Introduction:
“Rest Your Love on Me” is a song with an interesting history, primarily written by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. While the Bee Gees’ version is important, the duet by Andy Gibb and Olivia Newton-John holds a special place in its story.
The song was written by Barry Gibb in 1976 and first recorded by the Bee Gees on May 2nd during the Children of the World sessions. Initially, it wasn’t used as a single. However, it found its way to the B-side of the Bee Gees’ U.S. number-one hit “Too Much Heaven,” released in 1978. It was also included on the Bee Gees’ compilation album Greatest, released in 1979.
The song, in its original Bee Gees incarnation, is a country-influenced ballad, showcasing Barry Gibb’s songwriting prowess and vocal delivery.
However, “Rest Your Love on Me” gained further recognition through the collaboration of Andy Gibb and Olivia Newton-John. The pair performed the song live at the Music for UNICEF Concert in January 1979. This concert, held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, was a benefit to raise money for world hunger programs.
Andy Gibb and Olivia Newton-John’s duet version was then recorded and released on Andy Gibb’s 1980 album After Dark. This version brought a softer, more pop-oriented feel to the song, highlighting the harmonies of Gibb and Newton-John.
After Dark was Andy Gibb’s third studio album. The inclusion of “Rest Your Love on Me” as a duet with Olivia Newton-John added to the album’s appeal.
The Andy Gibb and Olivia Newton-John version of “Rest Your Love on Me” was released as a single in several countries across Europe, South America, Japan, and South Africa.
In summary, “Rest Your Love on Me” is a song written by Barry Gibb. It was initially a Bee Gees song, but the duet version by Andy Gibb and Olivia Newton-John, released on Andy Gibb’s After Dark album in 1980, became a popular rendition, particularly in various international markets. The song’s genre can be described as a ballad, with influences of country in the original Bee Gees version and pop in the Gibb/Newton-John duet.