Story Songs: Covering The Bee Gees

There are millions of Bee Gees fans around the world. Perhaps even a billion or so. Count me in. 

Robin, Barry, and Maurice Gibb

The Brothers Gibb —Barry, Robin, and Maurice—sold more than 220 million records and registered nine No. 1 songs (in U.S.) during their illustrious career that spanned six decades. They were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

While they recorded numerous hits in the 1960s and '70s, what impresses me is their songwriting ability. They weren't a cover band. Perhaps that's why so many of their songs come straight from the heart and touched so many people.

But let's consider the artists who covered their songs, many with great success. Click here to get an idea about the group's songwriting prowess (you'll be surprised by the number of artists and the genres). It's a big reason the music of the Bee Gees will live on for many years. 

Here are some of my favorites covers:

By the way, my favorite by the band was their last hit, "One," a No. 7 song in 1989. From what I could tell, it hasn't been covered but I bet it will be in the coming years.

Do you have any favorites?

Until the next time. . . .

   

Story Songs: A Few More Friendly Tunes

I have several more songs to add to the songs about friendship. They would have been included in the earlier post but I try to keep my musings at a reasonable length. 

Now these songs all have "friend" or "friends" in the title. There are many other recordings out there about friends but that will be a post at another time. 

So here are a few more that I've enjoyed through the years:

Dionne Warwick and Friends -- "That's What Friends Are For"
No. 5 in 1985
Written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager

"Keep smiling, keep shining

Knowing you can always count on me, for sure

That's what friends are for

For good times and bad times

I'll be at your side forever more"

Garth Brooks -- "Friends in Low Places"
No. 1 in 1990
Written by Dewayne Blackwell and Earl Bud Lee

"I've got friends in low places

Where the whiskey drowns

And the beer chases my blues away

And I'll be okay"

Wishbone Ash -- "Everybody Needs a Friend"
Released in 1973 on "Wishbone Four" album
Written by Martin Turner

"Trust in me, I'll try to do

Everything to help you that I can

Broken wings can heal and mend again"

Randy Newman and Lyle Lovett -- "You've Got a Friend in Me"
Released in 1995 in "Toy Story" soundtrack
Written by Randy Newman

"If you've got troubles, I've got 'em too

There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you

We stick together and can see it through

Cause you've got a friend in me"

And last, but certainly not least:

The Beatles -- "With A Little Help From My Friends"
Released in 1967 on "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney

"Oh I get by with a little help from my friends

I get high with a little help from my friends

Going to try with a little help from my friends"

Until the next time....