BEE GEES HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART - I thought Al Green wrote this

[@ChuckHackney]

You are right. In my opinion one of the most beautiful songs ever written. And boy did the Bee Gees slay it!

[@terencenelson1950]

This was the first song I heard back in the '70s when I was a teenager that made me fall in love with the Bee gees how can you mend a broken heart

[@vcb9861]

Barry Gibb said in an interview that Al Green’s cover was his favorite cover version, I love Al Greens version but when The Bee Gees came out with this song it was a mega hit!!!

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

Many great solo singers like green,Sinatra, Crosby and so on dont write there own music. they just do it better than anyone.usually there's a Barry gibb,burt bacharach,Carole king or someone in the background writing these beautiful songs.

[@ChuckHackney]

Mega!!!!!

[@ChuckHackney]

​@RobertSand and when the singer/songwriter comes together, oft times, magic happens. Think Bee Gees, Carole, Denver, Diamond, JT, Carly and a host of others

[@rwilson7197]

The BeeGees also enjoyed Al Green's version. I think their later 70s live performances of this song were even richer than this early performance. The BeeGees are just brilliant songwriters!❤❤❤

[@TheBrownlj]

Nahh Bee Gees are perfection

[@wendysilva8749]

Barry and Robin Gibb wrote the song in August 1970 with "Lonely Days" when the Gibb brothers had reconvened following a period of break-up and alienation. "Robin came to my place," says Barry, "and that afternoon we wrote 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart' and that obviously was a link to us coming back together. We called Maurice, finished the song, went to the studio and once again, with only 'Broken Heart' as a basic structure, we went in to the studio with that and an idea for 'Lonely Days', and those two songs were recorded that night".

[@KcityMikeThomas]

Awesome comment. I respect the BeeGees for writing the song and singing it so well.

[@56music64]

Yes "Fanny be tender with my love", such a beautiful song, The Gibb brother's mum's favourite song

[@billtaylor3382]

63 yo guy here and I heard this on AM radio in the 60's and man let me tell you I fell in love with it and was a Bee Gees fan since

[@jennifertaylor6197]

This was a healing song written when the Bee Gees had broken up and actually had a broken heart. The Gibb Brother's sang this as an olive branch between them to begin the healing process and got back together. Written with passion

[@timothytimothyarts395]

@@brcfan9 Sweet

[@calcham1]

Darn you, Jennifer! LOL, I wanted to be the one to tell this short story, but you beat me by a month! Good job. I recall when they were discussing this song and I was amazed that it wasn't a simple man-woman love song.

[@kthor]

And it was mostly written by Barry before Robin arrived, which is why he offered for Robin to sing the 1st verse.

[@kookymonsta6566]

I live in the city the Bee Gees grew up in (Redcliffe). What makes it special was when Bee Gees Way was dedicated, Barry was there (the other two Muarice and Robin had died by this point) and he was so emotional and sang loads of Bee Gees songs. I was so lucky to be there as I literally live 5 minutes away :)

[@lisac7965]

The Bee Gees, over the years perfected this song. No doubt Al Green did a great version of this song, but Bee Gees, over the years perfected this song at their concerts. The Bee Gees are just musical geniuses!!

[@louisekullar6629]

I've only just realised this too ..both versions are brilliant! The Bee Gees are amazing!

[@kathieovercash8414]

They wrote this song the day they got back together after splitting up for 18 months. It was a matter of six months they had always lived together and suddenly they're famous, buying cars and their own homes and getting married and no one told them about the jealousy and how reporters will say and do anything to sell papers. They found there wasn't much to celebrate without each other. Now the song makes more sense.

[@NightFireXD]

Ohhhhh Robin's haunting vocals woww followed up by Barry mmmmm sweet even after all these years....showin' some love for the brothers Gibb.

[@BobG127]

No heads have to roll. This was always my favorite Bee Gees song. I suspect that Al Green felt the same way. He did a great job of maintaining the feeling of the original while injecting his own style. I think we can thoroughly enjoy Al's version while recognizing the artistry of the original.

