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The Time of My Life: A Righteous Brother's Memoir

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From an early age, Bill Medley had a passion for music. School glee club and amateur singing contests soon gave way to the albums of Ray Charles and Little Richard. That raw R&B influence would profoundly shape Medley's musical future.
As the pioneering "blue-eyed soul" group the Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley and late partner Bobby Hatfield sang such huge hits as "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration," "Unchained Melody," and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," the latter recognized by BMI as the most-played song of the twentieth century. Medley's duet with Jennifer Warnes for the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, "(I've Had) the Time of My Life," became a worldwide No. 1 single on its way to winning an Oscar, a Grammy, and a Golden Globe.
But Medley's story isn't just about the hits and the awards. It's about an immensely talented man who reached the pinnacle of fame, success, and excess, until the shocking murder of his wife, Karen. In time, this tragedy eventually helped him renew his commitment to both faith and family.

256 pages, Unknown Binding

First published April 8, 2014

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About the author

Bill Medley

16 books1 follower
Half of the popular romance duo, The Righteous Brothers. Their most noted hits came in the 1960's with Unchained Melody and You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin.

In 1987 Medley along with songwriter Jennifer Warnes hit number one with the song (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life from the movie Dirty Dancing starring Patrick Swayze. In 1990, Unchained Melody became a hit once again when it appeared in the film Ghost also starring Patrick Swayze with Demi Moore.

The Righteous Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Despite the fact that Medley lost his singing partner, Bobby Hatfield in 2003, he continues to record and tour.

There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

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5 stars
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4 stars
46 (29%)
3 stars
32 (20%)
2 stars
7 (4%)
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4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
347 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2021
When was the last time you picked up a book and read it straight through in the same day or in less than 5 hours? I got home by 4:30 and if you take 90 minutes off for dinner, Jeopardy and a few fast phone calls ... I finished it in appr 4 hours.

It was the autobiography of Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers and his life story up to 2014 which was within a year of Bobby Hatfield's passing.

It was obviously a very very easy read .... I skipped over nothing, it was all very interesting and in may ways sad. Bill and Bobby had many differences of opinions. Bill wanted to go as far as they could go but Bobby would have been more content to do small clubs or venues. They split a few times but got back together for what was the final journey in 2013.

Bill does talk about the many ladies in his life, 4 marriages, 2 annulments and the many friends from childhood to music associates, including Elvis. All in all a roller coaster ride through life.

If you loved their music and they were part of you growing up .... you may want to pick this up at the library. I also got the DVD of one of their concerts. RECOMMEND HIGHLY.
Profile Image for Kay Solo.
Author 11 books79 followers
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November 29, 2025
I grew up with The Righteous Brothers because they were favorites of my parents, and they became a favorite of mine too. I remember being lucky enough to see the two of them sing in Laughlin shortly before Bobby passed, and before and after that I listened to their stuff all the time.

I really couldn't have been happier to learn that Bill Medley had a book coming out. Apparently that fact wasn't lost on anyone else; before I could pre-order it, someone had already gotten it for me.

What can I say? It was a good read and a good look into their history with Bill's great personality. I loved learning about all the people he met, the places he went and how he grew up. I've never met him (though it would be great to do so), but I can tell he's a stand up guy. At the very least I'm renewed in my efforts to catch at least one more show.
Profile Image for Bryan.
142 reviews
March 6, 2017
Highly enjoyable and worth a read. Whether growing-up on his original hits, or on his 80's movies-driven resurgence as I did, the music of the Righteous Brothers is a soundtrack for America.

This book is a quick read. It's simple, but filled with amazing stories and a full display of the heart and soul (or Soul & Inspiration?) of Bill Medley. I'll appreciate his music even more now that I have a better understanding of the man behind it.
1 review1 follower
May 6, 2022
This book is a revelation not of Bobby Hatfield’s character but of Bill Medley’s. In every partnership, there would always be differences but for Bill Medley to harbour ill feelings and disparage his partner of 40 years who is no longer around to refute his allegations is simply bad taste. I used to like both of them but not Bill Medley anymore because now I know Bill Medley is a conceited and insecure guy. Don’t buy this book – waste of time and money – it’s garbage!
Profile Image for Walter Danley.
Author 5 books102 followers
September 11, 2023
The title jumped off the page of a book catalog at me. I knew that Bill Medley was one-half of the Righteous Brothers. I was aware of his decades-long partnership with Bobby Hatfield. Still, as I write this review of his fascinating and engaging memoir, I'm not sure why it motivated me to buy it.

