Righteous Brothers Singer Celebrates New Album: ‘It’s Flat-Out a Blessing’
By Movieguide® Contributor
After a battle with throat cancer, Righteous Brothers singer Bill Medley is celebrating the release of his first album in almost 20 years.
“That was an incredibly scary thing to go through,” the 84-year-old told The Guardian of his cancer battle.
Medley was diagnosed with throat cancer almost five years ago and underwent surgery in 2020 to have a growth removed and save his vocal chords.
“If I lost my voice, I would be devastated,” he said.
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Medley just dropped a country album, Straight From the Heart, featuring songs from Kris Kristofferson and Hank Williams.
“I feel I can sing these songs, because I’ve lived these songs,” he shared. “When you get older, you’ve seen a lot of ups and downs. And I’ve had some real downs.”
In an interview with Billboard, Medley said, “This was the most comfortable, easiest, rewarding album I’ve ever done. Working with those Nashville musicians was just such an honor, but, boy, just so easy and so good. I love the album and if something happens with it, that would be wonderful.”
“I always loved the heart and soul of country songs, especially ballads,” he shared in another interview with AARP. “I love country for its simplicity. I’m a simplicity guy. Basically, I’m a rhythm and blues singer, but the best blues you can do is those country ballads. They’re very soulful. Now that I’m 84 and have been married four times, this album is my life. I’ve had real highs and lows.”
Medley continued, “I’m pretty dang good for 84. The traveling is what tires me out, so I have to slow down a bit. People ask me, ‘When are you going to retire?’ I say, “‘ have to get a job first. This isn’t a job.’ To be 84 and out here singing songs to people who love the music? It’s flat-out a blessing.”
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