[@dwallace1859]

Here’s one for you. Bee Gees To Love Somebody was written for Otis Redding. Otis died unexpectedly in a plane crash, so The brothers recorded it for themselves. It had been covered by many artists.

[@hassenalnaib8131]

I like your reaction. You are a real person. Your comments are professional.

[@1kokowai]

This was one of the songs they wrote when they got back together after a two year breakup

[@shannonsteiner8423]

I have been a Bee Gees fan forever. Barry the eldest, just turned 75 on the fist of Sept. The brothers started preforming when Barry was 9 an the twins were 6. They played and sang well before that at home and in movie theatres between shows and on the racetrack between races in Australia. They were born to preform.

[@tonydecobellis1234]

This was a #1 song for 4 weeks in the US. All the month of August 1971. Thank you and thank you for keeping the Bee Gees alive. God bless you.

[@sillytabby1]

Good songs are covered and live on.

[@darost]

When the first Bee Gee besides tragic Andy died, it shocked me how I reacted. I had not realized what an integral part of my life of music they are. It was an emptiness that no one else could possibly fill -- an empty place that I only knew existed after that first death. Amazing. Beautiful. Vital.

[@aaronstudley1753]

Actually singing live. Incredible

[@queenslanddiva]

"It's like finding out your dad is not your dad". 🤣

[@pamhunter8834]

Bee gees are classic!!

[@pamhunter8834]

Its a BG song for sure.

[@bethjoyner3727]

This song wouldn't exist had the Bee Gees not gotten back together in the early 70s after a 15 month split. They wrote this song and Lonely Days in one day. Can you imagine if they hadn't gotten back together?!?! Oh the sorrow!

[@kathystammen3060]

BeeGees version is the best. It would be interesting to take a poll on this question.

[@dawnmanzetti1633]

“Somebody has to pay for this!” 😂 Don’t cry... you’ll recover with counseling.

[@epic6434]

It was just my imagination once again running away with me mories...pay attention 😂

[@krissyfry3333]

Have you listened to "Words" by the BeeGee's

[@tasity1041]

It has always been the BEE GEES song. Now I have to go and listen to Al Green version. 💕A BeeGees fan

[@stephenszucs8439]

The BeeGees wrote hits for OJ redding, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, and too many to name. Somewhere in the world, a BeeGees song is played on-air every 12 seconds.

[@leisastalnaker3790]

Oh Robin Gibb. What a voice.

[@rlash88]

This is the reason for “reaction” video. Now I am off to listen to Al Green’s version!

[@terrybeasley5931]

Me too!

[@rlash88]

@Jimmy Gallant I really liked Al’s version too!!

[@rapturesoon6567]

NO COMPARISON....BEEGEES BEST!!!!

[@RK-gg4dd]

Obviously this video is their earliest version. There are many more versions of them singing this. In the mid 70's the Bee Gees considered themselves R&B...."blue eyed soul." You need to watch their recent documentary "Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" on HBO. It is up for 6 Emmys. It is amazing!

[@laurachamberlain6864]

Your reaction reminds me of when reactors discovered that Dolly Parton wrote and sang "I will always love you" and that Whitney Houston sang the cover, lol.

[@deborahh2556]

It's enough to know the Bee Gees wrote this masterpiece. I adore them..

[@Wben113]

Remember you heard this for the first time and you loved it. Imagine if you listened to it a million times like the Al Green song.

[@ronramsey9930]

BTW, if you are interested, there is a recent HBO documentary on The Bee Gees. It is titled, "Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart". It is well worth the watch.

[@sharonsmith8149]

Al Green sang the song very well , but no one can compete with the Bee Gees voices and style of singing.

