Robert Stigwood, who managed Cream and the Bee Gees, is dead at the age of 81.

Spencer Gibb confirmed Stigwood's death on Facebook.

"I would like to share the sad news with you all, that my godfather, and the longtime manager of my family, Robert Stigwood, has passed away," Gibb wrote.

Gibb also called him "a creative genius with a very quick and dry wit" adding that "Robert was the driving force behind The Bee Gees career."

In the early 1970s, with the Bee Gees under the radar, and Eric Clapton inactive, Stigwood began producing musicals, making the movie version of Jesus Christ Superstar and the Who's rock opera Tommy.

He also produced Saturday Night Fever, featuring principal musical contributions from the Bee Gees, and Evita, which landed Madonna a Golden Globe for Best Picture.

No cause of death for Stigwood has been given.