10 Incredible Cover Versions of Bee Gees Songs

31 August 2022, 13:52

The Bee Gees knew how to craft the perfect pop song.

And throughout their illustrious career, the Bee Gees wrote a host of the greatest songs in the history of pop music.

They're arguably the defining pop act of the 1970s given the universal success of the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever.

But leading up to that they'd already written an assembly line of pop, folk, and funk classics that ended up as huge chart hits.

In the decade after they pinned disco music on the mainstream map, Barry, Robin and Maurice took a back seat and wrote a swathe of iconic songs for the likes of Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, Dionne Warwick and more.

There was seemingly no end to their talent, and numerous superstars through the years reaped the rewards.

Rather than the Gibbs simply donating their talent to others, there's a long list of artists that have decided to cover the work of the Bee Gees because of their songwriting mastery.

We've listed the 10 incredible cover versions of Bee Gees' tracks that showcase their diversity, their prowess, and the fact that the Gibbs' songs were meant for everyone.

1. Nina Simone - 'To Love Somebody'

One of jazz music's most singular and distinctive voices, if Nina Simone covers a song she makes it entirely her own.

That was the case with her 1969 cover of 'To Love Somebody', which she also used for the album's title track.

It was a superb fit for Nina. The song was initially written for Otis Redding - though he ultimately didn't record it before his untimely death - but Simone elevated the gospel feel and heartfelt soul to another level.

2. Bruce Springsteen - 'Stayin' Alive'

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's live performances are regularly strewn with excellent cover versions of varying origin.

Knowing this, fans at his concerts will often hold up signs requesting certain tracks, and 'The Boss' and his band work out how to play it there and then.

This happened with his 2014 performance of 'Stayin' Alive' in Brisbane, Australia – the location of one of the Gibb brothers first performances at the Redcliffe Speedway in 1959.

In tribute, Bruce transformed the iconic hip-shaker into a trademark, triumphant fist-pumper.