Few musical acts have defined an era quite like the Bee Gees. With their unmistakable harmonies, infectious grooves, and chart-topping hits, the Gibb brothers—Barry, Robin, and Maurice—became the face of disco and one of the most successful groups in music history. But their impact goes far beyond the shimmering dance floors of the 1970s. As performers, songwriters, and producers, the Bee Gees shaped the sound of multiple generations, crafting hits both for themselves and for some of the biggest names in music.
This May, the Houston Symphony pays tribute to their extraordinary legacy with Stayin’ Alive: The Bee Gees & Beyond. Featuring world-renowned a cappella group Rajaton—who joined the Symphony last summer for The Music of ABBA—and Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke, this high-energy concert will bring the Bee Gees’ iconic sound to life—along with other unforgettable hits from the era. Before we hit the dance floor, let’s take a closer look at the remarkable story of the Bee Gees.
From Pop-Rock to Disco Superstardom
The Bee Gees’ journey began in the late 1950s when three brothers from the Isle of Man—raised in Manchester, England, before moving to Australia—formed a band as teenagers. Inspired by the close harmonies of The Everly Brothers and the melodic songwriting of The Beatles, Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb quickly made a name for themselves. By the late 1960s, they had broken into the international music scene with hits like To Love Somebody, Massachusetts, and I Started a Joke, earning a reputation for their emotive vocals and masterful songwriting. But while their early success was impressive, the best was yet to come. In the mid-1970s, the Bee Gees embraced the burgeoning disco movement, refining their signature sound with pulsing rhythms and soaring falsettos. The turning point came in 1977 with the release of Saturday Night Fever, the soundtrack that would make them global superstars.
The Bee Gees in 1977 - top to bottom: Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb
Featuring smash hits like Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever, and How Deep Is Your Love, the album became one of the best-selling of all time, turning disco into a worldwide sensation. Suddenly, the Bee Gees weren’t just making music—they were defining a generation.
Writing for the Stars: The Bee Gees Behind the Scenes
As the disco craze began to fade in the early ’80s, the Bee Gees found themselves at a crossroads. Rather than trying to chase the next trend, they leaned into one of their greatest strengths: songwriting. The Gibb brothers had always written music for others (even penning To Love Somebody with Otis Redding in mind), but this new era saw them focus more on crafting hits for some of the biggest artists of the time.
One of their most famous compositions, Islands in the Stream, was originally intended for Marvin Gaye but instead became a career-defining duet for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. For Dionne Warwick, they wrote Heartbreaker, a song that fused their signature melodic style with Warwick’s emotive vocals.
Perhaps one of the most surprising examples of their behind-the-scenes influence came decades later when Destiny’s Child covered Emotion, a song originally written for Australian singer Samantha Sang in 1977. Many fans of the R&B trio had no idea the track had Bee Gees origins, showcasing just how seamlessly their songwriting could transcend generations.
Despite writing some of the biggest hits of the ’80s, the Bee Gees often remained in the background, a stark contrast to their disco-era dominance. This was partly by design—the backlash against disco in the United States had made radio stations hesitant to play new Bee Gees material, so their songs found new life through other artists. But their signature sound—lush harmonies, unforgettable hooks, and heartfelt storytelling—was unmistakable, ensuring that even when they weren’t in the spotlight, their music remained on the charts.
The Bee Gees on the Dutch television program Twien
Stayin’ Alive: The Bee Gees & Beyond is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of an era. From the glittering anthems of Saturday Night Fever to the powerful ballads they penned for others, the Bee Gees’ music continues to inspire and electrify audiences today. With the Houston Symphony under the direction of Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke and Rajaton breathing new life into these timeless songs, this high-energy tribute will transport audiences straight to the heart of the disco era.
So, dust off those bell-bottoms, shine up those platform shoes, and get ready to dance the night away on May 16, 17 & 18—because the music of the Bee Gees is, and always will be, stayin’ alive.
