Aiken kicks ass, should have been the winner. I'm a big guy and was rooting for Ruben all along, but that final night, I felt Clay sang much much better. His album is great too.

Jimbo

And the world becomes a slightly deeper shade of grey

I was a major fan of the Righteous Bros., and Hatfield will be sorely missed.  I saw them perform live a coupla years back in Las Vegas, and I'll not soon forget the memories they brought back of my misspent youth, especially in the back seat of my '62 Chevy Impala convertible.

But the song that sticks to me is "You Lost That Loving Feeling", which, BTW is the single most played song on the radio in the USA, and for my money the best song ever.

Rest in Peace Bobby, and thank you for the pleasure you brought to me.