BEE GEES

Bee Gees

“The Origin”

- Born in Manchester, England- Were musically gifted from a

very early age.- Started by playing classical

English ditties- Were interested in music their

peers were listening to- Started their first band “The

Rattlesnakes”- Usually lip synced songs, but

later gained popularity for their joint singing style

“Initia

tion”

Let’s Rock- They moved to Australia for their father’s

occupation- On the boat back from England, they

impressed travelers with their music, and came up with the name “Bee Gees”

- An Australian DJ, Bill Gates, took notice of the Bee Gees’ style, and worked to get them publically known

- They became famous first in Australia with their Rock n’ Roll, and later in England when they were contracted by Robert Stigwood for 5 years

- The Late sixties were full of success, with many hits throughout Europe, and spreading internationally into the US

- Heading into the early 70’s, their fame went dry as their fans got bored of their style

~The DISCO~GROOVY!

- Robert Stigwood suggested they try a new type of pop music, disco.

- They adapted to the new style, including the iconic falsetto by Barry Gibb

- Songs like ‘Stayin’ Alive’ and ‘You should be Dancin’ instantly gained popularity, defining the Disco era in the US.

- Where the rock era of the Bee Gees gained them fame, the Bee Gees disco music made them musical legends.

WHO KNOWS?MUSIC?

How can you menda broken heart

- Written in August 1970 by Barry and Robin Gibb- Released in 1971 - Recorded on 28 January 1971 in London - Originally offered the song to Andy

Williams, but ended up singing it themselves

- First #1 Hit for four weeks- Written the same day as “Lonely Days” in

Barry Gibbs basement- Part of the Album “Tragalgar”- Composed of an R&B feel

LONELY DAYS- Ballad - Featured on album “2 years on”- Recorded the same night they reunited- Written the same day as “How can

you mend a broken heart” in Barry Gibbs basement

- #3 in the US charts - Released November 1970 

Stayin’ Alive- Originally going to be called Saturday Night but since there were too many songs named that they decided to name it Stayin’ alive- They originally didn’t like the drum recording, but while the drummer was away at his fathers funeral they changed it. When the drummer came back he liked it and just added a couple cymbals- Disco song from “Saturday Night Fever”- Written by the Bee Gees- Released on 13 December 1977

Listening

Guide

Stayin’ AliveIntroduction• Upbeat• 13 SecondsFull Band• Guitar• Drums• PianoSteady BeatThree Voices• Backup singers on chorus• More prominent than

backup singersChanging voice from normal to falsetto3 VersesEnding• Repeating words

NIGHTS ON BROADWAYIntroduction• Instrumental• 20 SecondsSlow tempoFull Band• Techno• Piano• Guitar• Drums• Bass GuitarBreak between verses for music interludeOne Voice with two backup singers• Clear• Vibrato

Switching the primary voiceChanging voice from normal to falsetto2:38 change of tempo3:26 changes back to regular tempoEntertainingEnding• Repeating words• Voices continue• Fades

You Should Be Dancing

Introduction• Upbeat• Techno• Suspenseful• 15 SecondsThree Voices• Enter at 15 secondsFull Band• Guitar• Drums• Trumpets• Bongos• PianoChang in voice from normal to falsettoBand plays something different than what their singing

Repeating chorusBreak between verses for instrumental interlude• First break at 1:34• Second break at 2:44Ending• Repeated words (you should

be dancing)• Starts at 3:00

“Bee Gees, The Day-By-Day Story, 1945-1972” – By Andrew Sandoval

http://top40. about.com/od/picksofartistsbest/tp/top-10-bee-gees-songs.htm

“The Bee Gees, The Biography” –David M. Meyer

http://oldies.about.com/od/disco/a/Stayin-Alive-Solid-Gold-Spotlight.htm

http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=9099

History - Clayton Williams

Songs - Matthew Aamodt

Listening Guide -Nathan Hansen