Barry Gibb to Make Grand Ole Opry Debut

Posted Jul 24th 2012 5:05PM by Stephen L. Betts
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Sayre Berman

Barry Gibb is one of the most iconic pop songwriters of all time, and a legendary performer and producer as well. This weekend, a long-held desire of the 65-year-old entertainer's will come to fruition when he makes his debut on Nashville's Grand Ole Opry stage Friday night (July 27).

"I have dreamed of performing on the hallowed stage of the Opry since I was 12 years old," he says in a statement. "So this is a dream come true for me. There is no greater honor."

Born in England and raised in Australia, Barry ascended to stardom -- and then mega-stardom -- with his younger brothers, fraternal twins Robin and Maurice, in the trio known as the Bee Gees. In addition to writing numerous hits for the group, Barry and his brothers penned hits for other artists. In 1983, superstars Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton topped the country and pop charts with the Gibb brothers' "Islands in the Stream." It remains one of the biggest crossover hits of all time.

In 2006, Barry Gibb purchased the Hendersonville, Tenn., home north of Nashville belonging to Johnny and June Carter Cash, both of whom died in 2003. In April 2007, fire broke out, completely destroying the home before the Gibb family could move in.

Barry, who has an older sister, Lesley, is the only surviving member of the Bee Gees. Robin died this past May at age 62. Maurice died in 2003. Barry had a younger brother, Andy, who was also a pop superstar. He died in 1988 at age 30.

For more on Barry Gibb, visit his official website. See the Grand Ole Opry schedule here.

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