As a member of the Bee Gees, Barry Gibb sang and played the guitar along with his twin brothers Maurice Gibb and Robin Gibb. Among the group's well-known hits are "How Deep Is Your Love," "Night Fever," and "Run to Me."
For more than two decades the band has produced hits. Their records have sold more than 100 million copies; they have produced more than 25 albums and have had at least 19 hits on the American music charts. Barry Gibb was born in England and emigrated with his family to Australia where the career of the Bee Gees began. the Bee Gees name came from the Brothers Gibb.
Their debut performance was on Australian television in 1963 when they sang their first single, "The Battle of the Blue & Grey." "Spicks and Specks," another hit, went over big in Australia. Despite the band's success "down under" they were envious of groups like the Beatles who had become internationally known by this time. In 1967, the trio went back to Britain to achieve national fame.
After signing a record contract the Bee Gees produced their first hit in the UK, "New York Mining Disaster 1941," which also scored on the American musical charts. Following this, the group had a string of hits that landed on both the U.K. and American charts. The songs included "Massachusetts," "Words," "I've Got a Message to You," "I Started a Joke," and "First of May."
With success looming in their path, Robin Gibb decided to leave the group in 1969 to pursue a solo career. Barry Gibb and his brother decided to keep the Bee Gees alive and produced the hit single "Tomorrow, Tomorrow." The two performed on the television show Cucumber Castle singing "Don't Forget to Remember." Barry Gibb's songwriting talents not only benefited the Bee Gees but also several other '70s and '80s singers such as Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and most recently, Celine Dion and Michael Bolton.
The Bee Gees were awarded the lifetime achievement award at the Brit Awards in 1996 and at the American Music Awards in 1997. Also in 1997 they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. After three decades, Barry Gibb continues singing and writing. He and his wife Linda have five children, Stephen, Ashley, Travis, Michael and Alexandria.