When Disco met country: Barry Gibb feels spirit of Johnny Cash

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- If former Bee Gee Barry Gibb was looking forsome inspiration for the country album he plans to record here, hecouldn't have picked a more hallowed piece of ground to put downstakes.

Gibb bought and is restoring the lakefront house that belonged tothe late Johnny and June Carter Cash.

"It's going to be nice," Gibb said at a BMI reception last week."We'd like to use it as our second home. I would like to come hereand write songs. I am planning on making a country album. That isreally who I am."

Gibb, known for Bee Gees disco hits including "Staying Alive,"said he and his two sons have about three completed songs andseveral others in the works. "I am a country artist, always havebeen a country artist, and this is my chance to get some self-expression out," he said. The Bee Gees disbanded after the 2003death of his brother, Maurice.

Sometimes, Gibb says, he can sense Cash's spirit in the house.

"You feel like someone is watching," he said. "You feel likethere is a presence in the house of both Johnny and June. I stillhaven't seen a tall man wearing black clothes yet, but I am verymuch into it and hope that I do."