Bee Gees facts: Where are they from, what does their name mean and what are their biggest songs?
The Bee Gees were one of the world's most successful groups of all time. They regularly changed their sound, and remained hitmakers for themselves and other artists for decades. Here's all the facts about the brothers Gibb that you need to know...
-
1. Where are the Bee Gees from?
They were born on the Isle of Man to English parents, and lived in Chorlton, Manchester until the late 1950s. The family moved to Redcliffe, in Queensland, Australia. After achieving their first chart success in Australia, they returned to the UK in 1967.
-
2. Why are they called the Bee Gees?
Local Australian DJ Bill Gates (not that one) renamed the brothers' group to the BG's (later changed to 'Bee Gees') after his, speedway promoter Bill Goode and Barry Gibb's initials. Thus, the name was not specifically a reference to 'Brothers Gibb', despite popular belief.
-
3. Which Bee Gees were twins?
Robin and Maurice Gibb were twins. Barry Gibb is three years older.
-
4. Which Bee Gees are still alive?
Sadly, Maurice Gibb died at the age of 53 in 2003 due to complications of a twisted intestine. Robin Gibb died aged 62 in 2012 after being diagnosed with cancer. Barry Gibb is still performing, and was awarded a knighthood in 2017.
-
5. How many records have the Bee Gees sold?
During their career, the Bee Gees scored 19 UK top 10 singles, including five number ones. Among their many hits include 'Stayin' Alive', 'Night Fever', 'How Deep is Your Love', 'Tragedy', 'More than a Woman', 'Massachusetts', 'You Win Again' and 'Jive Talkin''. They have sold more than 220 million records worldwide.
-
6. What songs did the Bee Gees write for other artists?
Barry Gibb and his brothers wrote hits for many others. They include 'Grease' by Frankie Valli from the movie of the same name, 'Woman in Love' by Barbra Streisand, 'Emotion' by Samantha Sang, 'If I Can't Have You' by Yvonne Elliman, 'Heartbreaker' by Dionne Warwick and 'Islands in the Stream' by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.
-
7. Why did the Bee Gees sing in falsetto?
They didn't actually use their signature falsetto sound until their 1975 album 'Main Course'. They liked the sound so much that they kept it up, and it became one of the main reasons their 'Saturday Night Fever' album was so huge later that decade.
-
8. What is the Bee Gees' net worth?
Barry Gibb is estimated to be worth around £71 million.
-
9. Who were the Bee Gees married to?
Maurice Gibb was married to singer Lulu from 1969 to 1975. He married his second wife, Yvonne Spenceley Gibb, later in 1975, and it lasted until his death. Robin Gibb married secretary Molly Hullis in 1968, and they divorced in 1980. He later married artist Dwina Murphy. Barry was married to Maureen Bates from 1966 to 1970. Later that year, he married former Miss Edinburgh, Linda Gray.