[@rxgirl5150]

Barry and Robin Gibb wrote the song in August 1970. The song was sung live for the first time in 1971, in a performance that was notable as drummer Geoff Bridgford's first appearance with the band.[7] Although failing to chart on the UK Singles Chart, the song became the Bee Gees' first US number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and also reached number four on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. Billboard ranked it as the No. 5 song for 1971. Other versions 1970s 1971: Johnny Mathis recorded a version of this song for his LP You've Got a Friend.[25] 1972: Al Green recorded the song for his album Let's Stay Together,[26] which also appeared on the soundtracks of 1997's Good Will Hunting, 1999's The Virgin Suicides, 1999's Notting Hill and 2010's The Book of Eli. Green's version was released as a single in France on Cream Records.[27] In 2008, Green's version was remade into a duet with Joss Stone for the soundtrack to the film adaptation of Sex and the City, with her vocals overdubbed onto the track.[28][29] 1973: Singer-actress Cher covered the song on her 1973 album Half-Breed.[30] 1977: Florence Henderson performed the song during a medley on an episode of The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.[31] 1980s Single release by Deirdre and Louise Rutkowski (later of 4AD supergroup This Mortal Coil) for their debut "In An Ideal World" (1984) with their first band Sunset Gun.[32] 1990s 1991: Teddy Pendergrass recorded a version of this song on his LP Truly Blessed.[33] 2000s 2003: Michael Bublé recorded this song, with Barry Gibb performing backup vocals, on his self-titled album. Bublé's version reached number 22 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It was Buble's first single.[34] 2003: American Idol's second winner Ruben Studdard covered the song on his debut album Soulful. 2005: Mari Wilson, English pop and jazz singer, included a cover on her album Dolled Up. 2005: Steve Brookstein recorded it on his number-one album Heart and Soul.[35] 2006: The song is covered in Julio Iglesias's album Romantic Classics. 2007: Barry Manilow's version appears on his album The Greatest Songs of the Seventies.[36] 2009: Jazz singer-pianist Diana Krall covered this song on her album Quiet Nights.[37] 2009: Rod Stewart recorded a version for his album Soulbook, though it was left off the final track listing. 2010s 2014: Eef Barzelay recorded a version for a fundraising CD titled More Super Hits of the Seventies for freeform radio station WFMU. 2017: Chris Stills recorded a version for the feature film I, Tonya. 2020: Kahil El'Zabar recorded an instrumental version titled "How Can We Mend Broken Heart" for his 2020 album America the Beautiful.

[@barry0709]

Please react to THIS IS WHERE I CAME IN live by the BEEGEES thanks

[@Cristozen1]

I love Al Green as well. But this is the Bee Gees song in the truest sense of the word.

[@1nelsondj]

I love the Bee Gees' pre-Saturday Night Fever songs, 'Holiday', 'I've Gotta Get a Message to You', 'Words', 'I Started a Joke', 'Massachusetts', 'To Love Somebody', 'Lonely Days', 'Run to Me' and even 'Jive Talkin''. For some reason 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart' reminds me of Chicago's 'Colour My World', maybe it's the tempo. I love Al Green's music, can't understand how this song didn't make his 1st Greatest Hits album, it's on "More Greatest Hits" which I have as well. The 3rd one I have is the 2005 "Everything's OK".

[@theodoreritola9758]

HOW MANY BANDS TODAY WRIGHT THERE OWN SONGS SING AND PLAYTHERE OWN INSTRUMENTS AND WRIITE 1000 SONGS THAT WERE HUGE IN POPULARITY IM WAITING .? AND NO AUTO TUNE ,,,

[@Dee-JayW]

This is an avenue to hopefully be fully explored by him! I also favour early BeeGees

[@shyphyre]

Maybe because "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" was released a few months after "Colour My World" during 1971. I was a young kid when both songs were played on the radio that spring and summer.

[@karenj3611]

Me too. The disco stuff was pretty popular, but I love Robin's voice so much in the early BeeGees music

[@GinMae]

Yes - I agree, Yog - my favorites are also the early ones - especially those featuring Robin - his voice is so unique!

[@ANNEAVES]

Poor thing. Love it. Like finding out your dad isn't your dad. Lol

[@donaldleider7382]

It’s ok Harri, you can enjoy both versions!

