About to FAIL Out of Music, Legend Stumbled On FALSETTO that SAVED Career & Hit #1-Professor Of Rock

"One evening in the early 70s, a trio named the Bee Gees took the stage to play to a hometown crowd It was supposed to be a fun show but it turned out to be a demoralizing indicator of where their career stood at that moment. The attendees were more interested in getting drunk, then listening There was no question about it…the Bee Gees were at a crossroads… With 3 straight albums that were commercial failures. They were in a bad place but the adversity made the bond between the brothers Barry Gibb. Maurice Gibb and Robin Gibb was stronger than ever. It’s the story of how one of the most successful acts of the Rock Era reinvented themselves when Barry found his falsetto and the #1 hit Jive talkin came from driving over a bridge and the sound the tires made on the road...

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Executive Producer: Brandon Fugal

Honorary Producers: Tim Muñoz, Larry Rosenman, Em Bee, Paul Moore II, Tee Atwell, Mike Millet, Mark Thompson, fakeaorta, Eric Farque, Jared Norris, Moon Comix, Jacob Flores, Walter O. Wright II, Zachery Perry
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#1970s #vinylstory #beegees

IT’S TIME FOR ANOTHER editions of our show breakthrough where we breakdown songs, albums or events that kicked open the door to an artist or band’s career. On previous episodes we have covered Do You Believe in Love by Huey Lewis and the News, Boys Don’t Cry by The Cure, and West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys. Today we’re doing a little something different… This band already had broken through but then began to fade into obscurity but then they had a second breakthrough that would make them one of the biggest groups ever.

It was a beautiful afternoon in August of 1970, when Robin Gibb went over to his brother Barry’s house to reunite after a falling out between the two caused an 18 month breakup of The Bee Gees.
It felt really good to get back together as brothers, and to rekindle their artistic collaboration. The elation they enjoyed during that pivotal visit led to the writing of an emotionally-charged ballad titled “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.”

Robin & Barry phoned Maurice, Robin’s fraternal twin and the ever-congenial third member of the trio, and soon the Brothers Gibb went to a studio to create the song. Their first thought was to offer the tune to popular crooner, Andy Williams, but they decided to record it themselves, as the foundation to an album of new material. The following year, in August of ’71, Barry & Robin’s reconciliation piece “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the Adult Contemporary chart:

It was certainly an exciting time for The Bee Gees. They had the rush of having the #1 record in America, and a smash across the world, but when the euphoria faded... the band floundered, with no idea of where they were going next. Barry put their state of mind in perspective when he admitted that if The Bee Gees were not brothers, they would’ve broken up. It was their BROTHERHOOD that kept them going.

On the heels of the huge success of “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” the Bee Gees label at the time, Atlantic Records, begged for more of the same. So the guys, in an effort to give the label what they wanted, continued to write, what Barry called “dreary ballads.

[ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Who is your pick for the greatest second half of a legendary artist or bands's career?

[int]

I was floored when I learned that Barry Gibb wrote or co-wrote over 100 top 40 songs in his career. Amazing songwriter!

[KathyBlackwell-xkrg]

I have loved the Bee Gees for 50 years and still love them!! ❤

[kimberlyschreder]

My mom was a single parent in the early 70s and we were dirt broke. All she could afford was a tape recorder and two tapes: The Bee Gees and Eagles. She played them over and over and 50 years later I still love them as she did. Thanks for covering this wonderful group.

[bugvswindshield]

I was one of those kids who ridiculed the BeeGee's in the 70's
laughing at my mom who loved them.
less than 15 years later, my mom had passed, and I heard tragedy. I gave them a listen to again.
LOVE the Brothers Gibb!!! I've been a fan for over 25 years!!!!

[SeanModernAthlete]

In my books, the Bee Gees rank as amongst the greatest musicians of all time. Thanks for sharing this story.

