About the Book
Bill Medley's indelible baritone adorns some of the biggest hits of the twentieth century--"You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration," "Rock and Roll Heaven"--and is prominent on the soundtrack of an entire generation. He and his musical partner, the late inimitable Bobby Hatfield, formed the Righteous Brothers in 1963 and forever changed the sound of popular music. The term "blue-eyed soul" was born. After the Phil Spector-produced "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" hit #1 in 1964 and Bobby Hatfield's sweeping solo vocal turn on "Unchained Melody" enchanted millions, the Righteous Brothers found themselves in the thick of the musical and cultural changes sweeping the nation. They toured with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, became friends with Elvis Presley and the Beach Boys, and brought rhythm and blues to the largest cross-over audience it had reached to date. The Time of My Life is an affecting and vivid memoir of those times and beyond, an unvarnished look at Bill Medley's personal triumphs and tragedies through the filter of five decades of musical, television, motion picture, and live-performance success.
Medley opens his head and his heart, sharing his thoughts and feelings about the great African-American music that inspired him, his loving yet tumultuous and complicated relationship with Bobby Hatfield, the murder of his first wife Karen and his struggle to raise their son alone, his close friendship with Elvis and its sad ending, his deep depression over losing his voice (and how he got it back), his smash duet with Jennifer Warnes on "(I've Had) the Time of My Life" for the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, and how he learned to settle down and become a family man and enjoy a nearly thirty-year (and counting) marriage. But Medley's story isn't just about the #1 hits and the awards. It's the story of an immensely talented young guy who lived the rock star life and reached the pinnacle of fame, success, and excess, and how he was eventually able to renew his commitment to both his faith and his family.
About the Author :
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.
Review :
"Bill Medley's voice resonates to this day--and his journey through life explains the depth and soul inherent in that voice."--Billy Joel "I thought I knew Bill Medley, and then I read his book The Time of My Life and realized I knew the singer but I didn't really know the man. If you liked him before you read this book, you will love him after. It is a great read about a special man."--Kenny Rogers "Bill Medley writes as he sings--with a heart full of soul and inspiration."--Paul Shaffer Mojo, April 2014 "[A] likeably conversational, anecdotal read." Blogcritics.org, 4/9/2014 "A fast-paced read...Like other such memoirs, it should deepen reader's appreciation for the creation of some of their favorite songs." Cleveland Music Examiner, 4/8/14 "In his new autobiography, The Time of My Life, singer Bill Medley comes across as an affable, down-to-earth fellow. The kind of guy you'd want to write a song with, have a beer with, and call neighbor." My Big Honkin Blog, 4/27/14 "[Medley] delivers on one of the things I love the most about these kind of bios, unique insights and stories from offstage and behind the scenes...While Medley details the ups and downs inherent in any music career, he avoids the formulaic Behind the Music roller coaster and focuses more on the positive. This is a great read for fans of the Righteous Brothers or any music fan." Bookviews Blog, May 2014 "Fans of their music will thoroughly enjoy [Medley's] account of growing up as the son of musicians in Orange County, California, where he recorded his first solo songs on two tape recorders in his living room." RockCellarMagazine, 5/6/14 "A fascinating read." Record Collector, June 2014 "A righteously good read...[A] page-turner of an autobiography written...in a relaxed, conversational style...The singer is open, honest and genuinely engaging." Buffalo News, 5/25/14 "Medley tells about it all--the good times and bad--in a fast-moving, at times very emotional memoir that pulls back the curtain to offer some interesting insights into the world of recorded music."
