Robin Gibb, Bee Gees star, dies at 62

(CBS/AP) LONDON - Robin Gibb, a founding member of the Bee Gees who helped propel the group to international stardom, has died. He was 62.

Gibb's representative Doug Wright announced in a statement that Gibb passed away Sunday "following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery."

Gibb was one of three brothers whose soaring falsetto harmonies helped power such hits as "Stayin' Alive" and "Night Fever."

The band was best known for the influential "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack album that became one of the fastest selling albums of all time. The 1977 soundtrack came to epitomize the flashy disco era.

Gibb enjoyed a long career as a Bee Gee and as a solo artist and also produced and wrote songs for many other performers.

He appeared gravely ill at his recent public appearances and had to cancel a string of meetings as his condition worsened.

Just last month, Gibb had awoken from a coma and talked about getting back to work. Even when weak and malnourished, he was in positive spirits.

While he was in a coma, Gibb's family played Bee Gees songs, as well as Gibb's recent classical composition "Titanic Requiem." The music may have helped Gibb regain consciousness, his wife said. His family saw Gibb mouthing lyrics "on cue" as he woke up from the coma.

The 62-year-old singer had advanced colorectal cancer and spent much of his recent time in intensive care. He recently came down with pneumonia following chemotherapy treatments and two operations.

24 Photos

Robin Gibb: 1949-2012

[rexxcarz]

Thank you, Robin. You made a difference with your music, your devotion to peace and your presence in the world. You and Donna Summer, have your duet album ready for me to hear, when I get there.

[tmn]

One of the true musical greats. He will be sorely missed by his many fans.

[MagnaCartaUK]

Very sad news. He was a good bloke and a great composer who wrote many songs others had hits with. When the Bee Gees were at their prime, I was more into the Stranglers, The Jam and a little later The Specials - but afterwards, and now, I can appreciate their music and the contribution Robin and his brothers made. It's been a sad last 12 months in regards to losing people from varying musical genres, but we can never lose their legacy of music. God speed the day when this vile disease is consigned to history's sewer - after the World's collectively spat on it.

[linfinster]

What an impact he and his brothers have had in our world! So sorry to hear of his death. My condolences to his family! I will always listen to the Bee Gees and have a warm, comforting and loving feeling every time!

[mari1963]

Be at peace. Your suffering is over.

[kennyfrew]

Very Sad. His "I Started A Joke" was my all time favorite Bee Gee's song.

[erasmus111]

Mine was "To Love Somebody".

[mariatday]

I just heard the news Robin has past. I'm so sorry to see he lost his brave fight. But I guess he's in a better painless place. I wish he didn't have to leave us so soon. I will miss him and his music very much.
God bless him and his family at this terribly sad time.

[waassup]

See ya. RIP.