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The most played song of the 20th century
The article identifies The Righteous Brothers’ 1964 recording of ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’ as the most played song of the 20th century. It argues that the Phil Spector-produced hit became unusually enduring through extensive radio use, cover versions and appearances in popular culture.
Written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector, the song reached number one in the UK and became a major American hit. Broadcast Music Incorporated estimated it had received more than eight million radio and television plays by the end of the century, placing it ahead of other heavily performed standards.
In short
- ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’ was named the century’s most played song.
- BMI counted more than eight million radio and television plays.
- The Righteous Brothers released the hit in 1964.
Explained simply
'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'' is a 1964 recording by The Righteous Brothers that became a major commercial success. The song reached number one in the UK and achieved significant popularity in America, securing widespread radio exposure throughout the following decades.
The track was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, with producer Phil Spector. Spector was a notable music producer who shaped the recording with his production techniques.
The song has been identified as the most-played recording of the 20th century, with an estimated eight million radio and television plays across the century. This figure illustrates how certain older recordings can accumulate vast numbers of broadcasts through continued radio rotation, cover versions and appearances in films and television.