Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb wrote "Islands in the Stream."
Song Background
The Bee Gees penned the hit in the early 1980s, originally as an R&B track intended for Marvin Gaye or Diana Ross. Kenny Rogers recorded it for his 1983 album Eyes That See in the Dark , with Dolly Parton joining as a duet partner after Rogers found the solo version lacking. The song drew inspiration from Ernest Hemingway's novel of the same name and became a massive country- pop crossover success.
Recording Story
Barry Gibb produced the track and suggested Parton after days of rehearsal with Rogers. Parton's addition transformed the song, leading to No. 1 positions on Billboard's Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Adult Contemporary charts. It earned ACM and AMA awards for Single of the Year.