Like so many people of my generation, I grew up with the Blue-Eyed-Soul music of the Righteous Brothers and still dial up their music on Spotify almost as often as I do Willie, Waylon, or (wait for it) Sinatra. But that book catalog also said the foreword was written by Billy Joel, another serial Spotify extraordinary singer selection. The reason must have been the combination of Billy Joel and the Righteous Brothers. I purchased the book. You see, I have a personal connection to both men.

Let me explain why I wanted to read The Time of My Life. In the book, Mr. Medley generously recounts in some detail the famous folks he's known and worked with over his many decades of entertaining enthusiastic audiences. The author has interspersed quotes from many to validate his descriptions of those relationships. His illustrations show that they were and remain close friends to Bill Medley and his family.

Bobby Hatfield and I were in the same Anaheim Union High School class. Bobby was a popular and personable guy and a superstar on our varsity baseball team. We knew of each other during our sophomore year but had few interactions. That changed toward the end of our junior year when a mutual friend asked if I'd be interested in heading up Bobbie's campaign for Senior Class President. Surly, my being considered for such an august role must have been because I had many friends in my social circle and demonstrated political expertise to have been voted President of the Latin Club! Hatfield was a guy that I would easily vote for, and so would most of my pals and friends on campus. It seemed like an opportunity to associate with a campaign that would be a clear winner. I said yes.

With not a tremendous amount of work on my part as campaign manager, Bobby was easily elected for the following and last year of high school. I saw him more often off campus than on. My family did our dry cleaning and laundry at Hatfield's Dry-Cleaning shop. Bobby sometimes worked the counter at his mom and dad's business.

It could be assumed that Medley's story might be designed to favor himself over Hatfield in describing the many things to be decided in their partnership. That wouldn't be surprising, but he didn't do that. Bill Medley describes his personal and professional relationships with Bobby over the many years of the Righteous Brothers. Throughout the book, he describes Bobby's (and his own) behavior on multiple occasions, the partners' differences in work ethics and motivations, and ambition, or lack thereof. Not all tasks were shared equitably. Medley presents some psychological hypotheses for these behaviors. His characterizations rang true based on my interactions with Hatfield in high school. They were two very different people, but they sang songs in a way that captured a large international audience. For many, those songs are still captivating.

One of the events I wanted to know more about was Bill's version of Bobby's death in Kalamazoo, Michigan, almost twenty years ago. Oh, note the copyright date of this book. It's been nine years since Bill wrote it, but I assume nothing has happened since then to change his telling of the tale. I remember reading the newspaper stories in 2003 of Bobby's death. They were sensationalized with rumors of a drug overdose and how the "decadent entertainment business" had corrupted a clean-cut kid from Orange County, California. Bill does a credible and honorable job of what happened and how the press got it wrong.

I know nothing more than what Medley reveals in the book, and he sure doesn't dwell on Hatfield's death. He treats it as the terrible ending to a very long and successful partnership, interrupted for many years at one point but rejoined for even more extraordinary achievements. In a memoir like this, as opposed to a novel, it is only possible to develop the characters of the prominent people, Medley and Hatfield. And the book does that elegantly. The reader will come away with a vivid picture of these two men, their relationship, and the fifty years from the 1960s into the early years of the twenty-first century in which they worked and exerted considerable influence.

In his foreword to The Time of My Life, Billy Joel says, "Bill Medley's voice resonates to this day—and his journey through life explains the depth and soul inherent in that voice." But what of the creative talent of Billy Joel alluded to earlier? Let me set the time for you for that bit of Hollywood history.

In September 1979, CBS Television aired their pilot episode of Trapper John, MD. This series would run for the next seven years on that network. That good-looking blonde nurse on the left is Christopher Norris, who I was fortunate enough to have been wed at the time. One of the show's two producers was Don Brinkley, who, among his many other talents and accomplishments, was the father of Christy Brinkley, the beautiful, talented, and successful supermodel and actress. Still with me?

