Robin Gibb biography

Synopsis

Early Life

The force behind of some pop's most legendary hits, Robin Gibb arrived in this world just 30 minutes ahead of his twin brother, Maurice. The pair, along with their older brother, Barry, would later become the dynamic trio known as the Bee Gees. Music was a large part of their family life. Their father, a bandleader, encouraged the boys' interest in performing from an early age.

In 1958, Gibb and his family emigrated to Australia, settling in Brisbane. There, he and his two brothers found some success hosting a weekly television show. They released their first single in 1963, which reflected their trademark three-part harmony sound. Gibb shared lead vocal duties with his brother Barry, and the trio was heavy influenced by such English rock acts as the Beatles. Behind the scenes, the brothers collaborated in writing most of the group's original songs.

In moving to England in 1967, Gibb's career started to take off. The Bee Gees scored several hits, including the psychedelic rock-flavored "New York Mining Disaster 1941." In 1969, Gibb went solo briefly, releasing Robin's Reign that year. "Saved by the Bell" proved to be his first hit on his own. Gibb later reunited with his brothers and scored another hit with 1971's "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart."

Disco Hits

After falling out of favor for a time, the Bee Gees became one of the most popular groups of the 1970s. They worked with producer Arif Mardin, developing more R&B and dance-oriented music. In 1975, the Bee Gees topped the American charts with "Jive Talkin'" and more hits soon followed. They contributed several songs to the hugely successful soundtrack Saturday Night Fever (1977), a dramatic ode of sorts to the emerging disco music scene. Songs included the ballad "How Deep Is Your Love" and infectious dance tune "Stayin' Alive."

The Bee Gees continued to thrive, topping the charts with the album Spirits Having Flown in 1979. It featured their now-trademark mix of dance tracks and ballads, and sold roughly 35 million copies. As the 1980s began, however, the Bee Gees suffered a backlash as the public lost interest in disco.

Around this time, Gibb worked on a number of solo projects, including 1983's How Old Are You?. The album featured "Juliet," a hit single in Europe. He also worked with other artists as well, producing and writing for Jimmy Ruffin. With his brothers, Gibb penned hit songs for Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick and Dolly Parton, among others.