Introduction:
In a rare and deeply reflective interview, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees opened up about the people and experiences that shaped one of the most influential careers in modern music. From his early encounters with American soul legends to the creative energy of 1960s London, Gibb painted a vivid picture of how passion, respect, and inspiration continue to define his lifelong relationship with music.
Barry recalled his first trip to the United States in 1967 with manager Robert Stigwood—a journey that would forever change the way he viewed music. “Otis Redding was playing at the Apollo,” he said. “We were probably the only white people in an audience of two thousand, and it was incredible.” That night, Gibb was introduced to the raw, emotional depth of soul music. He and his brothers would later write “To Love Somebody”, a song originally intended for Redding—a tune that became one of the Bee Gees’ defining works. “Otis was the first real soul singer to emerge from early black music,” Barry reflected. “He influenced every white singer I know, including us.”
Alongside Otis Redding, Gibb also spoke of Sam Cooke, another towering figure of inspiration. “We followed his career very closely,” he said. “There was something about singing like Sam Cooke or Otis—you performed better when you felt like you were channeling them.” These artists, he explained, taught him that music was not about imitation but about feeling—about living each note with conviction and truth.
The conversation then shifted to the electric atmosphere of 1960s London—the clubs, the camaraderie, and the creative chaos. “You could go to the Speak Easy after a show and see ten or fifteen major artists in one room—John Lennon, Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix—it was unbelievable.” Gibb described Hendrix, who attended his 21st birthday party, as a gentle soul, “the complete opposite of what you’d expect from his stage persona.”
Elvis Presley, too, loomed large in Gibb’s memories. “I’ve always been an Elvis fan,” he said. “To me, he was the most magnetic performer who ever lived.” The Bee Gees were even honored when Presley recorded their song “Words.” Though they never met the King, Gibb fondly recalled visiting Graceland and feeling the weight of his legacy. “We took photos at his front door,” he laughed, “just to feel a little closer to him.”
Reflecting on the evolution of music, Barry noted that while technology and style may have changed, the heart of it all remains the same. “Pop music gives people a kind of immortality,” he said. “That’s why we do it—because a part of you lives forever in a song.”
For Barry Gibb, the soul behind the music is eternal. His words remind us that legends like Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Jimi Hendrix, and Elvis Presley are not just names in history—they are echoes of humanity’s shared heartbeat, carried forward through every melody, every voice, and every song that dares to live forever.