Barry Gibb facts: Bee Gees singer's age, wife, children and net worth revealed

20 November 2020, 15:39 | Updated: 8 February 2022, 17:08

The Bee Gees' Sir Barry Gibb is one of the world's best loved and most respected musicians and singer-songwriters of all time.

From his decades of success as a writer for artists such as Barbra Streisand and Dolly Parton, to his years of performing and producing hit records with brothers Robin and Maurice in the Bee Gees, Sir Barry Gibb is a true icon of pop music.

See more: The greatest Bee Gees songs of all time, ranked

But who is his wife and where was he born? Here's all the important facts about the legendary artist.

1. How old is Barry Gibb and where is he from?

   

   Barry Gibb was born on September 1, 1946. He celebrated his 74th birthday in 2020.

   His full name is Barry Alan Crompton Gibb, and he was born in Jane Crookall Maternity Home in Douglas, Isle of Man.

   See more: Barry Gibb and Michael Jackson's powerful forgotten duet 'All In Your Name' is spectacular

   His parents were Hugh Gibb (1916-1992), a drummer, and Barbara Gibb (1920-2016).

   Barry's siblings are older sister Lesley Evans, and younger brothers - twins Maurice and Robin, and Andy Gibb.

   See more: Andy Gibb: Remembering the life and career of the Bee Gees' younger brother

   

   Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb officially knighted by Prince Charles

2. Barry Gibb nearly died when he was a baby

   

   When Barry was nearly two years old, he was badly scalded. His mother had made some tea, which she had put on the table, Barry climbed up and pulled the tea pot down, which poured all over him. He had to stay in hospital for two and a half months.

   See more: Bee Gees first TV gig: Teenage Barry Gibb and 10 year olds Robin and Maurice sing in 1960

   He later said: "Then the gangrene set in. Because in those days, the advancement of medicine simply didn't apply to people with bad scalds, so you didn't have skin grafts, you didn't have things like that.

   "But this was a particularly bad scald, and I think I had 20 minutes to live at some point. The incredible thing for me is that whole two years is wiped from my memory, the whole period of being in hospital.

   See more: Remembering the last time the Bee Gees performed live together

   "The idea of being burnt is in there somewhere, but I have no knowledge of it. I've got the scars but I have no knowledge."

3. When did the Bee Gees form?

   

   In 1955, Barry Gibb formed the skiffle group The Rattlesnakes, with himself on vocals and guitar, Robin and Maurice on vocals and their friends Paul Frost and Kenny Horrocks also singing.

   See more: QUIZ: How well do you know the Bee Gees' song lyrics?

   By 1958, when the Gibbs moved home, Frost and Horrocks left the band. The brothers later changed the name to Wee Johnny Hayes and the Blue Cats.

   Later that year, the Gibb left the UK for Australia. The band soon changed its name to Bee Gees.

   See more: When Barry and Robin Gibb sang a flawless medley as Maurice tried to make them laugh

   Their talent brought them to the attention of DJ Bill Gates (not that one), and it wasn't long before they secured their first record deal.

   

   Barry Gibb emotionally reflects on losing his brothers

4. Who is Barry Gibb's wife and does he have any children?

   

   Barry Gibb's first marriage was to Maureen Bates. They married in 1966 when he was aged 19.

   The couple lived together for a short period, and divorced in 1970.

   See more: When Barry Gibb tenderly kissed Barbra Streisand live on stage at the 1981 Grammy Awards

   While recording Top of the Pops, Barry met the former Miss Edinburgh, Linda Gray. Later in 1970, the couple got married.

   

   Barry and Linda have five children: Stephen (born 1973), Ashley (born 1977), Travis (born 1981), Michael (born 1984) and Alexandra (born 1991).

   See more: Barry Gibb inviting Maurice's daughter on stage for duet of 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart' is so moving

5. What is Barry Gibb's net worth?

   Sir Barry Gibb reportedly has a net worth of around $90 million (£67 million), according to Celebrity Net Worth.