Medley Family Genealogy & History

Bill Medley, born William Thomas Medley on September 19, 1940, is a renowned American singer best known as one-half of the iconic duo, The Righteous Brothers. Known for his distinctive bass-baritone voice, Medley gained fame with hits like "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and "Unchained Melody." Outside the duo, he achieved success with the award-winning duet "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" alongside Jennifer Warnes. Over the years, Medley also pursued a solo career and continued to perform with The Righteous Brothers until Bobby Hatfield's death in 2003. Their enduring legacy earned them an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

Bill Medley was born in Santa Ana, California, to parents Arnold and Irma Medley. Raised in a musical household, his parents had a swing band, which influenced his early musical interests. He grew up in a Presbyterian family, singing in the church choir and later exploring R&B music through black-oriented radio stations. Medley's early exposure to music set the foundation for his illustrious career in the music industry.

Dorinda Medley, born on December 13, 1964, is a renowned American television personality best known for her role on Bravo's reality series, The Real Housewives of New York City, where she appeared from 2015 to 2020. Her career highlights include founding DCL Cashmere in London and publishing her memoir, Make It Nice, in 2021. Medley further expanded her reality TV presence by starring in The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip seasons in 2022 and 2023, and participating in The Traitors in 2024. Her dynamic career in entertainment and entrepreneurship has made her a prominent figure in the reality TV landscape.

Dorinda Medley was born Dorinda Cinkala in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, to parents John and Diane Cinkala. She has one daughter, Hannah, with her first husband, Ralph Lynch. Later, she married Richard Medley, a hedge fund advisor, in 2005 until his passing in 2011.

Philip Medley (April 9, 1916 – October 3, 1997) was an influential American songwriter best known for co-writing the iconic song "Twist and Shout" with Bert Russell, popularized by The Isley Brothers and The Beatles. Medley also managed the music group The Everglades and wrote their 1962 track "Limbo Lucy." Additionally, he penned "A Million to One" and co-wrote "If I Didn't Have a Dime" for Gene Pitney and "Killer Joe," recorded by several bands. His work extended to playing guitar for The Jeffersons in 1994 and composing "Styrofoam Airplane." His broad impact on music is underlined by his association with renowned artists and bands.

Medley's family includes his niece, singer Sharon Brown, who achieved a Billboard Hot Dance Club Play top ten hit in 1982 with "I Specialize in Love."

Zechariah Joshua Henry Medley, born on 9 July 2000, is a prominent English professional footballer known for his role as a centre-back with EFL League Two club Fleetwood Town. Medley began his youth career at Chelsea before transferring to Arsenal's academy in 2016, where he captained the under-18 team and debuted in the senior squad during the 2018 Europa League. His career includes significant loan spells at Gillingham and Kilmarnock, followed by a permanent move to KV Oostende in Belgium. In 2024, Medley returned to England with Fleetwood Town, furthering his dynamic football career. As a youth international for England, he has Jamaican heritage, enhancing his diverse background in the sport.