Barry Gibb, a British musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for being a member of the Bee Gees, recently revealed some interesting aspects of his life. The Bee Gees, comprised of three brothers – Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, were one of the world’s most successful and beloved musical acts, known for hits like “How Deep Is Your Love” and “Stayin’ Alive.”
Barry Gibb was renowned for his high-pitched falsetto and songwriting skills, earning him accolades comparable to John Lennon and Paul McCartney. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame with his brothers in 1994 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a Bee Gees member in 1997. He was also honored with the titles Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2002 and knighthood in 2018.
While Barry Gibb achieved immense professional success, his personal life had its share of challenges. He tragically lost both of his brothers who were part of the Bee Gees – Andy in 1988 and Maurice in 2003. During Maurice’s final years, Barry and Maurice were reportedly not on speaking terms. Robin, another brother and Bee Gees member, passed away in 2012 due to cancer.
Amidst the challenges of fame and personal loss, Barry Gibb found stability and support in his marriage to Linda Gray, a former Miss Edinburgh. They married on September 1, 1970, and have remained devoted to each other through thick and thin.
During the turbulent times when fame and substance abuse affected the Bee Gees, Barry Gibb’s wife, Linda, played a crucial role in keeping him away from addiction. He credited her with not allowing him to go down that destructive path and stated, “I had to deal with my brothers being pretty much out there, but I was lucky.”
Despite enduring the loss of his brothers, parents, and other challenges, Barry Gibb persevered in his career, embarking on a successful solo career.
Before his marriage to Linda Gray, Barry Gibb was previously married to Maureen Bates for four years. Their marriage ended in divorce in July 1970, just two months before he married Linda Gray. His enduring marriage to Linda, which has spanned over 50 years, has been a source of strength and stability in his life.
Barry Gibb and Linda Gray first met on the set of TV’s “Top of the Pops” when the Bee Gees were scheduled to perform their hit song “Massachusetts.” They felt an immediate connection and decided to sneak away to a nearby studio for some private time. Gibb recalled their first meeting, saying, “We just saw each other across the room, and something happened.”
The couple has five children and seven grandchildren together. In 2009, they became American citizens. Despite temptations from Hollywood’s elite, including actor Steve McQueen, to woo Linda Gray, the couple’s loyalty to each other has resulted in a enduring and beautiful life together.
Barry Gibb’s journey, both personally and professionally, has been marked by triumphs and tribulations, and his enduring marriage to Linda Gray has been a source of strength and support throughout his life.