Bee Gees: Influence On Popular Culture

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Their early success in Australia, such as hosting a television show and recording two studio albums in 1965-1966, gained them an Australian following that boosted their career while in Britain. Not only did an Australian audience support them, but their presence on the Top hits was an effective representation of Australians when the industry was dominated by UK and American artists. The 60s and 70s are described by the Australian archives as an “all-consuming whirlpool of a new culture evolving and being proud of our [Australia’s] own new artists, songs, and sounds that were constantly evolving. But we were also frustrated that the world [ie, the corporate record labels], were not interested in promoting our talent internationally.” This is the reason they are such a pivotal figure in the changing popular culture of Australia, by demonstrating their talent and displaying to the world that are stars in Australia. This influence is clearly shown through the excess of awards and honours gifted upon the group; inducted into the songwriters and rock and roll hall of fame, received a star on the Hollywood walk of fame, Lifetime Achievement award and have sold over two hundred million records worldwide (Grammy Awards). One of the key components of their popularity was their ability to reinvent their sound when audiences lost interest; from their exclusive Australian albums situated in soft rock in roll, to their stylistically confused albums of the 1960’s and the disco defining sound of the 70’s, successfully maintained the interest of fans worldwide. Their change from lyrical ballads to falsetto-sung disco hits is represented in the song, ‘Jive Talkin’, which ultimately led to the opportunity of recording the soundtrack of a classic movie, Saturday Night Fever. With big names such as John Travolta, it was no wonder they became known as ‘the kings of disco,’ further spearheading their influence as their fame grew.

It is clear that the Bee Gees achieved great feats in their music career through their creativity and redefinition of genre. They have contributed to rock and roll, and disco significantly, but how did these genres change society? Rock and Roll specifically allowed the younger generation to “form their own taste in music.” It provided teens with greater individuality and feelings of freedom, revolting against the stifling life parents were imposing. A revolt started by Bill Cosby in 1955 (the same year the brothers formed their first band in the UK) was supported and continued by the Bee Gees during the late 50’s and early 60’s (National Museum of Australia). Their disco influence had a similar timeline, they were not creators of the sound but did revive it as it was losing popularity; their new sound and critically acclaimed success of Saturday Night Fever made the Bee Gee’s at the forefront of the disco movement, a movement which ultimately changed the world. “It rode the wave of growing social fragmentation and lifestyle change… women’s liberation saw females’ dress-sense unshackled and stepping-out unchaperoned… young people overwhelmed by social chasms around them, found a carefree lifestyle. Dance clubs became a melting pot of people with mixed racial and sexual orientations, in an era of counter-culture, emancipation and freedom’’ (Margaret Court Arena). Disco was a genre that accepted everyone, it brought people together, it created a fashion sense that was sophisticated and sexually aware, it repopularised dance where people were a part of a crowd and encouraged social liberation. The foundations of contemporary society were laid by disco, laid by the Bee Gees. Their legacy lives on in night clubs and dance around the world. This is why they have been the topic of inspiration for major modern successes such as Beyoncé, Carrie Underwood, Tame Impala and The Cribs.

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Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb formed to create the Bee Gees, a group whose sound was so revolutionary it restructured the very design of popular culture and society. The 60’s and 70’s specifically were so iconic due to their drastic change from the rigid societal standards of the 50s, a result of living during wartime. These changes were driven by music’s shift in genre, allowing the young people to embrace life in a way that had never been considered. Without rock and roll and without disco, modern society would not be to the living standard it is today. The Bee Gees contributions to rock and disco directed an innovation of culture. The Bee Gees heavily impacted the popular culture of Australia due to their international and global fame, without which, our society wouldn’t have evolved.

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