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Bee Gees

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Bee Gees were a group of three brothers: Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb. They were born on the Isle of Man and grew up in Manchester, where in 1955 they started a skiffle band. According to legend, they had to mime in a cinema, but the record broke on the way, so they sang live and won so much applause that they kept on singing. In 1958 the family moved to Australia. There the boys performed at car races, and a radio presenter gave them the name BGs, later Bee Gees. Barry was writing songs early on, including for others.

Music and breakthrough

In 1967 they returned to England, where manager Robert Stigwood made them known worldwide. In the late 1960s they scored with melodic pop ballads, with Robin's clear, quavering voice up front. In the mid-1970s their sound changed. On Main Course (1975) they moved towards R&B and disco, and Barry began to sing high in falsetto. That became their trademark. The soundtrack of the film Saturday Night Fever (1977), with, among others, Stayin' Alive, became a worldwide success and brought disco to the general public. Spirits Having Flown (1979) continued that success.

Influence

The brothers wrote all their own songs and also wrote and produced hits for others. Their tight three-part harmony is instantly recognisable. They are among the best-selling artists ever and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. After the death of Maurice in 2003 and Robin in 2012, Barry remained as the only surviving brother.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Stayin' Alive from 1977. Notice the tight disco beat, the short guitar chords and above all the high falsetto voices of the brothers in the chorus.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

See also

Categories: ArtistsDisco