A few years after Trapper John, MD had established itself as a Sunday evening staple, Don's darling daughter met and fell in love with the man who wrote the foreword to The Time of My Life. About that time, Billy Joel wrote and sang two of his many smash hits: Uptown Girl (Christopher was born and raised in NYC) and Blonde Over Blue (Christopher is a natural blonde with very blue eyes.) These are still my two favorite songs from the mega-talented Billy Joel. Why? Because both Joel and I were very much in love and each married to a smart, gorgeous, talented, and blue-eyed blonde lady somewhat connected due to the TV series, all about the same time. Billy sang about them, and I identified with his songs. I was devastated when I read in Daily Variety that the Joels had separated. I assume Billy felt terrible when Christopher and I did the same.

None of the explanations this book appealed to me are reasons for you to read Bill Medley's marvelous memoir. But there are several rationales you might consider latching onto a copy for a few hours of nostalgic reminiscences of a bygone time of music, memorable moments, and memories that we will never know again. Medley's memoir will gently bring all that to you in a touchable narrative that will make it possible to remember and smile.
51 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2022
I first learned about this book when I attended a Righteous Brothers show at a local venue. I was able to find it on a used book site, and I scored an autographed copy!

This was such a fun read, so entertaining. I devoured the book in several days, but if I had the time, I easily could have finished it in one sitting.

Bill Medley, with his distinctive baritone, is such an iconic performer. What I learned from seeing him live, is that it's not only his voice, but his warm, down-to-earth personality that makes him so appealing.

Medley's story is a fascinating one, filled with tons of popular show business figures he met along the way. His journey leads you through dive bars in Orange County, California, to the stages of Branson, to the grand hotels of Las Vegas.

But it is also a story of Medley's growth over many years--how he evolved from an insecure youth into a devoted husband and father. And he is not afraid to admit to mistakes and regrets, particularly in how he treated women, as well as his relationship with partner/fellow Righteous Brother Bobby Hatfield.

This was an all-around terrific memoir.
Profile Image for Laurie.
249 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2018
I became interested in reading this book after seeing a Righteous Brothers concert at The Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD on 8/26/18 and hearing Mr. Medley talk about the book. The concert was excellent-- with an unknown singer, Bucky Heard, taking the place of the late Bobby Hatfield (and man, could Bucky sing--he had a few solos, one of which was an opera solo, and though I'm not normally a fan of opera, this solo was fantastic!) The book is an interesting read, although I will admit I did get a bit tired of reading about his love life. However, as the book neared the end, I really enjoyed it as Mr. Medley explained his love for his craft and this book really does seem to reveal that this artist is a very genuinely good person who has not let his fame and success destroy that. He values the people who got him to that point--his audiences and his fans and he does his best to give them the joy that the music gives to him-- he knows he has been blessed with a special talent and he tries to share his blessing with others. And, share it he does. A very good read for a celebrity biography.
1 review
May 1, 2014
Wonderful book - I recommend it!!!!

Love the genuineness of this book. I have seen Billl Medley and Bobby Hatfield "The Righteous Brothers " perform with the San Diego Pops. It was a thrill to hear the music I grew up with played by a symphony orchestra. Lately, he has come to the local casinos for a his own show and it has been a terrific memory at each of those shows. Last year he signed my albums which meant the world to me. His book and shows leave you with an honest sense of friendship. God Bless, and Thank you Bill......I will never lose that "Lovin' Feeling".
Profile Image for Rick.
5 reviews
March 4, 2018
I thought I might find this to be a bit more boring than the other autobiographies I've read written by Rock n' Roll's greatest but... I was wrong! This is a very compelling story. Like so many other artists of the time, they are very sensitive people in a crazy business and they've all got an intense story behind them. Medley has been through it all. And still going strong... just a little bit less frequently.
Profile Image for Mrs..
717 reviews18 followers
April 16, 2015
Could'nt be happier to report that there is at least one geniune, gentle soul in rock & roll.
Loved this book, the life story and the man behind it. A must read for any Righteous Brothers fan.

