Why the Bee Gees wrote a soul ballad for a man who never heard it

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Commissioned by manager Robert Stigwood and intended for Otis Redding, the Bee Gees' To Love Somebody became an enduring classic. Though Redding died before he could record the soulful ballad, the song transcended its origins, finding global success through diverse interpretations by artists ranging from Nina Simone to Michael Bolton.

In 1967, Barry and Robin Gibb composed To Love Somebody at the request of their manager, Robert Stigwood. Barry later revealed that while the song was written in New York and presented to Otis Redding—who had expressed interest in the band's material—it was personally dedicated to Stigwood, for whom Barry held immense admiration. The track was recorded at London's IBC Studios in April 1967 and released that June on the album Bee Gees 1st.

The song's reception was markedly different across the Atlantic. While the Bee Gees felt the track struggled in Britain because it was a soul-influenced number, it found a warmer reception in the United States. Barry Gibb has described the song as his personal favorite among his own compositions, citing its clear, emotional message. Despite its initial modest chart performance, the song's legacy was cemented by a vast array of covers, including versions by Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, and The Sweet Inspirations.

The song's commercial life saw a significant revival in 1990 when Jimmy Somerville released a cover that became a worldwide hit, reaching the top ten in at least seven territories. Michael Bolton also achieved notable success with his 1992 rendition, which peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100. From country artists like Narvel Felts and Hank Williams Jr. to rock figures like Billy Corgan, the song has proven remarkably adaptable, demonstrating a lasting appeal that spans genres and generations.

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