Introduction:
On a recent special edition of Border Crossings with Larry London, the Voice of America welcomed a guest whose career spans over six decades, countless genres, and more than 250 million records sold. Sir Barry Gibb—knighted by Prince Charles, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and celebrated as one of music’s most prolific songwriters—sat down to reflect on his extraordinary journey.
From his beginnings in the late 1950s with his brothers Robin and Maurice in a group called The Rattlesnakes, Gibb would go on to form the Bee Gees, a band that shaped the sound of multiple generations. “Fame was the mission,” he recalled, emphasizing that the brothers never imagined they could make a living from music—it was passion that drove them forward.
Despite their unmatched success, Gibb remains remarkably grounded. When asked about staying humble despite being the third most successful act in Billboard history—just behind The Beatles and The Supremes—he responded with modesty: “We just kept writing songs. I don’t know how all that happened. I’m just happy to be there.”
His songwriting credits extend far beyond the Bee Gees’ catalog. Gibb penned Islands in the Stream for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, Grease for the iconic film of the same name, and countless hits performed by others. Yet when asked about his greatest love—performing or writing—his answer was simple: “Songwriting, more than anything. That was my purpose.”
Over the years, Gibb has continually embraced change. Whether as the “Kings of Disco,” dabbling in R&B, or experimenting with country and bluegrass, the Bee Gees thrived by reinventing themselves. His latest album, Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1, reimagines Bee Gees classics through an Americana lens. Collaborating with country greats like Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, and Brandi Carlile, Gibb described the project as “a dream come true.” The title Greenfields reflects his roots and connection to the countryside, memories that remain vivid from his childhood in the Isle of Man.
But for Gibb, music has always been about more than reinvention—it’s about connection. Performing without his brothers has never been easy, and he admits their absence is still deeply felt. “When I’m at the microphone, I always think of them being around me,” he shared. “There’s an empty space, but I carry them with me.”
Even in the midst of the pandemic, Gibb remains hopeful. Though live performances have been put on hold, he looks forward to finding new ways to share the Bee Gees’ story, perhaps in a Broadway-style production. His message to fans is simple yet heartfelt: “Be safe. Take care of yourself and take care of each other.”
Barry Gibb’s career is a rare blend of timeless music, resilience, and humility. From the disco floors of the 1970s to the Americana charts of today, his voice and songs remain etched in music history—a testament to both his artistry and enduring spirit.