Unchained Melody's lyricist dies

The Righteous Brothers' version of the song remains the most famous

Lyricist Hy Zaret, who wrote the words for the song Unchained Melody, has passed away at the age of 99.

According to son Robert, he was a month off his 100th birthday when he died at his home in Westport, Connecticut.

Written in 1955 for the film Unchained, Zaret's best-known composition brought him and its composer, Alex North, an Oscar nomination for best song.

It went on to be recorded by artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, Lena Horne, Joni Mitchell and Robson and Jerome.

Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates had a hit with his rendition in 2002.

Novelty song

The most famous version, however, is the one the Righteous Brothers recorded in 1965.

Their interpretation became a hit again in 1990 when it was featured in the film Ghost.

The song - which does not feature the word "unchained" - has been recorded more than 300 times, according to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Zaret - whose other works include My Sister and I, a 1941 hit for Jimmy Dorsey, and the Andrews Sisters' novelty song One Meat Ball - called it "the best thing I ever did in my life".