In October 2004, a truly special meeting of music legends took place at Paul McCartney’s home in England. Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, Paul McCartney of the Beatles, and the renowned producer and musician Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds gathered after recording vocals for Paul’s rendition of the Bee Gees’ classic “Too Much Heaven.” The track was intended for an all-star tribute project that Babyface was producing in honor of Maurice Gibb, Robin’s brother and fellow Bee Gee, who had passed away suddenly in January 2003.
Robin reflected on the heartbreaking speed of Maurice’s passing: one day he entered the hospital, the next he was in a coma, and by the third day, he was gone. The shock was immense, and even a year later, Robin still struggled to comprehend it. Yet, he chose to channel his grief into something positive, embracing life more fully and moving forward with the tribute project to celebrate Maurice’s memory.
This meeting marked the first time Robin and Paul had met, despite Robin having idolized Paul for decades. With deep sincerity, Robin told Paul that the Beatles were the greatest inspiration of his life and that the Bee Gees would never have existed without them. Paul responded with warmth and humor, joking about their shared bond as bass players.
The conversation soon turned lighthearted, filled with laughter and anecdotes. Paul reminisced about seeing Maurice in the 1960s, especially during his marriage to Lulu, when he was “Mini Crazy,” driving around in his Mini Cooper. Babyface shared the story behind his famous nickname, given to him spontaneously by musician Bootsy Collins, and the trio joked about calling him “Mr. Face.”
As musicians, they discussed harmonies, recording techniques, and their shared love of soul music. Robin explained that Maurice always sang the high harmony, while he and Barry naturally blended their voices in a way only siblings could. Paul compared studio work to painting a picture, emphasizing the creativity and spontaneity of making music.
The conversation also touched on their shared Celtic roots—Robin’s family being of Scottish and Irish descent, and Babyface revealing that his mother’s maiden name was Oannon, likely of Irish origin. They found humor in the idea that their musical connection might be in their blood.
When the discussion returned to the song itself, Paul revealed that he had personally chosen “Too Much Heaven” over other suggested Bee Gees tracks, simply because he loved it. To his delight, he later learned that the song was entirely dedicated to UNICEF, with all proceeds—including mechanical royalties—going to provide education, medicine, and food for children around the world. This gave the performance a deeper purpose, making the experience even more meaningful.
The meeting was more than a casual recording session—it was a heartfelt intersection of musical history, personal reflection, and shared admiration. Three legendary artists came together not just to make music, but to honor a brother, a friend, and the timeless power of song.