Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey had written a different title track for “Grease” for its original version in Chicago.
It was discarded when the show was picked up on Broadway and has been heard only once since that time.
Barry Gibb wrote a new title song to order for the 1978 Robert Stigwood film of the stage musical “Grease.” The song was recorded separately from, and significantly later than, the rest of the film’s songs.
Shortly after filming of the 1978 musical film “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” Gibb invited castmate Peter Frampton to play guitar on the “Grease” session. Gibb himself provides backing vocals.
The other musicians were some of those from the Andy Gibb album that was being made around the same time.
Frankie Valli is known for his powerful falsetto voice, but on this track, as with most of his 1970s work, he does not sing in his upper range.
However, Valli could sing in a similar high vocal range to Gibb, and as a result, was asked to record it.
When he was being approached about recording “Grease,” Valli didn’t have a record deal.
The single, “Grease”, was released on Robert Stigwood’s RSO label, which issued the soundtrack.
Valli quickly landed a deal with Warner Brothers, but unfortunately never scored another hit on the Hot 100. (Wikipedia)
Happy Birthday, Barry Gibb!