HEARTFELT REFLECTION: Barry Gibb Reminisces About “Immortality” — The Song the Bee Gees Wrote for Céline Dion and Performed Together in Harmony
In a moving recollection that highlights one of the most cherished collaborations in pop history, Barry Gibb recently reflected on the creation of “Immortality,” the hauntingly beautiful ballad written by the Bee Gees especially for Céline Dion. The song, born from friendship, admiration, and a shared love for storytelling through music, remains one of the most emotionally resonant pieces ever to unite two of the world’s greatest voices.
“We wrote ‘Immortality’ with Céline in mind from the very beginning,” Barry recalled. “We wanted to capture something timeless — not just a love song, but a song about the spirit that never dies.” The result was a masterpiece of melody and meaning, blending Céline’s soaring vocal purity with the Bee Gees’ signature harmonies that had already defined decades of musical brilliance.
Released in 1998, “Immortality” became an instant classic, featured on Céline’s album Let’s Talk About Love. The collaboration also included a special performance that brought together Céline and the Bee Gees — Barry, Robin, and Maurice — for a stunning televised arrangement that left audiences around the world in awe. The sight of the brothers’ delicate harmonies rising behind Céline’s crystalline power was, as Barry described it, “a moment of complete musical unity — where emotion did all the talking.”
The song’s lyrics — “So this is who I am, and this is all I know…” — speak to the enduring nature of love, purpose, and artistic legacy. For Barry, it became more than a composition; it was a reflection on life’s fleeting beauty and the permanence of music. “It’s about what we leave behind,” he said. “Our songs, our memories, our connection — that’s what immortality means.”
Over the years, “Immortality” has taken on even deeper significance. Following the losses of Maurice (2003) and Robin Gibb (2012), the song stands as a poignant reminder of the Bee Gees’ lasting harmony and their profound impact on generations of listeners. Fans often describe it as a spiritual bridge — linking Céline’s voice of light with the Bee Gees’ soulful echoes of eternity.
Céline herself once expressed her gratitude for the song, calling it “a gift of grace from the Gibb brothers — a song that feels like a prayer.” The collaboration showcased the best of both worlds: the Bee Gees’ unparalleled songwriting craft and Céline’s emotional depth, united in a message of hope and transcendence.
As Barry Gibb looks back, the memory still feels vivid. “When we sang it together, it wasn’t just music — it was love,” he said softly. “And that love… it never goes away.”
More than two decades later, “Immortality” continues to live up to its name — a timeless collaboration between legends whose voices and hearts still echo across the ages.