Originally recorded in 1955 — now considered one of the all-time greatest songs!

Written by composer Alex North and lyricist Hy Zaret in 1955, Unchained Melody has become one of the most celebrated and enduring songs in modern music history.

Originally written for the film Unchained, the song was intended to convey deep longing, loneliness, and romantic yearning—themes that have helped it resonate with audiences across generations and cultures.

Todd Duncan, a classically trained African-American baritone, performed the original version in the movie, lending it a solemn, heartfelt tone that reflected the song’s emotional core.

Over the decades, Unchained Melody has been covered by more than 670 artists worldwide, in dozens of languages, making it one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century.

Its adaptability has allowed it to bridge musical genres, from classical and jazz to pop and rock.

Despite the many interpretations, it was The Righteous Brothers’ 1965 rendition that truly solidified Unchained Melody as a timeless classic.

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