10/13/08 - Monday in the Parks - News, Photos and Tips

ANAHEIM, CA - (October 10, 2008) - Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, best known as the legendary group The Righteous Brothers, will be honored with a star on the Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars in Anaheim. The ceremony will take place Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 10:30 a.m. on Harbor Blvd., near the Disneyland main gate entrance.

Bill Medley and Linda Hatfield, widow of Bobby, will be in attendance to accept the honor.
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The famous musical duo first performed together in 1962. Dubbed the founders of “blue-eyed soul,” The Righteous Brothers remain a favorite group among millions of fans, and their musical relevance continues to be a staple in American pop music culture.

Both Medley and Hatfield were raised in Orange County: Medley in Santa Ana, and Hatfield in Anaheim. Medley graduated from Santa Ana High School, and Hatfield from Anaheim High School, where he was student body president.

Their sound was unique, with a sophisticated mix of R&B and Rock & Roll. They opened for groups such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones before becoming a leading act themselves. In 1964 they released the song “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling’”, and to this day it is the most played track on American Radio ever, with more than eight million plays. Their song “Unchained Melody” became a huge hit more than 25 years after it was recorded, due to its inclusion in the soundtrack to the movie “Ghost.”

In 2003 the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Later that same year Hatfield passed away as he was preparing for a concert in Michigan. Medley still performs and keeps the spirit and sound of the group in front of their many fans. The Righteous Brothers’ contributions to the music industry, along with their constant support of the Orange County community, will now be forever remembered in Anaheim. Medley and Hatfield join Walt Disney, Margaret and Carl Karcher, Henry and Susan Samueli, the Yorba family, the Taormina family, Gene Autry, Monsignor John Sammon and restaurateur Bruno Serato on the Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars.