How Can You Mend a Broken Heart

The story behind

When brothers Barry and Robin Gibb reunited in August 1970, after a period of estrangement, a song was born that would mark a turning point. That afternoon, at Barry's home, they composed How Can You Mend a Broken Heart together, a piece that, in their own words, symbolized their reconciliation. The idea was quickly completed, they called Maurice, and with the basic structure of this song and an idea for Lonely Days, they entered the studio. Both pieces were recorded that same night, January 28, 1971, in London. While the composition is officially attributed to Barry and Robin, years later, in 2009, the release of Ultimate Bee Gees included Maurice as a co-writer. This track, released on May 28, 1971, as the first single from the album Trafalgar, became the Bee Gees' first number one in the United States, also reaching the top of the Cashbox charts for two weeks. The single version, released by Atco Records, featured Country Woman as the B-side. The song was initially offered to Andy Williams, who would later record it on his album You've Got a Friend. Despite not charting in the UK, in the United States it was ranked as the fifth most important song of 1971 according to Billboard. The sound, described as a country ballad with an intricate melody and powerful passages, captivated the public. The piece was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.