Jive Talking - Bee Gees (1975) 8/6/21

Sometimes the way a "Great Song" develops is rather fascinating, and that is definitely the case with 1975's "Jive Talking" by the Bee Gees.

The original title was "Drive Talking," and based on the "chunka-chunka" sound that Barry Gibb's car made while driving on the Julia Tuttle Causeway between Biscayne Bay and Criteria Recording Studios in Miami.

Producer Arif Martin suggested that he change it to "Jive Talking" to give it more relevance to teen record buyers. Barry thought he meant "jive" in the sense of "Hand Jive," as in the '50s dance craze. Arif explained that "jive talking" was the current slang for "bullshitting," and that changed everything lyrically! :-)

In the studio, Maurice Gibb copied a pre-recorded bass line for the song, but he did it on a synthesized bass which gave it a unique sound that complemented the "chunka" beat...and an early disco hit was born!

When the song was released to radio stations, it came on a blank disc that didn't identify the song--or the artist. It required music directors to actually LISTEN to it to find out who and what it was. They liked what they heard and before long, "Jive Talking" was on the air everywhere, and climbing up the charts.

It reached #1 on the Top 40 in both the US and Canada, as well as #9 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary and Disco Charts.

"Jive Talking" by the Bee Gees: a "Great Song of 1975." and that ain't no jive!