Robin Gibb

The Bee Gees’ vocals were a unique blend of the three voices of twin brothers Robin & Maurice Gibb and older brother Barry - whose own high falsetto (self-discovered in the mid-1970s) led to a rejuvenated group sound that ultimately defined the disco-era of the 1970s with dance floor anthems such as Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever and You Should Be Dancing.

But if you dig back deeper into the earlier songs of The Bee Gees’ massive and impressive catalog, for which they celebrated during their 50^th anniversary just a couple of years ago, you’ll find a large number of memorable hits that you may have forgotten or just discovered.

Songs such as Run To Me, I Can’t See Nobody and Massachusetts showcase the Bee Gees’ craft of writing timeless pop hits whose sophisticated lead vocals would be seamlessly verse-traded, most often between Barry’s smooth lyrical narratives and Robin’s trademarked and textured expressions of pathos, which were often sprinkled in a way similar to a chef who knows just how much spice to use and when.

The underlying moments of Maurice’s arrangements lead to a blending of sounds that would crescendo into magic choruses of harmony by all three brothers that solidified the unique sound that was the Brothers Gibb.

And unfortunately, was is the tense that is and shall remain as the world has lost the unique gift that was Robin Gibb this past weekend, as he succumbed to his battle with cancer at the age of 63.

Outside of the Bee Gees, Robin Gibb maintained a sporadic solo career and had just recently completed the classical score The Titanic Requiem with his son Robin-John and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In a coma and near death, Robin was unable to attend its London premiere on April 10, 2012, a few days ahead of the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.  This album is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Barry Gibb remains the sole survivor of his three now-departed brothers; Maurice passed on in 2003 and in 1988, youngest brother Andy, who was not a Bee Gee but whose own solo career was undeniably launched into superstardom with the help of his older brothers.  Heart-felt sympathies go out to Mrs. Gibb, who at 91 has lived to see the loss of another son.

Soundtrack For Today: Bee Gees: Mythology