At 84, legendary Righteous Brothers singer Bill Medley is releasing his first album in almost two decades, a feat made even more remarkable by his recent health battles. Medley's journey has been marked by both triumph and tragedy, from battling throat cancer to coping with the loss of loved ones.
In a candid interview with the Guardian, Medley discussed his 2020 throat cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery. The experience was understandably daunting, with the potential loss of his voice a devastating prospect. Thankfully, the procedure was successful, preserving his vocal cords and paving the way for his new album.
Titled "Straight From the Heart," the album features covers of poignant ballads by iconic artists like Kris Kristofferson and Hank Williams. Medley connects deeply with these songs, feeling they reflect his own life experiences. He shared with the Guardian, "I feel I can sing these songs because I’ve lived these songs. When you get older, you’ve seen a lot of ups and downs. And I’ve had some real downs."
Medley's life has indeed been filled with profound challenges. The tragic murder of his first child's mother, the sudden loss of his musical partner Bobby Hatfield, and a near-career-ending bout of laryngitis in the 1970s have all left their mark. He credits rigorous vocal exercises, recommended by a former teacher, with saving his voice after the laryngitis diagnosis. Reflecting on the turbulent decade, Medley remarked, "You can take the '70s as far as I’m concerned. It was a very tough 10 years for me."
Despite these hardships, Medley maintains a positive outlook. In a recent interview with AARP, he expressed gratitude for his health and the opportunity to continue performing. He emphasized the joy he finds in sharing his music with audiences, stating, "To be 84 and out here singing songs to people who love the music? It’s flat-out a blessing."
