UNCHAINED

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granfer
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UNCHAINED

Post by granfer »

For a number of years now I have been trying to find a recording from the film "Unchained".
It's the ORIGINAL soundtrack version (known subsequently as " Unchained Melody"), sung on the soundtrack by Todd Duncan, who actually played the character.
Does anyone have a copy of the Film, Video, DVD or vinyl record that they could use to lift off this track as an MP3 file for me?

Living in hope!!!

Granfer
Jim Carlile
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Re: UNCHAINED

Post by Jim Carlile »

Isn't it by Alex North? Should be pretty easy to find.
granfer
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Re: UNCHAINED

Post by granfer »

Hi, Jim,

Yes, you're right. He did write it and there are hundreds of cover versions of the song and lots written about him, Todd Barclay and the song itself.
BUT.... the ORIGINAL recording is as elusive as the Scarlet Pimpernel !

I have searched the web using all the search words I can think of and the earliest version I have found is the first Commercial recording by the great Al Hibbler; absolutely brilliant, but not as moving as the soundtrack, which holds special connotations for me. Todd Barclay (best known for his Porgy in Porgy and Bess; recording still available) played the part and sang the song in the film.... it's the ultimate.

Granfer (Martin)
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MovieStuff
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Re: UNCHAINED

Post by MovieStuff »

Does this help?

http://www.martin.mesanetworks.net/unch ... ained.html

EDIT: Try this also:

http://www.last.fm/music/Al+Hibbler/_/Unchained+Melody

Apparently, the song was originally sung by Al Hibbler.

http://www.martin.mesanetworks.net/unch ... ined2.html

"The movie was released in January 1955 with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. As was required in order for the song to be eligible for Academy Award nomination, the words and music were sung on the soundtrack by Al Hibbler, a blind black singer."

Roger
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DriveIn
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Re: UNCHAINED

Post by DriveIn »

I was reading an article this morning where the writer found some long lost music recording that was posted on youtube. The article went on about the many rare recordings posted on youtube. Might be worth checking, but could be like finding a needle in a used haystack.
granfer
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Real name: Clive Jones
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Re: UNCHAINED

Post by granfer »

Thank you everyone with input.

Roger,
It is commonly believed that Al Hibbler recorded the soundtrack song; it would appear that although he recorded his version for Decca as the first eve commercial disc (which went straight into the charts) in 1955, the same year as the film....

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048762/trivia

he didn't provide the film soundtrack as his Filmography shows......

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0382519/#self1950


Drive In,
You-tube has hundreds of versions of this song, including Al Hibbler's (and some superb other little-known artists); unfortunately not this one! At one point I found a discussion forum on You-Tube which also made the same observations as the links above.

When I find it, there will be no doubt as to who sang it because Al Hiblbler was a tenor towards the high end of the range, and Todd Duncan a baritone with the classical "Porgy" sound. If I'm wrong, it won't be the first time I've had egg on my face!!!

May I wish a peaceful end to this year to all Forum members, of whatever race or creed, and peace and happines throughout the coming year.

Granfer
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