Gibb Brothers Seek Fame (06:40)
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Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb collaborate, gigging in Australia as teenagers. They create three part harmonies, releasing “Spicks and Specks.” They release their first hit, “New York Mining Disaster 1941" with manager Robert Stigwood.
Early Records (04:41)
Stigwood places the Bee Gees with Atlantic Records. They write “To Love Somebody” for Otis Redding, but he dies before he can record the song.
Success and Process (05:06)
After their 1967 show at Saville Theatre, the Bee Gees fraternize with The Beatles and other stars. They write songs quickly, record regularly, and release the number one hit “Massachusetts” in England.
Fame and Dynamics (04:04)
The Bee Gees were unprepared for commercial success. Maurice makes decadent expenditures while Barry and Robin fight for individual recognition. The group disbands, losing touch with one another.
Gibb Family (04:23)
With the Gibb brothers' relationship strained, Robin gives a disastrous solo performance In New Zealand. Each of the brothers marries while isolated from one another.
Healing Process (04:09)
Stigwood leaves NEMS, taking the Bee Gees with him. The Gibb brothers reconnect, making two number one records in America and touring in Australia. Guitarist and bassist Alan Kendall joins the group, contributing to the group’s substance abuse problems.
Evolving Culture (07:23)
After reuniting, the Bee Gees do not sell out shows, forcing them to gig at smaller venues. At Batley Variety Club, Maurice meets his second wife. Moving away from ballads, the group stays in Miami, recording with new drummer Dennis Byron and keyboard player Blue Weaver.
Winds of Change (11:14)
The Gibb brothers stay in Miami while recording at Criteria Studios; they must evolve their sound. Influenced by Arif Mardin, and Rhythm and Blues, they release “Jive Talkin'.” Barry uses falsetto on “Nights on Broadway.”
Miami Sound (05:40)
Forced to separate from Mardin, the Gibbs contact Albhy Galuten to produce their next album. He encourages Barry to use falsetto and Byron to continue with unique hi hat techniques. They discover a new audience and “You Should Be Dancing” charts at number one.
Expanding Family (03:47)
The Gibb’s parents and youngest brother move to Miami after the Bee Gees regain fame and wealth. Barry produces Andy’s first album. “I Just Wanna Be Your Everything” charts at number one; Andy becomes a teen idol.
Saturday Night Fever (07:47)
The Bee Gees go to France to record two albums. Stigwood prompts them to write songs for a soundtrack after signing John Travolta to a three-picture deal. They release a single before the movie premiers, increasing its showings.
Defining a Culture (08:59)
Byron must leave during “Night Fever’s” writing process, necessitating the use of prerecorded tracks that help define the Bee Gees disco sound. “Saturday Night Fever’s” soundtrack dominates the charts and overshadows “Spirits Have Flown.”
Fans and Opportunists (04:11)
Radio stations saturate the airwaves with hits from the Bee Gees and Andy Gibb. The “Spirits Have Flown” tour sells out. Disco becomes highly commercialized and criticized by rock musicians and fans.
Detractors (08:49)
DJ Steve Dahl pushes an anti-disco movement, hosting a demolition event at Chicago’s Comiskey Park; a mob ensues after records are blown up. The Bee Gees receive bomb threats while on tour and their popularity wanes.
Bee Gees Staying Power (06:02)
The Bee Gees reorganize, writing several hits for other artists. They reunify as a band in 1985 and are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Remembering the Bee Gees (06:31)
At the age of 30, Andy dies from a heart attack. Maurice dies in 2003 after complications from surgery. Robin records solo albums, dying from cancer in 2012. In 2017, Barry attends a celebration of the Bee Gees as lone survivor.
Credits: The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart (00:00)
Credits: The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
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