Following the untimely death of Robin Gibb, who succumbed to cancer last Sunday at the age of 62, we invited you to tell us what Bee Gees song lives on in your hearts.
Robin was one part of the trio of brothers who made up the Bee Gees, arguably the seminal band of the disco-era.
In addition to selling 200 million records over the course of his long and remarkable career, Mr Gibb, who is from the Isle of Man, was also an acclaimed songwriter.
He and his brothers wrote hit tunes for the likes of Diana Ross, Celine Dion and Destiny’s Child, as well as the soundtrack for the 1977 smash film Saturday Night Fever, one of the most successful soundtracks of all time.
Many of you who took part in the poll were enthusiastic and affectionate about the favourites you selected from the long list of Bee Gees number ones, and about Mr Gibb’s contribution to music.
But which song was your favourite of all?
It turns out it the Bee Gees tune that the most participants said was their favourite, may have also been Mr Gibb’s.
How Deep Is Your Love?
‘How Deep is Your Love’ was the song that the largest proportion of those who took part in the poll liked best and, according to reports, just before he died Mr Gibb told his son it was the song he wanted played at his funeral.
Many participants told us that ‘How Deep is Your Love', which came out in 1977 and was the first of six consecutive US number-one hits for the trio, invoked special memories, both happy and sad:
“It was the first song my future husband and I danced/snogged to 34 years ago” Anon
“Reminds me of my mother, who I also lost to cancer much too young. She loved the Bee Gees and so when I hear this song it brings back memories” Anon
“It came in a time in my life that was so special – the words, the tune but above all the sounds of them made it my all-time favourite” Original fan, Paisley
Massachusetts
A close runner-up was the 1968 smash hit Massachusetts, one of the highest-selling singles of all time, on which Mr Gibb was the lead vocalist.
MusicLab fans who took part said it connected them both with the era when it was released, and the American state:
“I loved it when it first came out and much later on, after I married, my husband and I found ourselves living there! His UK company he worked for transferred him there - that's how it came about. So naturally, this song, which I had always loved anyway, held a special meaning for me” Dianna, Leicester
“The first song which made me aware of the Bee Gees and is such a romantic and sad song; makes the hairs stand up on my neck, really haunting. I loved Robin Gibb and all the other Bee Gees songs, and even went to a Tribute Concert a few years ago, when a friend got some tickets” Ruth, South Bucks
You Win Again
Also high on your list was the 1987 hit ‘You Win Again’, which was a favourite both for participants who lived through the era, and those that discovered it later on.
“The song was in the charts during my teens. I loved it then and it brings back very happy memories” Claire D, Cardiff
“So incredibly catchy and easy to sing along with. I am a huge Bee Gees fan (and only 23!) and love most of their songs” Emma R, Morayshire
We also invited you to share with us any other thoughts you had on Mr Gibb’s passing and the Bee Gees’ music.
Participants expressed their condolences for Mr Gibb’s family, and particularly to his brother Barry, the last remaining Bee Gee.
You also told us that the Bee Gees’ music and the songs they wrote for others would survive the test of time:
“The brothers were truly gifted singers, song writers and musicians. Their unique talent coupled with hard work and dedication to their art has been appreciated by millions of people around the world. They deserve all the success that has come their way. I hope Barry continues singing and writing to keep the legacy going. Their music will still be appreciated decades from now” John, Somerset
“They rank with Lennon and McCartney as our greatest songwriters” Anon
“Their music is the soul of a generation, though the twin members of the group, Robin and Maurice, have now passed away, they have left a legacy for future generations to enjoy. I hope Barry finds peace as he has lost all three of his brothers and I am sure is feeling the loss greatly at this time” Jim, Leeds
Which Bee Gees song is your favourite? Which do you think will be the most enduring?
And will Robin Gibb’s death spark renewed interest in his music?