[@sylviategroen1583]

They wrote it,!!!!!!! n thousands more...gorgeous lads...gifted

[@ronfinn9169]

They sold over 200 million albums. One of the best groups ever.

[@debbienewton909]

This song was written by BeeGees after their breakup and reconciliation and their way of expressing their broken hearts. If you have HBO Max, check out their documentary of the same name which talks about their broken hearts over all the disco rejection. They never were disco, that label was given by radio stations, they called themselves blue-eyed sole R&B. Idk what else you have listened to of their ginormous 5+ decade catalog, but you can't go wrong with anything by BeeGees! Funny about your daughter, lol!

[@carolynnewcomb2153]

Someone mentioned it was a healing song and that’s correct. They had broken up as a group, and used this song to reunite as men and brothers, ready to get along and start writing music again. They used the time apart to grow up and realize they’re most successful together.

[@theodoreritola9758]

THE BEE GEES WROTE 1000 SONGS NOT TO SHABBY

[@nitab1971]

"To Love Somebody" is one of my long-time, all-time favorites. The Bee Gees are as legendary as any rock/pop group ever.

[@sindingwenya603]

It was written within few hours and it got them a contract

[@rosemary702001]

It’s okay to love Al Green’s version more. His cover was wonderful!! But I’m a Bee Gees fan since they arrived and I love their version best. The voices blend perfectly and their vibrato is always in sync. Many of their songs are covered by other artists but I’ve yet to hear any surpass their delivery. Except maybe Al Green this one time.

[@kudabear4898]

Listen to BoyZone do the cover of "Words" its very good. The Bee Gees even invited them to sing "Words" with them on stage. No one can beat the Bee Gees version but BoyZone sure made a very good attempt at it.

[@sylviategroen1583]

They wrote it because Robin left the group for awhile but they all reunited n they wrote this fab song..so gifted...

[@barbarawebb7185]

An even better, more soulful song by The Bee Gees is “Fanny Be Tender with My Love”. Ask Quincy Jones. And The Bee Gees’ original of “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” WAS a big hit when they originally sang it. I remember.

[@trudywolfe2795]

Nobody sings this song better than the Bee Gees. Period.

[@guittadabe5214]

Ideas for future videos: Research #1 songs, or "hits" written by the Bee Gees. You're going to be similarly shocked. See, when there was a backlash against Disco, the Bee Gees were for all practical purposes banned from the airways after having absolutely dominated them for so long at the top of the charts. So they started writing hits for other artists. With similar results! You will be bringing back appreciation for these legends, who have contributed to music way more than most people can fathom! Thank you Harry. I'm so blessed to have discovered your channel!

[@stephenlutz3907]

"It's like someone telling you, your Dad is not your Dad!" Ha! Damn, Harri...that was the line of the day! I had to subscribe after that. My condolences on this Al Green/BeeGees cognitive dissonance that has addled your brain. By the way, how was Al Green able to totally transform this song into his unique version? Pure, unadulterated talent!

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Yes, the early Bee Gees are my favorite Bee Gees.

[@unrulyjulie4382]

Not exactly like the dad thing, cause that actually did happen to me. But it's a close second.

[@kthor]

That’s when I hit the subscribe button as well! Realizing who wrote this had a profound affect on you bro!

[@debbienewton909]

me2, tragic.

[@bambamnj]

The Gibb brothers, such a tragic story. Barry, the oldest brother is the only one still living. Andy, the youngest brother and not really a member of the Bee Gees died early, complication from long term drug use. The two middle brothers, who were twins, died about 10 years apart, one from a twisted intestine and the other battled cancer. All of them died much too early in life and I feel so bad for Barry who had to deal with his younger brother's passing.

[@mandyharewood886]

Luckily, he has a real life partner to help him through the loneliness. His wife must be his anchor.

[@christophersmith2793]

Bee Gee always considered themselves first and foremost song writers before vocalists , and also have written songs for many artists, I attended there concert in Las Vas called one night only in 1997 they were always absolutely amazing live , there talent was amazing and in there early days no Auto tune just pure talent and genius, I like Bee Gees version best !!!

