Celebrity
Many Fans Don’t Realize the Bee Gees Wrote These Beloved Hits
Discover how the Bee Gees wrote iconic hits for Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand, and more, shaping the soundtrack of the ’70s and ’80s beyond their own fame.
Nostalgic music fans fondly remember the iconic ’70s trio, the Bee Gees, which was comprised of brothers Robin, Maurice, and Barry Gibb. Many fans remember the Bee Gees for disco-era hits like “Stayin’ Alive” and “How Deep Is Your Love.” However, what some never realized is just how many enormous songs the brothers wrote for other artists.
The Bee Gees wrote their own songs, unlike many other popular performers during that era. However, they also created a number of tunes that helped make others superstars. Their songwriting success extended far beyond their own performances.
Barry Gibb‘s songwriting success became historic. He is widely credited as the first songwriter to earn Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 songs across five consecutive decades, from the 1960s through the 2000s. He also shares the record for the most consecutive No. 1 songs as a songwriter, with six.
Perhaps the most famous song the Bee Gees wrote for another artist was “Islands in the Stream,” recorded by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Originally intended for Marvin Gaye, the song became one of music’s most beloved duets.
“Islands in the Stream” was far from the only major hit the Bee Gees quietly created behind the scenes.
Other hits written by the Bee Gees include the Diana Ross song “Chain Reaction” and Dionne Warwick‘s “Heartbreaker.” They also wrote “If I Can’t Have You,” recorded by Yvonne Elliman for Saturday Night Fever. The song later became a No. 1 hit.
“Grease,” the opening song for the iconic movie of the same name, was written by Barry and performed by Frankie Valli. Gibb sang backup on the song, and Peter Frampton played the guitar. That song also hit No. 1.
Barbra Streisand‘s “Woman in Love” was penned by Barry and Robin Gibb, upon her request. In 1980, she requested that he write a full album for her, which became Guilty.
Long before Destiny’s Child made “Emotion” a hit in 2001, Samantha Sang performed the Gibb-written tune in 1978. The Bee Gees provided backing vocals for the original version by Sang, and some would say they somewhat overshadowed her.
While millions still love the Bee Gees for classics like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever,” many fans are surprised to discover just how much of the soundtrack of the ’70s and ’80s the brothers quietly helped create behind the scenes. Long after the disco era ended, their songwriting legacy continued shaping popular music.
