I’ve always thought that sad songs were the best songs. It’s hard to think of a sadder song than How Can You Mend A Broken Heart. It’s a longtime favorite of mine, so I was surprised that I’d never posted it in this space. Better late than never.

The featured image is of the Bee Gees at a cocktail party with the bubbly impresario Robert Stigwood. Party on, Gibb brothers.

Barry and Robin Gibb wrote How Can You Mend A Broken Heart for the Bee Gees 1971 album Trafalgar. That’s where we begin.

Al Green takes the Gibb brothers classic to church in Memphis no less.

Teddy Pendergrass. Say no more.

I’d somehow missed Ronnie Spector take on this week’s tune until now. Repeat after me: Better late than never.

A 21st Century version by FCH regular Diana Krall.

Finally, a 2021 collaboration between Barry Gibb and Sheryl Crow.

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without an instrumental version of this week’s tune? This time, a reggae-fied interpretation by Pee Wee Ellis.

That’s it for this week. I propose a toast to Sir Barry Gibb who is still very much with us. Thanks for all the great music. It’s what Barry and his fellow 2023 Kennedy Center honorees Queen Latifah, Rene Fleming, Billy Crystal and Dionne Warwick would want. Never argue with them.