[@charlesstraight5499]

I just have to say this because I'm a huge fan of the Bee Gees and I'm also a big fan of Al Green and I love Al Green's version of this song but once you finish listening to this I think you'll agree that I think the Bee Gees version is a little bit better not that I don't love Al Green's version cuz I listen to it a lot in the 70s but I love the Bee Gees version of it a little more.

[@tinastanley4444]

Yes heads are gonna roll!

[@sheilastanaland]

How about "Why did you have to be a heartbreaker?" That was also written by BeeGees. I didn't know that until a long time after it was a hit .

[@sindingwenya603]

They wrote the song after disbanding. They had a big fight and went their own ways. Thank God they regrouped

[@kathysiedlecki6364]

They wrote a lot of song for other artists. Here some right off the top of my head;. Island in the Streams by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rodgers, Chain Reaction by Diana Ross, and Heartbreaker by Doinne Warwick. Sorry for any misspelled words.

[@cnatview]

Well now I got to go listen to Al Green's version. I've never heard it. This has always been a BeeGees song to me. Thanks for your reaction, Harri. Take care and be well. Peace.

[@EvansBrosRacing]

I am old enough , 59 , to remember the Bee Gees being on the radio with this one and later Al Green . I seem to recall a country singer also doing this but can't recall who it was . Al's version is my favorite .

[@TexasRose50]

Thank you for an honest opinion. You did it gracefully. And that is appreciated.

[@janiceduke1205]

1971. This was written during the same afternoon as The Bee Gees' previous American hit, "Lonely Days" in Barry Gibb's basement flat at Addison Road, Holland Park, London. Al Green cover 1972.

[@HarriBestReactions]

Oh thanx..The Bee Gees version sounded like 60s sound to me

[@GinMae]

YES - Lonely Days is amazing, too! These guys were a music-making MACHINE... only with the most incredible HUMAN sound...

[@juliecrane9647]

@@HarriBestReactions The 60s had the BEST sound Hands Down...imo. Soothing and deep. Lovin your reactions. Been binging since 3 am... Gave my cursed insomnia some reason...THANKS !!!

[@victoriajohnson5461]

Not only written but wonderfully sung 😪

[@ericlevi5729]

Over 1000 songs written; 100 top 50s; 20 number 1 songs US AND UK ROCK N RILL HALL OF FAME and the 4th most prolific artists behind only the Beatles Elvis and Michael Jackson. That said THE REVEREND AL GREEN IS A LEGEND HIS IS SLOWER AND-REALLY SOULFUL WHEREAS THE BEE GEES HAVE THE BEST HARMONIES EVER!!!

[@angelarasmussen1800]

It's one of the songs where it highlights each of their voices and shows where each came in... Which is the name of an album they put out later in life. This is Where I came in...a song as well

[@philsdon8932]

Can't Live if Living is Without You was not first recorded by Mariah Carey. Harry Nilsson's version knocks it out of the park.

[@bethcrumpton476]

Harry's version is not the original either. It's a Badfinger song.

[@philsdon8932]

@@bethcrumpton476 I know, but Nilsson's version is the high water mark.

[@HepauDK]

Taste is subjective, and cannot be argued. I deffinitely prefer Mariah Carrey's version. In my oppinion, she sings it with much more passion. Same with Dolly Parton's own version of "I Will Always Love You". It's so full of passion. Whitney Houston's version hurts my ears. She basdically just shouts it out.

[@lindaeasley5606]

@@philsdon8932 I agree .It was a #1 smash hit in the US . Sometimes a cover version is better than the original but alot of times I do prefer the original

[@woodchucknation]

Both versions are great.

[@alexfletcher5192]

It's interesting because as soon as you hear them do it, you realise it's completely in line with their style. And it's actually a tribute to other artists that they manage to reinterpret that music.