[jim]

I remember in 1975 driving my car with the radio on, and hearing “Jive Talking” for the first time, loving that groove (but I didn’t know who it was). When it was announced that it was the BeeGees, I was floored — I thought, “They’re back! Wow! Haven’t heard from them in years!! Nobody slips from the rock scene for that long and makes a comeback!” Truly a special feat for any band. Their comeback happened because of some of the greatest songwriting ever, and great production. They deserve all the praise that people here bestow upon them.

[DeidreL]

Here in Australia they’ve always been massive, having lived here during their formative years and still having strong ties now. Andy was beginning his solo career here at the time and when Jive Talking came out, they were already legends here. Fabulous music and genuinely wonderful men. Barry’s long happy marriage should be more celebrated. Thank you for doing such a fantastic job here!

[shepshape]

I have a confession. As a 59 year old man, I too was a victim of the disco era in the late 70's. Every weekend, I would go to the local mall dressed in silk shirts with collars that seemed to go on forever, two-toed shoes with 3" heels, and pants so tight you could have counted my relatively new pubes. I was 14/15 years old, and as such, was ripe for the influence of friends seeking to mingle with young ladies. The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Rose Royce, Earth Wind and Fire, they all provided the soundtrack of my youth. Don't get me wrong, I was an avid rocker as well, but disco was just better to move your feet to.

[BillGraper]

The Bee Gees in 1978-79 did what the Beatles were doing 10 years earlier. They ruled the charts. There was a 4 week period when they had #1 & #2 simultaneously with Stayin' Alive & Night Fever. There was a week around that time when the Bee Gees wrote 4 of the top 5 songs. One of them was an Andy Gibb song, and one was by Samantha Sang. As for their older stuff, I just rediscovered "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" a few weeks ago. Their harmonies at the end of the chorus are simply breathtaking!!!!

[JohnWhitakerHRHardball]

The Bee Gees have been one of my guilty pleasures throughout my metal, grunge, punk, and new wave phases - the harmonies are angelic, just love them

[gioknows]

The Bee Gees are one of the most important musical acts of all time. At one point in everybody’s life, you will love their music. Cheers from Tulua, Colombia 🇨🇴

[jameskorn]

Being a child in the 70’s, The Bee Gees became my favorite. My buddy and I use to say we loved the three B’s, The Bee Gees, the Beatles, and The Beach Boys. Great memories. Thanks for your videos Professor of Rock!

[RCSmiths]

Bee Gees are just too iconic. Definitely have to respect and appreciate that bonding and brotherhood felt within the band through thin and thick.

[RicardoRocha-lgxo]

As a teen in the late 90s, the Bee Gees were not what my peers enjoyed, but I sure did. Still do.

[miniveedub]

I’ve been a Bee Gees fan since I was a teenager and first heard “Spicks and Specks” in 1966, while they were still living in Australia, before they returned to the UK and went on to huge success. For me, I liked everything they did so I wasn’t aware they had a slump. I really enjoyed learning something new about them and the story behind Jive Talking. Thank you.

[kn-qzby]

I listen to a lot of Bee Gees music on a streaming platform and am constantly amazed at the huuuuge body of awesome work the group put out. Their music is truly timeless.

[cindland]

As a baby boomer, I grew up on the Beatles and Motown. I didn’t know about The Bee Gees till the 70s with Stayin Alive etc. they are iconic to the era and are an important part of music history. They were so talented. And their music is infectious. Makes you want to boogie!

[isaiahvillarreal]

I’m 57, Back in 79 I couldn’t stand The Bee Gees. They where everywhere!!! When I read that they where born at the infamous ISLE OF MANN ( motorcycle race) a few yrs ago. I revisited their music. Man what have I been missing. They truly deserved the respect they get. It’s like they are my guilty pleasure. Cranking it up while I ride alone across the desert.

[haljalykakik]

The Bee Gees were the first concert I ever went to in 1979. I was 10 and I went with my mom, who got us tickets. I still remember it 40+ years later