Barry Gibb talks about the legacy of The Bee Gees and a childhood accident tha changed his life
Barry Gibb, renowned as one of the most successful songwriters of all time, was celebrated earlier this month at the Kennedy Center Honors along with Billy Crystal, Renée Fleming, Queen Latifah and Dionne Warwick.
“I don’t know why … why are you giving it to me?” Gibb asked of the honor with a laugh. “But I am very proud.”
Gibb, a member of the legendary group The Bee Gees, has crafted an enduring legacy in the world of popular music. With a career spanning decades, he’s known for his profound lyrics and captivating melodies.
But it was a near-fatal childhood accident that not only shaped his personal life but also deeply impacted his approach to music and songwriting.
At just 2 years old, Gibb endured a traumatic experience when he accidentally pulled a pan of boiling water over himself.
“I had about 20 minutes to live,” Gibb said. “I spent two years in hospital and after I came out, I never said a word for another two years.”
He said he doesn’t remember what happened and still has scars from the incident.
After years of recovery, Gibb said he emerged from this ordeal with an “instinct about music, about life, about everything.”
Gibb’s songwriting genius has produced 16 No. 1 songs, many alongside his brothers Robin and Maurice. Their journey began with soulful ballads in the late 60s, later transforming the 70s music scene with their dance anthems. The Bee Gees’ fame soared with the iconic “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack, solidifying their place in music history with hits like “Stayin’ Alive.
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