Bill Medley, the surviving half of the iconic duo the Righteous Brothers, has opened up about his remarkable career resurgence and the poignant last exchange he had with Elvis Presley. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee shared memories of the chaotic genius of producer Phil Spector, the unexpected renaissance of the band's music through classic films like Top Gun, Dirty Dancing, and Ghost, and his friendship with the King of Rock & Roll.
Medley recalled his time working with Phil Spector, describing it as both thrilling and maddening. "He was a genius, but he was also completely unpredictable," Medley said. "You never knew what you were going to get when you walked into the studio."
The duo's music found a new audience decades later when their songs were featured in blockbuster movies. "It was surreal to hear our music in those films," Medley said. "Suddenly, a whole new generation discovered us."
But perhaps the most poignant memory was his final conversation with Elvis Presley. "I was with him just before he passed," Medley recalled. "He looked at me and said, 'Bill, don't ever forget that I love you.' Those were the last words he ever spoke to me." Medley paused, reflecting on the moment. "I'll carry that with me forever."
Now 84, Medley continues to perform and is grateful for the unexpected longevity of his career. "I never thought I'd still be doing this at my age," he said. "But the music keeps me going."