The Bee Gees

1958: not quite teenagers, the three brothers are moved to Australia with family; baby brother Andy had just been born; the boys were born in late 1940s

Queensland

Barry, the oldest
fraternal twins, Maurice and Robin

Barry and Robin: the voices
Maurice: deeper voice

Australian speedway;
Bill Gates promoted them; Bill Gates radio show
Bee Gees


1960: next big break -- television
first television appearance; Australian appearance; the first among many

Beginning to play at fairs, etc.
Father, Hugh, was manager.

The clubs around Sydney, Australia.

1963; giant leap forward; record contract; unique: wrote their own songs
Their very first release was a Barry Gibb original: "Kiss Me Twice"

The brothers were supporting the family.

1964: everything transformed; The Beatles came to Sydney; the Bee Gees were in awe; Beatles -- three-part harmony, just like the Beatles singing in 3-part harmony.

1965: started hitting the charts with self-penned songs, like "Wine and Women"

At this point, Barry definitely still looks older.

Boys realize that if they are going "to make it" they need to return to England.

One last song before leaving Australia: "Spicks and Specks"

Five-week boat trip back to England; blind faith.

Parents did not want to go; the boys wanted

Brian Epstein, Harry Lewis, Herbert Wilcox.

January, 1967: boarded ship to England; in Indian Ocean, "Spicks and Specks" hit #1 in Australia

No one in England had heard of them.

Five weeks later in England; dominated by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, etc.

1967: discouraged in England after arrival, but pressed on.

Demo tapes to agents in London; no one liked the demos except Robert Stigwood who had partnered with Brian Epstein (Beatles). Stigwood liked the Bee Gees; gut instinct.

Robert Stigwood: manager, 1967 - 1981.

Bee Gees did club act for Robert Stigwood, including songs from Peter, Paul, and Mary.

Robert Stigwood: 5-year contract.

Just like Brian Epstein and the Beatles.

Sir Tim Rice speaks.

"Mining Disaster" -- demo studio; elevator shaft; Stigwood asked them to write a song; near the elevator shaft, imagined themselves in a mining disaster; echo was fantastic in the elevator shaft; added two Australian friend/musicians: Colin Peterson o drums; Vince Maloney on guitar;

Most significant new talent in 1967 -- Stigwood. Immediately compared with the Beatles which they said helped them.

Tmothy White, editor, Billboard Magazine: speaks

In less than 6 months, from unknown to having hits. Plunged into "first fame."

Robert Stigwood kept them balanced.

Emotional depth in their songs.

Otis Redding.

Wrote song specifically for Otis Redding. Song wrote; Otis dies.

The "Otis Redding" song: "To Love Somebody"

Year not given.

BG's cut it themselves; one of their most beloved songs.

Barry had married Maureen in Australia, but marriage ended with success.

Marriage fell apart in one year.

Maurice: fell into swinging London scene. Partying with the Beatles; 18 - 19 year  old; money, booze.

"Message To You"

Robin dates; gets married in 1968. Marries Molly; secretary in Stigwood's office. 

November 5 (1967 or 1968), Robin and Molly -- train wreck; 48 deaths;

Brings out pathos in Robin.

"Massachusetts." #1 in England; first #1.'

First international #1.

Confirmed their decision to move back to England. Very, very emotional.

Time White speaks of their harmony.

Bee Gee harmony.

Sir George Martin noted it also.

Two distinct voices; Barry's soulful, and Robin's vibrato.

"I Started A Joke"

The vibrato was a "killer"

No competition in pop music for Robin's vibrato.  It could have been a "negative." Worked for the Bee Gees.

Undeniable strength: song writing. Prolific. Compared to Lennon-McCartney.

Sir George Martin: an affinity between the Beatles and the Bee Gees -- great hook.

"Smile"

Barry: sex symbol of the group.

Barry: a rogue.

Linda and Barry; "Top of the Pops" -- "Massachusetts" #1  at the time.

Robert Stigwood and Barry to California; Barry says he's going back to England and to Linda.

Married September 1, 1970.

"You're A Holiday."

1968: Robin and Molly marries.

1969: Maurine marries Lulu.

On the surface, things seemed find but fame ripping them apart.

Relationship among the brothers started to change.

Became individuals, rather than part of a group.

Sir George Martin opines challenge of fame.