[@timothycook2917]

The Bee Gee's first #1 song in the USA (exactly 50 years ago), yet, surprisingly, it didn't chart in the UK

[@Katt560]

When my youngest son was in high school, he came home one day, very excited to have me listen to this amazing new song by one of his favorite groups. He LOVED the lyrics. He started the song on his phone, and I started to sing along to The Boxer. He said in total amazement, “Mom, I didn’t know you listened to Mumford & Sons!” I broke it to him that the song was written in the 60s by Simon & Garfunkel. He was DEVASTATED. Seriously.

[@cmeflywva]

The song was written by Robin and Barry Gibb actually.

[@Katt560]

@@cmeflywva Sid you even read my post? I’m nit talking about the Bee Gees

[@Nastyfinger1444]

The Bee Gees are so talented. Just fabulous music.

[@ChuckHackney]

By far, though i have so many songs i love by them, my favorite Bee Gees tune.

[@tomtrahan8485]

The BEE GEES were an anomaly. A great Family of obsessed, disciplined artists, loved by everyone in the industry and their millions/billions of fans. Music and performing was their entire lives.

[@robinfry4408]

This was a HUGE hit for the Brothers Gibb. Lonely Days was another...so many well-crafted songs w/beautiful lyrics, arrangements & of course the magic from these 3 voices blending. BeeGees were featured on Midnight Special as was their brother Andy Gibb, check them out, sound as good live as on recordings

[@josephrocha142]

Phenomenal!

[@ethelynchristopher6995]

The studio version of this song by the Bee Gees was a huge hit for them.

[@troyalcorn1184]

Now you know why Al Green gave this song so much love with his own rendition :)

[@looneygardener]

So cool to see them sing live!!!!

[@timgasper8748]

When this first came out it was my favorite song for years. Glad you found it. Bee Gees are my favorite group. Keep going

[@1nelsondj]

Janis Joplin does a killer cover of the Bee Gees' song 'To Love Somebody'. She put her stamp on it like she did with 'Me and Bobby McGee'.

[@lauratartanella2210]

Bee Gees Too Much Heaven

[@cathyopthof8136]

Certainly The Bee Gees do not deserve the punishment!!❤❤❤

[@haroldgodwinson832]

Excellent reaction. If you want another great Bee Gees live early performance check out 'I Started a Joke' and 'First of May' sung back=to-back.

[@gwenmorantz7767]

Over 100 BeeGees song’s written by them were in the top ten world wide performed by them and others. They wrote for other artists

[@jamesmichael5475]

Don't sweat it Harri, both versions are supreme, classic, so memorable. The Al Green version, the pinnacle of soul and R&B. The BEE GEE version a classic in its own right.

[@negf22]

You would not believe the the songs that folks have covered of the BeeGees. Truly amazing!

[@gerhardbraatz6305]

I always loved the Bee Gees pre disco.

[@theodoreritola9758]

I LIKE EM BOTH 60s 70s Mainly

[@giovannib.9260]

Bee gees only made disco for saturdsy night movie... They are not a disco group

[@dalem8332]

Beautiful #1 song from the Bee Gees in the summer of 1971! I remember buying the record. 😎🎼🎵🎶🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@lydmarl.475]

Surprise, surprise leave it up to the BeeGees, these talented guys!! You better believe it they sang it! I believe back in the days people did not pay attention who the writer(s) were, think they would assumed it was the artist.

[@FUMINOID]

As long as you recognize their amazing talents, that's all that matters.

[@bluesky-rb8fn]

Such talent that you just can’t buy!!! These were poor boys that made it!!! Love them all!! Soar with the angels Andy, Mo and Robin!!💕

[@GandlafTheWhite]

Bee Gees hands down

[@mitchellbatchelor1594]

Al Green did what great singers do. He didn’t just cover the song, he made it his own.

[@kathystammen3060]

Beautiful masterpiece of a tune. There will never be another group if I lived to be 100. Or if I lived to be 1 million like to BJ’s. They are angelic.

[@Kathy8852]

Bee Gees all the way!