"Shadow Dancing" was Andy Gibb's third consecutive number one single on the U.S. pop chart during this week back in 1978. The youngest of the famous Gibb brothers (who were Barry, Maurice and Robin but you may know them better as the Bee Gees) who together wrote this classic dance song.
Robert Stigwood, who was the Bee Gees' manager at the time, signed an eighteen year old Gibb to his label, RSO Records in 1976 after hearing his demos. His debut album, "Flowing Rivers" was released the following year and was an immediate success with his first two singles, "I Just Want To Be Your Everything" and "(Love Is) Thicker Than Water" reaching the top of the pop charts. And his good looks caught the attention of young girls around the world and made Gibb a teen idol.
"Shadow Dancing", which was also the title of his second album, spent a total of seven weeks at number one, sold over a million copies and became Billboard's number one song of the year.
Success continued for Gibb with another hit studio album, stage performances on Broadway, a two-year hosting gig on the television music program, "Solid Gold" and a high profile romance with actress, Victoria Principal. But the intense pressures of fame at such a young age may have contributed to his serious substance abuse problem which lead to his career and relationships to crumble apart.
Gibb had attended several drug rehabilitation programs over the years and by 1987, he thought he had finally won the battle. With his brothers' help, he was attempting a music comeback and recorded several tracks for an upcoming album. But six days after his 30th birthday on March 10th 1988, he complained of chest pains while in London and would later pass away from complications of an inflammation of the heart muscle which was probably damaged by his years of severe drug abuse.
Let's enjoy Andy Gibb at the height of his powers with this performance of his number one hit tune:
No comments:
Post a Comment