8 Things you didn't know about the Bee Gees

The Bee Gees, synonymous with the sound of disco and revered for their chart-topping hits, are an iconic musical trio that transcended generations. While their falsetto harmonies and infectious beats dominated the airwaves, there are intriguing facets of the Bee Gees' journey that often go unnoticed. In this exploration, we peel back the curtain on ten lesser-known aspects of the Bee Gees' storied career, revealing a rich history behind the disco ball.

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

Their first taste of recording success came with the release of "Spicks and Specks" in 1966, a song that topped the Australian charts and set the stage for their international ascent. This early chapter in the Bee Gees' saga illuminates their humble beginnings, showcasing the foundation of talent and resilience that would carry them to unparalleled global stardom.

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

However, their most significant songwriting achievement came with the creation of "Islands in the Stream," a duet for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. This country-pop classic not only topped the charts but also highlighted the Bee Gees' ability to seamlessly transcend musical boundaries. The brothers' impact as songsmiths extended far beyond their own discography, leaving an indelible mark on the broader landscape of popular music.

In music history, a connection between the Bee Gees and the Beatles emerges through the iconic album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Maurice Gibb is rumoured to have contributed uncredited vocals 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 of the Beatles-inspired album, starring the Bee Gees themselves.

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

Before conquering the dance floors of the disco era, the Bee Gees navigated the experimental waters of psychedelia. Their 1967 album, "Bee Gees' 1st," showcased a psychedelic sound that echoed the zeitgeist of the late '60s. Tracks like "New York Mining Disaster 1941" and "To Love Somebody" reflected a departure from the pop norms of the time, hinting at the eclectic musical journey the Bee Gees would embark upon in the years to come.

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

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

This dedication to humanitarian causes showcased the Bee Gees' commitment to making a positive impact beyond the stage. Their roles as global ambassadors not only contributed to raising awareness about critical issues but also emphasised the transformative potential of artists to effect positive change on a global scale.

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

This historical studio achievement serves as a testament to the Bee Gees' unprecedented impact on popular culture during this era. Their ability to dominate the charts with multiple hits simultaneously solidified their status not only as disco kings but as true architects of musical history.

Long before synthesisers became ubiquitous in the music industry, the Bee Gees were early adopters of this revolutionary technology. In the late '60s and early '70s, the trio embraced the Moog synthesiser, incorporating its futuristic sounds into their music. This early experimentation with synthesisers laid the groundwork for their later disco sound, where electronic elements played a pivotal role.

The Bee Gees' forward-thinking approach to technology showcases their willingness to embrace innovation and push the sonic boundaries of their craft. Their early use of synthesisers not only contributed to the evolution of their own sound but also left an indelible mark on the broader trajectory of popular music.

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