Rolling Stone reports that Robin Gibb, one-third of Australian disco legends the Bee Gees, has died after a long fight with cancer. He had several health scares in recent years, including a recent case of pneumonia. He was 62.
Gibb was born on the Isle of Man, later moving with his family to Brisbane, Australia as a young boy. In 1958, as a 9-year-old, Robin started singing with his brothers Maurice and Barry. In 1965, they released their first album, Barry Gibb & the Bee Gees Sing and Play 14 Barry Gibb Songs. They had minor hits around that time, including "Wine and Women" and "New York Mining Disaster 1941", which made them a minor entity in the British Invasion. In 1969, they released the double LP Odessa, which was critically acclaimed.
Shortly after the release of that album, Robin quit the band due to a strained relationship with his brother Barry. In 1970, he released Robin's Reign, a solo album that went gold in the UK and featured a minor hit in "Saved By the Bell".
Robin rejoined the band, and starting with their 1975 album Main Course and single "Jive Talkin'", they became a staple of disco. In 1977, the band provided five new songs for the soundtrack of Saturday Night Fever, one of the best-selling albums of all time. Robin, both solo and with the Bee Gees, released albums through the subsequent two decades. The band released This Is Where I Came In in 2001. Maurice Gibb died in 2003, making that album the band's last.
Recently, Gibb and his son RJ composed The Titanic Requiem for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. It was recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and was released March 26. Due to health complications, Gibb was in the hospital during the April 10 world premiere performance.
Bee Gees - "Wine and Women":
Robin Gibb - "Saved By the Bell":
Bee Gees - "Stayin' Alive":
Robin Gibb - "Don't Cry Alone" (from Titanic Requiem):