Passengers Hear Haunting 'Unchained Melody' And Stop In Their Tracks Realizing It's Subway Singer

Mar 12, 2021 by apost team

New York City commuters are used to hearing and seeing musicians along their route. This is especially true in the subway, where performers often stop to play their music for the world to hear. The locals often walk right on by many of these people, but something about this particular noise captured their undivided attention.

On a subway platform in New York back in 2016, commuters could hear the light strums of what sounded like a guitar, a gentle drum noise and a deep voice. They had to stop and check it out for themselves.

It turns out that the music was a haunting rendition of the Righteous Brothers' classic song "Unchained Melody," which was being sung by a local performer named Mike Yung, who was accompanied by his band comprised of two other men.

Yung's version of the song was unique for many reasons, but one of the most impressive aspects was Yung's incredible low voice. Showing off his vocal talents with seeming ease, Yung belted out the song and clearly, the subway commuters were impressed with what they heard as a crowd drew over Yung and his band's performance.

What's most incredible about Yung's journey is that after singing in subway stations for years, this video went viral and gained him national attention. Then one year later Yung auditioned and made it to the semi-finals of "America's Got Talent." His life story is about never giving up on your dreams, as he proved that it's never too late to be recognized for your talents. 

When musicians busk in public, sometimes people pass by and barely take notice, while other times a busker can put on such a powerful performance that people have no choice but to stop and admire what they're doing. Busking is simply another type of musical performance, and it definitely takes a lot of skill.

In 2016, one busking musician by the name of Mike Yung showed the world just how powerful a street performance can be. Thankfully for those who weren't lucky enough to witness him singing in real life, a video of the performance was posted to YouTube. In it, Yung is performing alongside two other men — one on the drums and another on guitar — and together, the three of them form a band. They're set up in the 23rd Street subway station in New York City, and although the focus of the video is on them, there are trains and commuters coming and going around them. But once Yung starts singing, something special happens — people begin to take notice and pay attention to his powerful voice.

As strangers stopped dead in their tracks to listen to this mesmerizing music, the three musicians kept making their presence known. The spectacular rendition the men played was none other than “Unchained Melody.” Passengers couldn’t help but stop and listen to the haunting sound as the band played and sang on. You can see the normally busy New Yorkers pause and take a moment to listen to this beautiful melody playing in the busy subway.

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Even the people getting off the subway end up pausing and turning to hear where that amazing voice is coming from. It is just that good. Yung has passion and soul in his voice. The way he belts out his own unique version of the song leaves everyone around him with chills.

Passengers can be seen stopping and admiring Yung and his band's performance, even those who have just exited the train that's rolled into the station. Some people are even swaying to the music, mesmerized by the familiar tune that's been interpreted in a completely new and original way. As the band ends the song, the people on the train station platform erupt in applause, as quite a crowd has gathered around the band.  

What the people in the crowd witnessed that day was something magical and special. Yung and his band's rendition is a perfect example of just how powerful and moving a busking performance can be. In the end, Yung breaks his serious singing face with a wide smile as he waves to the crowd that has gathered around him. His aura is simply wonderful and it shows, both from his mesmerizing singing voice and his warm smile.

The impromptu video has since made the rounds on social media — and for good reason. In fact, multiple versions of the same performance have been viewed over 8 million times. People are now beginning to recognize Yung from his moving performance and he is now an up-and-coming musician — all thanks to his subway performance! 

Thankfully, because of the YouTube video, people outside of those who were there on that day have been able to witness Yung and his band's moving performance of the Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody." It also brought more attention to Yung and his incredible voice and story. Around this time, he even appeared on "The Late Late Show With James Corden."

Matching his soulful voice, Yung has an equally incredible backstory. He had once been signed to a label owned by writer and producer Teddy Vann, but unfortunately for him, the company went under before he could record his album. That is when he decided to take his voice to the subway, TVOM reports. 

He performed there for more than 38 years and after this video gained internet fame, Yung actually auditioned for "America's Got Talent" and made it on. Thanks to his beautiful voice, he was able to make it to the semi-final round. The judges absolutely adored his voice just as much as his fans did!

Now that the public is familiar with Yung's incredible musical abilities and who he is, the musician is working on releasing an album that will be titled "I Will Never Give Up" — a very fitting title that speaks to Yung's persistence in never giving up on his music dreams. He has even started a Kickstarter campaign to help finance the album.

We hope he has another big break — he deserves it! If you are ready to hear his beautiful voice for yourself, click on the video below.  

What did you think of Mike Yung's rendition of "Unchained Melody"? If his voice impressed you, then pass this on to others — it's sure to bring a smile to your friends and family's faces!