By Admin 
At the 46th Kennedy Center Honors, Michael Bublé performed a breathtaking tribute to Barry Gibb, the last surviving member of the legendary Bee Gees. But before the Canadian crooner sang the first notes of “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?” he shared a little-known story that revealed how Gibb helped shape his future.
Long before Michael Bublé was selling out arenas and topping the charts, he was a young singer trying to make a name for himself.
“Before people knew who I was, I needed to get my name out there. And there was only one song they could get the job done. It was ‘How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?’” Bublé, 49, told the audience at the at the Kennedy Center Honors, before he performed a moving tribute to the Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb.
Gibb and his younger brothers Maurice and Robin rose to international fame as the Bee Gees, the pop band that earned five Grammy Awards for the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever, the 1977 film starring John Travolta.
After fraternal twins Maurice, 53, and Robin, 62, died in 2003 and 2012 respectively, Gibb – known for his high-pitched falsetto vocals – continued a solo career.
And he also acted as a guardian to a young Canadian crooner.
Back-up vocals
Right before performing his tribute, Bublé explained exactly how Gibb, 78, helped launch his career: “As fortune would have it, I made a demo, and it made its way to the songwriter himself. Barry not only had words of advice for me, he was generous enough to give this bubble guy some heat and record it with me,” Bublé quipped.
Gibb, who received a lifetime achievement award at Kennedy Center Honors, sang backup vocals for Bublé’s 2003 recording of “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” one of the singles released on his debut album.
Fast forward to 2023, and Bublé found himself standing in front of an audience of music legends, performing that very same song – this time, as a tribute to the man who helped him.
Heartfelt thanks
The moment was nothing short of magical. Bublé’s voice soared and filled the room with an undeniable energy – a powerful nod to Gibb, who was visibly moved by Bublé’s breathtaking performance of the 1971 song that was written by him and Robin.
As he crooned the heartbreaking ballad, Gibb could be seen singing along from his seat, visibly touched by the performance. At the song’s end, Bublé blew a kiss to Gibb, silently mouthing, “Thank you” – a poignant, full-circle moment decades in the making.
By the final note, the room was spellbound, turning the night into an unforgettable celebration of music, nostalgia, and pure artistry.
Bublé’s tribute to Gibb at the Kennedy Center Honors was more than just a performance – it was a heartfelt thank you to a legend who shaped generations of music.
Make sure you listen to Buble’s performance and let us know what you think!