(NBC NEWS) -- Getting to 55 is not exactly a Guinness Book of World Records-style
achievement, but sadly, singer Andy Gibb never made it that far. The
younger brother of Bee Gees Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb would have
turned 55 Tuesday, but he passed away 25 years ago, on March 10, 1988.
He had been 30 years old for just five days.
Gibb's death came as a shock. -- so young, so handsome, so talented.
While he had a history of drug abuse which was certainly hard on his
body, the cause of death was not an overdose but an inflammation of the heart possibly caused by a virus.
Gibb
left the world too soon, but he left behind a body of work that will be
long remembered. Brother Barry helped out with "I Want to Be Your
Everything," writing the song and providing backup vocals.
It was followed by another No.1 hit, "(Love Is) Thicker Than Water,"
co-written by Andy and Barry. The only thing that could knock the tune
out of the top spot was another Gibb song, the Bee Gees' "Night Fever."
And "Shadow Dancing" was both Gibb's third No.1 hit and the title of his
1978 album. The song continues to influence musicians today --
electronic musician Skrillex sampled it in 2010. And it was a family
affair -- all four brothers Gibb contributed to writing it.
By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, TODAY