*Read for my 2015 challenge: A Memoir*
18 reviews
April 28, 2015
Been head over heels for this man since I was ten years old.
Profile Image for Karen.
455 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2025
I just saw him perform in Las Vegas. He told a lot of stories so I wanted to see what he said in his autobiography. Very interesting reading. You just never know what you never hear about. He is 85 years old and still going strong. He is currently performing with Bucky Heard who has been 1/2 of the Righteous Brothers for several years. From the murder of Bill's first wife and the death of Bobby Hatfield, to his determination to keep going, a fascinating read. Currently performing at South Point Resort and Casino. And adding a plug for South Point. They have a great place and bring lots of acts in there that you probably will not hear about unless you know where to look. And about a tenth of the cost of the strip shows.
Profile Image for Rick.
19 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2017
A fun, easy read about a music legend. Great music history here from the guy who was there from the beginning. I had no idea that the Righteous Brothers opened for the The Beatles on their first U.S. tour as well as the Rolling Stones on their first U.S. tour. Both bands were fans of the Righteous Brothers who were already big before either of them came along!
435 reviews
December 17, 2017
I liked it. It told about the famous people he's met & made friends with. It told about his & Bobby's relationship & how difficult it was. Which is a surprise when you consider how well they sang together. It was an over all good book. Plus you can't help but hear the songs in your head as you're reading it. ha
92 reviews
June 6, 2026
Humbly revealing

Bill Medley shares personal stories-especially about his time with Bobby Hatfield. Bill seems like a regular guy, down to earth, and is grateful for his God-given gift in that voice. Enjoyed the behind-the-scenes peek.
4 reviews
December 5, 2020
The Time of my Life

Enjoyable read. Brought back a lot of memories, and gave insight into the making of the Righteous Brothers and their personalities.
Profile Image for David Streb.
127 reviews5 followers
June 8, 2024
Breezy read. He sure knew a lot of people, and had some entertaining annex in this book. I found his relationship with Bobby Hatfield. Very interesting. And what an easy-going guy!
Profile Image for Karen Squires.
138 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2026
awesome

I admit memoirs are not my reading cup of tea. I have read exactly one other. Steven Tyler’s. This book was sweet and sincere, and Bill Medley is clearly the man we thought he was. How rare is that? Thanks for the memories!
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
1,870 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2017
Reading about the 60s music scene is always fun.
Profile Image for Chris.
482 reviews7 followers
June 15, 2015
I read this book on a Saturday afternoon--couldn't put it down. I loved hearing about Bill Medley's life, as I loved the songs he and Bobby Hatfield sang in the 60's. Getting into the recording field was so much different in the 60's. I didn't know that they were the lead in group for the Beatles first American tour, and also the Rolling Stones first American tour. And he also knew Elvis Presley quite well, along with Frank Sinatra. I really didn't want the book to end. I saw him perform in Branson with his son in a combination show with Paul Revere and the Raiders, with his son taking the spot of Mark Lindsey, and he also sung a duet, The Time of My Life, with his daughter, which was touching. If you are a Righteous Brother's fan, you will love this book.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,668 reviews34 followers
April 6, 2015
Light easy good-hearted read about Bill Medley's rise to fame, with tidbits about the highs and lows of his life including his relationship with Bobby Hatfield. Show biz friends and family occasionally chime in on how they met him or tell about an experience with Bill, who appears to be a stand-up and personable guy. Nothing too deep but entertaining with just a few gossip-worthy parts. Read if you are a fan.
Profile Image for Lana.
48 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2014
Read this book in one sitting, but then I'm a huge Righteous Brothers fan and especially a fan of Bill Medley. It was entertaining and informative and I spent a most .pleasant evening reading about all the songs and how they came to be, the shows they did and the musical groups with whom they performed.The tragedies and triumphs the singers experienced in their personal lives was interesting reading also.
54 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Mr. Medley was positive and upbeat all the way through; even when discussing negative things that had happened to him. I've always been a Righteous Brothers fan. Reading this book makes me appreciate him and his music much more.
566 reviews13 followers
August 8, 2016
This book brought back many memories. I had forgotten many of the songs but as soon as I read the titles the songs and years came flooding back. It was nice to read of a singer from the 60's and later who wasn't strung out on drugs most of the time.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Allerton.
3 reviews
April 4, 2019
Good read !!! i remember watching them on shindig what a treat 😊

Good read i loved watching them perform on Shindig they were great singers and entertainers!!!! This book was righteous brothers
26 reviews
April 18, 2015
A silly and fun bio. The writing is quite "young" therefore it is a "quick read". If you like "blue eyed soul" it is interesting to see the path to success.....
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews