Fans Mourn Rock Icon Who Discovered the Bee Gees, Dead at 89 - 'you gave us the best of you'originally appeared onParade. Down under he was the first homegrown sensation to rise to the top. Now fans and fellow artists worldwide are paying tribute to one of rock music's earliest pioneers. On Tuesday, legendary Australian rock and roll star Col Joye passed away at the age of 89. A superstar in his native Australia, fans around the world might recall a different legacy of the late great artist, who was pivotal in the early career of iconic pop music and disco band The Bee Gees. Born Colin Frederick Jacobsen, Joye got his start in 1957 with his brother Kevin Jacobson's group, the KJ Quartet, which they later renamed "Col Joye and the Joy Boys." Two years later in 1959 at just 20 years old, Joye made history as the first Aussie pop star to hit number 1 on Sydney charts with his single "Bye Bye Baby." Three more top 10 hits followed, and the band were soon regulars onBandstandandSix O'Clock Rockaccording toRolling Stone. "Col Joye made a remarkable contribution to Australian music for more than six decades," ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd toldThe Music Network."At a time when the local industry was dominated by US and UK artists, he proved that Australians would embrace local artists and local music." In 1961, while still pursuing his own successful music career, Joye and his brother Kevin started a powerful management, publishing, and recording company that would play a pivotal role in launching one of the most iconic pop rock bands of all time. According toThe Australian, when Joye first spotted the Gibb brothers, they were struggling to eke out a living playing Queensland resorts. Recognizing their immense talent, Joye took the group, who were already calling themselves The Bee Gees, under his wing. He featured them as backing vocalists on his 1963 single, "Starlight of Love" and signed them to Joye Music and in what was perhaps their first real break in the music industry. Since the announcement of his passing, tributes have poured in from fans and fellow artists across social media. One commenter replied to a 9News Instagram post of the rock star's passing with, "Oh Bye Bye Bye Bye Baby Goodbye." The same fan went on to add a heartfelt, "thanks for the childhood memories." Another fan replied to the same post with, "you gave us the best of you." View this post on Instagram A post shared by 9News (@9news) Replying to a9 News Adelaide Facebooktribute, another heartbroken fan wrote, "Loved him since I was 16 (1959) when I saw him at the stadium in Sydney and he sang Sixteen Candles! I was sure he was singing it to me personally! So sad." Famous Australian '60s pop starNormie Rowe, 78, spoke toABC Newsabout the lasting impact Joye had on his life and career. "Col was in my psyche right throughout my entire life," Rowe said. "I watched him and I thought, 'If I'm going to be a singer, that's the sort of singer I want to be.'" Joye's career was marked by both professional triumphs and personal challenges. He had another major hit in 1973 with the country music track "Heaven Is My Woman's Love," and in 1988, Joye was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame alongside other greats of the age includingDame Joan Sutherland,Vanda & Young,andAC/DC. In 1990, however, he stepped out of the public light after suffering numerous injuries from a serious fall from a tree. Joye went on to make a remarkable recovery, doggedly returning to performing in 1998 and, in the early 2000s, touring with fellow greats in the "Long Way to the Top" live concert tour. Rowe, who performed alongside him, called Joye "a guiding light" on the tour. "[W]e all revered him so much," he toldABC News. Joye's impact on Australian rock and roll is immeasurable, but his influence extended far beyond. He was more than just a performer; he was a mentor, a discoverer of talent, and a true icon of his era. Though his final years were spent away from the spotlight, Joye remained connected to his musical roots. He donated more than 1,200 items to the National Film and Sound Archive, ensuring future generations will be able to appreciate his groundbreaking career. While the musical world mourns the loss of yet another legend this summer, Joye's legacy will live on in the music he made and the stars he helped create. Fans Mourn Rock Icon Who Discovered the Bee Gees, Dead at 89 - 'you gave us the best of you'first appeared on Parade on Aug 6, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
