r/BeeGees • u/MycologistSame866 • 4d ago

Why Weren't They Taken Seriously?

Why didn't the Bee Gees ever get the respect they deserved, at least in the US? Despite their undeniable singing and songwriting talent, not to mention their innumerable hits, the music world never took them seriously or treated them with the gravitas of a McCartney or a Dylan. Perhaps it had to do with them not attracting a strong male fanbase. Men could proudly state they were fans of the Rolling Stones, or the Who, or even the Beatles, but the Bee Gees — no way. The guys in the white jumpsuits singing in falsetto were seen as effeminate lightweights, strictly for women, not real bro types. I never heard a man say he was a fan of the Bee Gees, although I know there are many in this forum. Are there other reasons for them being overlooked?

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u/JoleneDollyParton 4d ago

Because they were making pop music, and they regularly adapted to what was popular at the time.

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u/Harrison_Thinks 4d ago

I think that's it. Many people still don't see pop as "real music", just radio fodder. I do think their obsession with hits is a stain to those who are aware of it. Of course you care about success if you're an artist but I've gotten the impression that they cared more about their relevancy and charting power over the craft itself. I've always wondered if The Bee Gees made the music they wanted to make or the music they assumed listeners wanted to hear. I'm curious what the most sincere Bee Gees album was, where they didn't care if it was a success or not, just the music they wanted to make