Bill Medley
Bill Medley (born September 19, 1940) is an American singer, songwriter, and a founding member of The Righteous Brothers. Explore his biography, career highlights (like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”), and his impact on music.
Introduction
William Thomas “Bill” Medley (born September 19, 1940) is an American singer and songwriter best known as one half of the iconic vocal duo The Righteous Brothers. Medley’s deep bass-baritone voice, his role in producing many of the duo’s songs, and his later solo works have made him one of the enduring figures in pop, soul, and adult contemporary music.
Though The Righteous Brothers remain his most recognizable identity, Medley also gained broad fame with the duet “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” (from Dirty Dancing), which brought him a new generation of listeners.
Early Life & Musical Beginnings
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Bill Medley was born on September 19, 1940, in Santa Ana, California.
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His parents, Arnold and Irma Medley, ran a swing band; young Bill sang in the church choir, and grew up exposed to music early on.
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As a teenager, he became interested in rhythm & blues and soul music, citing influences such as Little Richard, Ray Charles, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and B.B. King.
Early Groups & Solo Work
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In his younger years, Medley formed a duo called The Romancers with Don Fiduccia, and later joined a group named The Paramours.
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With The Paramours, they recorded a few singles in the early 1960s, though with limited commercial success.
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Medley also tried solo recordings, writing songs and experimenting with multitrack recording in his home studio.
These formative years honed his voice, songwriting, and studio work, preparing him to form the legendary duo.
The Righteous Brothers Era
Formation & Breakthrough
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In 1962, Medley and Bobby Hatfield combined their talents and officially named themselves The Righteous Brothers.
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They initially recorded under small labels; one early single was “Little Latin Lupe Lu”.
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Their big break came when Phil Spector signed them to his label Philles Records and produced them under his famed “Wall of Sound” style.
Signature Hits & Contributions
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One of their signature songs, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” featured Medley prominently and became one of the most played songs in American radio history.
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Medley often took on the role of producer for many Righteous Brothers tracks, even those credited to Spector, including “Unchained Melody” and “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration.”
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Vocally, Medley’s lower register contrasted with Hatfield’s high tenor, giving the duo a dramatic and emotional dynamic in their recordings and live performances.
Separations & Reunions
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The duo first split in 1968; Medley attempted a solo career, while Hatfield also pursued individual projects.
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In the 1970s they reunited occasionally, recording new music such as “Rock and Roll Heaven.”
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After Hatfield’s death in 2003, Medley refrained from using The Righteous Brothers name until years later, when he selected Bucky Heard as a new singing partner to carry on the vocal legacy.
Solo Career & Later Highlights
Solo in the 1970s–1980s
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During his solo years, Medley recorded singles like “Brown Eyed Woman” and “Peace, Brother, Peace.”
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He made inroads into the country genre in the 1980s, releasing several charting singles such as “I Still Do.”
Landmark Duet & Pop Resurgence
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In 1987, Medley recorded “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” with Jennifer Warnes for the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. The song became a massive hit, won a Grammy, and brought Medley renewed mainstream fame.
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That song has become a cultural staple, often associated with romance and nostalgia.
Recent Activities
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In February 2025, Medley released a new album titled Straight from the Heart, featuring country ballad covers and duets with artists like Michael McDonald, Keb’ Mo’, Vince Gill, and Shawn Colvin.
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At age 84, Medley has spoken about his journey through personal and professional highs and lows, including surviving throat cancer and the tragedies of losing key people in his life.
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In early 2024, he announced a farewell tour ("Lovin’ Feelin Farewell Tour") marking his retirement from touring, but indicating he may continue writing or collaborating.
Artistic Style & Influence
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Blue-eyed soul: Medley (with Hatfield) were among the leading proponents of white vocalists (blue-eyed soul) performing with depth, passion, and emotional gravitas, often drawing from gospel and R&B traditions.
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Vocal tone & control: Medley’s baritone voice, able to deliver in both subdued and full-throttle emotional moments, has been central to many memorable recordings.
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Production insight: His involvement in producing many Righteous Brothers tracks shows he was not just a vocalist but part of the creative and sonic direction of their music.
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Resilience & reinvention: Through breaks, reunions, genre shifts, and personal trials, Medley has shown an ability to adapt while retaining artistic authenticity.
Personal Life & Challenges
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Medley has had a complicated personal life with multiple marriages:
• His first wife was Karen O’Grady, with whom he had a son Darrin. Tragically, she was murdered in 1976. • He later married Suzanne Robertson, Janice Gorham, and, in 1986, Paula Vasu, with whom he had a daughter McKenna (born 1990). -
In 2020, his wife Paula Vasu passed away from Parkinson’s disease.
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Medley underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his throat — a critical threat to his vocal instrument. He survived and was able to continue singing.
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The murder of his first wife remained unsolved for decades; in 2017, investigators used familial DNA to identify the perpetrator (who had died years earlier).
These events have profoundly shaped his life, infusing his later music with reflection, loss, and perseverance.
Legacy & Cultural Impact
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The Righteous Brothers, with Medley’s voice, helped bridge racial and genre boundaries, bringing soulful, gospel-influenced singing into mainstream pop.
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“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” remains one of the most enduring pop songs in American radio history, remembered for its emotional sweep and vocal performance.
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“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” became a generational anthem, anchoring Medley’s presence in pop culture beyond his Righteous Brothers era.
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His recent foray into country music in 2025 demonstrates his commitment to evolving as an artist even late in life.
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As of 2024, his announced retirement tour marks a turning of the page, but his influence lives on via recordings and the impression he leaves on vocalists who follow in his style.