8 Things you didn't know about the Bee Gees (2024)

While their chart-topping hits may have defined an era, these hidden gems in the Bee Gees' legacy invite us to rediscover the trio's multifaceted brilliance

The Bee Gees, synonymous with the sound of disco andrevered for their chart-topping hits, are an iconic musical trio thattranscended generations. While their falsetto harmonies and infectious beatsdominated the airwaves, there are intriguing facets of the Bee Gees' journeythat often go unnoticed. In this exploration, we peel back the curtain on tenlesser-known aspects of the Bee Gees' storied career, revealing a rich history behindthe disco ball.

1. Early years in Australia

Before conquering the global music scene, the BeeGees—Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb—began their musical journey in Australia.Born on the Isle of Man, the Gibb family moved to Redcliffe, Australia, wherethe brothers honed their musical skills. At an early age, they formed theirfirst band, impressively named "The Rattlesnakes." By the time theyreached their teens, the Bee Gees were already captivating Australian audienceswith their harmonious blend of rock and roll.

Their first taste of recording success came with therelease of "Spicks and Specks" in 1966, a song that topped theAustralian charts and set the stage for their international ascent. This earlychapter in the Bee Gees' saga illuminates their humble beginnings, showcasingthe foundation of talent and resilience that would carry them to unparalleledglobal stardom.

2. Songwriting savants

While the Bee Gees are celebrated for their incrediblevocal performances, their prowess as songwriters is equally noteworthy. Beyondtheir own chart-toppers, the brothers penned hits for an array of artistsspanning genres. In the late '60s and early '70s, they contributed to thesuccess of artists like Barbra Streisand ("Guilty") and Frankie Valli("Grease").

However, their most significant songwritingachievement came with the creation of "Islands in the Stream," a duetfor Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. This country-pop classic not only topped thecharts but also highlighted the Bee Gees' ability to seamlessly transcendmusical boundaries. The brothers' impact as songsmiths extended far beyondtheir own discography, leaving an indelible mark on the broader landscape ofpopular music.

3. Sgt. Peppers connection

In music history, a connection between the Bee Geesand the Beatles emerges through the iconic album "Sgt. Pepper's LonelyHearts Club Band." Maurice Gibb is rumoured to have contributed uncreditedvocals to the album, particularly on the track "She's Leaving Home."The intertwining of these legendary bands goes even deeper, as the Bee Gees'manager, Robert Stigwood, was crucial in creating the 1978 film adaptation ofthe Beatles-inspired album, starring the Bee Gees themselves.

This lesser-known collaboration sheds light on thebehind-the-scenes camaraderie among musical giants during an era that witnesseda dynamic reshaping of the musical landscape. The Bee Gees' connection to theBeatles, even if subtly woven, underscores their role not just as performersbut as integral threads in the intricate fabric of music history.

4. Psychedelic beginnings

Before conquering the dance floors of the disco era,the Bee Gees navigated the experimental waters of psychedelia. Their 1967album, "Bee Gees' 1st," showcased a psychedelic sound that echoed thezeitgeist of the late '60s. Tracks like "New York Mining Disaster1941" and "To Love Somebody" reflected a departure from the popnorms of the time, hinting at the eclectic musical journey the Bee Gees wouldembark upon in the years to come.

The Bee Gees' venture into psychedelia illuminates alesser-explored chapter in their career, underscoring their adaptability to theever-evolving landscape of popular music. The psychedelic era, although brief,laid the groundwork for the sonic experimentation that would characterize theirlater disco-driven successes.

5. UNICEF's global ambassadors

Beyond their musical prowess, the Bee Geesdemonstrated a commitment to philanthropy that remains one of theirlesser-known but impactful legacies. In 1983, the trio became ambassadors forUNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, advocating for children's rightsglobally. Their involvement extended beyond the glamour of performing, as theyactively engaged in fundraising efforts to support UNICEF's initiatives.

This dedication to humanitarian causes showcased theBee Gees' commitment to making a positive impact beyond the stage. Their rolesas global ambassadors not only contributed to raising awareness about criticalissues but also emphasised the transformative potential of artists to effectpositive change on a global scale.

6. Simultaneous chart dominance

In a studio feat that remains unparalleled, the BeeGees achieved the remarkable feat of holding the number one, two, and threespots on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously. This extraordinaryaccomplishment occurred in March 1978 when "Night Fever,""Stayin' Alive," and "How Deep Is Your Love" dominated thecharts, creating a Bee Gees trifecta that underscored their unrivalledinfluence on the music scene during the disco era.

This historical studio achievement serves as atestament to the Bee Gees' unprecedented impact on popular culture during thisera. Their ability to dominate the charts with multiple hits simultaneouslysolidified their status not only as disco kings but as true architects ofmusical history.

7. Early adopters of synthesisers

Long before synthesisers became ubiquitous in themusic industry, the Bee Gees were early adopters of this revolutionarytechnology. In the late '60s and early '70s, the trio embraced the Moogsynthesiser, incorporating its futuristic sounds into their music. This earlyexperimentation with synthesisers laid the groundwork for their later discosound, where electronic elements played a pivotal role.

The Bee Gees' forward-thinking approach to technologyshowcases their willingness to embrace innovation and push the sonic boundariesof their craft. Their early use of synthesisers not only contributed to theevolution of their own sound but also left an indelible mark on the broadertrajectory of popular music.

8. Myth of disbandment

While popular perception often revolves around the BeeGees as a unified trio, a lesser-known fact is that they experienced periods ofsolo ventures without ever officially disbanding. In the late '60s, eachbrother explored individual projects, with Robin releasing solo albums andBarry pursuing his own musical endeavours. This period of divergence, however,did not signal the end of the Bee Gees, as they inevitably regrouped andcontinued their collaborative journey.