Introduction
Originally written by the famed songwriting team Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil (with production by Phil Spector), “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” was first recorded by The Righteous Brothers in 1964–65 and quickly became a landmark of popular music. With its soaring vocals, dramatic arrangement, and emotional intensity, it has been described as “one of the best records ever made” and became the most-played song on American radio and television in the 20th century. The original version also achieved historic chart success and cultural impact, subsequently being inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2015.
Fast-forward to February 8, 2015: at the 57th Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the Recording Academy chose to honor Mann and Weil with the Trustees Award. As part of that tribute, Jessie J—known for her dynamic pop voice—and the venerable Welsh legend Tom Jones joined forces on stage to deliver this timeless ballad. Their interpretation bridged generations: Jones, whose career stretches back decades, brought his classic showmanship; Jessie J added contemporary flair. The staging (on a circular center stage) and their vocal chemistry made the performance a standout moment of the evening.
This rendition not only celebrated the song’s enduring legacy but also reinforced how certain compositions transcend eras. It reminded the audience that a great song—rooted in emotion, craft and historical resonance—can be re-imagined while retaining its core power. By performing it in this awards-show context, the duo connected the past (the songwriting triumph of Mann/Weil and the original 1960s hit) with the present (the 2015 pop milieu) in a way that felt both respectful and vibrant.
In that spirit, this performance of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” stands as more than a cover—it is a moment of musical legacy being passed on, celebrated and renewed.