Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb were the three talented brothers who formed the iconic musical act, the Bee Gees. With hits like “How Deep Is Your Love,” “More Than A Woman,” and “Stayin’ Alive,” they took the world by storm and became one of the most successful and popular groups of all time.
Barry Gibb, known for his high-pitched falsetto, was not only a remarkable singer but also a gifted songwriter. In fact, his songwriting abilities garnered him just as many awards as legendary musicians John Lennon and Paul McCartney. In 1994, Barry and his siblings were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 1997, they were honored with a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Barry himself was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2002 and was knighted in 2018.
Although Barry’s professional life was filled with success, his personal life was marred by tragedy. He experienced the heartbreaking loss of both his brothers, who were also part of the Bee Gees. Additionally, he faced turmoil in his love life until he met Linda Gray, the former Miss Edinburgh. They got married on September 1, 1970, and have stood by each other through thick and thin ever since.
During a challenging period in their marriage, a famous actor tried to woo Linda away from Barry. However, their love and commitment to each other prevailed. Barry credits Linda for helping him stay away from the destructive path of drugs and addiction. Despite his brothers’ struggles with fame and substance abuse, Barry credits his wife for keeping him grounded and choosing a different path.
Barry expressed his gratitude for Linda, saying, “My brothers had to deal with their demons, but I was married to a lady who wasn’t going to have it. I could bring drugs into the house, but they would end up down the toilet. She never allowed me to go in that direction. I had to deal with my brothers being pretty much out there, but I was lucky.”
Barry’s journey has been marked by loss, not only the loss of his brothers but also the loss of his parents. Despite the hardships, he has learned that life keeps moving forward and it’s important to keep rolling with it. After the passing of his brothers, Barry embarked on a successful solo career, showcasing his talent as an individual artist.
Before Linda, Barry was married to Maureen Bates, but their marriage ended in divorce. The split took place in July 1970, just two months before he married Linda Gray. Unlike his first marriage, his relationship with Linda has stood the test of time. They have been happily married for nearly 50 years, raising five children and enjoying the blessings of seven grandchildren. In 2009, they became citizens of the United States, marking another milestone in their journey together.
Barry and Linda’s love story is one filled with serendipity. They first met when Linda was the hostess for a week, coinciding with the success of their hit song “Massachusetts.” Barry recalls their first encounter, saying, “She’d never heard of it before. We just happened to see each other across the room.”
Their love story could have taken a different turn, as some famous names were also attracted to Linda. Steve McQueen, the iconic actor, expressed an interest in her and even attempted to whisk her away on the back of his motorcycle on one occasion. However, both Barry and Linda remained faithful to each other, and their unwavering devotion has resulted in a beautiful life together.
Let’s share this remarkable journey of Barry Gibb with fellow Bee Gees fans and anyone who appreciates a fascinating story. Barry’s resilience, love for his family, and the enduring bond he shares with Linda are truly inspiring.
