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

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 theDirty 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.

Bill Medley, along with the other half of the Righteous Brothers, Bobby Hatfield, has recorded such hits as "You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’," "(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration," "Unchained Melody," and "Rock and Roll Heaven." His worldwide #1 hit, "(I've Had) the Time of My Life," with Jennifer Warnes, earned him a Grammy, a Golden Globe, an American Music Award, an Academy Award, and Video of the Year honors. In 2003, Medley and Hatfield were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Billy Joel, and he continues to tour and perform to sold-out audiences everywhere. He lives in Southern California with his wife Paula.

Mike Marino is an author, speaker, and musician. He was a member of several popular music groups including the McCoys, famous for their #1 hit "Hang on Sloopy." He lives in Orange County, California.