On a recent special edition of Border Crossings with Larry London, the Voice of America hosted Sir Barry Gibb, a legendary figure whose career spans over six decades, crosses countless genres, and boasts more than 250 million records sold. Knighted by Prince Charles and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Gibb’s journey as one of music’s most prolific songwriters was laid bare in this revealing interview.
Gibb’s career began in the late 1950s with his brothers Robin and Maurice in a humble group named The Rattlesnakes. From these early days emerged the Bee Gees, a band that would come to define the sound of multiple generations and leave an indelible mark on the music world. Reflecting on those times, Gibb confessed, “Fame was the mission,” yet they never imagined music would become their livelihood. “It was passion that drove us forward,” he stated, underscoring the heart behind the pursuit.
Despite their unmatched success, including being the third most successful act in Billboard history just behind The Beatles and The Supremes, Gibb remains astonishingly humble. On his enduring humility, he reflected, “We just kept writing songs. I don’t know how all that happened. I’m just happy to be there.”
His songwriting prowess extends well beyond the Bee Gees’ own catalog. Gibb penned timeless hits like “Islands in the Stream” for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, as well as the title song for the iconic film Grease. Despite his multifaceted talents, when asked whether performing or writing was his greatest love, he answered simply, “Songwriting, more than anything. That was my purpose.”
The Bee Gees were not afraid to evolve. From being crowned the “Kings of Disco” to exploring R&B, country, and bluegrass, their adaptability kept them relevant through endless decades. Gibb’s latest album, Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1, transforms Bee Gees classics with an Americana twist, collaborating with country legends such as Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, and Brandi Carlile. Calling this project “a dream come true,” he chose the title Greenfields to symbolize his deep connection to the countryside of his childhood in the Isle of Man.
Music has always been about connection for Gibb. The absence of his brothers after their passing leaves a palpable void. “When I’m at the microphone, I always think of them being around me,” he shared somberly. “There’s an empty space, but I carry them with me.”
Even amid the global pandemic, Gibb remains a beacon of hope and optimism. While live performances have paused, he looks forward to sharing the Bee Gees’ extraordinary story through new avenues, including thoughts of a Broadway-style production. His heartfelt message to fans resonates deeply: “Be safe. Take care of yourself and take care of each other.”
Barry Gibb’s career is an extraordinary testament to timeless music, resilience, and humility. From the glittering disco floors of the 1970s to the heartfelt Americana charts of today, his voice and songs remain immortalized in music history, symbolizing both a powerful legacy and a spirit that truly redefined pop, disco, country, and songwriting across generations.
