Separately they are music legends who have been part of lives for decades upon decades. But now they come together for the first time on a bluesy take of a country classic.
Bill Medley was one half of the award winning duo The Righteous Brothers (“Unchained Melody”) and had a second career outside of the group (most notably with the #1 Dirty Dancing smash “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” Now at 84 years of age, he is readying an unexpected return to radio with Straight From the Heart, due next month on Curb Records.
For the first single from the new album, Medley has teamed with another legend and SoulTracks favorite, Michael McDonald. The two distinctive baritone singers join together on a Buck Owens country classic – later taken even higher by Ray Charles – “Crying Time.” Produced by Fred Mollin (Billy Joel), this new version of “Crying Time” captures all of the pathos of the earlier versions.
Oh, it’s cryin’ time again, you’re gonna leave me
I can see that far away look in your eyes
I can tell by the way you hold me darlin’, yeah now
That it won’t be long before it’s cryin’ time
Medley and McDonald sound great together, and deliver a song that gives the melancholy feeling of a lonely Saturday night of self-pity. We’ve all been there. Check out “Crying Time” below.
By Chris Rizik
