Introduction:
“Wine and Women” holds a significant place in the early history of the Bee Gees, marking a crucial step in their journey towards international stardom. Released in September 1965, this song provides a fascinating glimpse into the group’s formative years in Australia. Here’s a deeper dive into its history:
- Origins and Release:
- “Wine and Women” was written by Barry Gibb.
- It was released as a single in Australia on Leedon Records in September 1965.
- The B-side of the single was “Follow the Wind.”
- This single was released prior to the bee gees leaving Australia for England.
- Album Affiliation:
- The song is featured on the Bee Gees’ debut album, “The Bee Gees Sing and Play 14 Barry Gibb Songs.”
- Genre:
- The song falls within the “beat” genre, reflecting the popular musical style of the mid-1960s.
- Significance and Achievements:
- “Wine and Women” marked the Bee Gees’ first international chart appearance, reaching No. 19 in Australia.
- It is noted that there was a strong fan effort to get the song into the charts. With fans purchasing copies of the record, it entered the charts at number 35, and gained the attention of disc jockeys.
- This song is also important because it highlights the early vocal trading between Barry and Robin Gibb.
- Also it marks the beginning of the producing relationship with Bill Shepherd.
- The song is a historical snapshot of the early sound of the Bee Gees, before their evolution into the globally recognized pop and disco icons they would later become.
- Historical Context:
- The phrase “wine, women, and song” has a long and varied history, appearing in literature and music for centuries. While the Bee Gees’ song uses this familiar phrase, it does so with a sense of melancholy, as the opening line states “wine and women and song will only make me sad”.
- This early work shows the developing song writing talent of Barry Gibb.
In essence, “Wine and Women” serves as a valuable artifact in the Bee Gees’ musical timeline, capturing a pivotal moment in their early career. It demonstrates their budding talent and the initial steps they took towards achieving their legendary status.