Barry Manilow is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer with a career spanning six decades, best known for hits like “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “I Write the Songs.” He has sold over 85 million records worldwide and earned 51 top 40 Adult Contemporary chart positions.
Barry Manilow stands as one of the most commercially successful entertainers in music history, with a remarkable career that has touched millions of hearts across generations. Born Barry Alan Pincus on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, this legendary performer has transformed from a commercial jingle writer into a global superstar whose romantic ballads and elaborate orchestrations have defined the adult contemporary music genre.
The Early Years: From Brooklyn to Broadway Dreams
Manilow’s musical journey began in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, where he was raised by his mother Edna Manilow and his maternal grandparents after his parents divorced when he was an infant. His mixed heritage—Russian Jewish on his mother’s side and Irish Catholic on his father’s side—would later influence the emotional depth and universal appeal of his music.
The future star attended Eastern District High School, where he met Susan Deixler, who would briefly become his first wife in 1964. His passion for music led him to enroll at City College of New York and later the New York College of Music, while working at CBS to support himself financially. This early exposure to the television industry would prove invaluable in shaping his understanding of commercial music.
His educational journey continued at the prestigious Juilliard Performing Arts School, where he studied musical theater. This classical training provided the foundation for his sophisticated approach to arrangement and composition that would later distinguish his work from other pop artists of his era.
The Jingle King: Crafting Commercial Success
Before becoming a household name, Manilow honed his craft as a commercial jingle writer and singer throughout the 1960s. This period, though often overlooked, was crucial in developing his ability to create memorable, emotionally resonant music within tight constraints.
Some of his most recognizable jingle work included the State Farm Insurance slogan “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” and the catchy Band-Aid jingle “I am stuck on Band-Aid, ’cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me!” He also contributed vocals to campaigns for major brands including Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pepsi (“all across the nation, it’s the Pepsi Generation”), McDonald’s (“you deserve a break today”), and Dr Pepper.
In 2009, Manilow received an Honorary Clio Award at the 50th Anniversary Clio Awards in Las Vegas, recognizing his significant contributions to advertising music. When accepting the award, he acknowledged that working in the jingle industry for three to four years taught him more about creating effective pop music than any other experience.
The Bette Midler Partnership: A Career-Defining Collaboration
The turning point in Manilow’s career came in 1971 when Bette Midler discovered his act and chose him as her pianist at the Continental Baths in New York City. This partnership proved transformative for both artists, with Manilow serving as musical director, producer, and arranger for Midler’s breakthrough albums.
He produced Midler’s debut album “The Divine Miss M” (1972) and her second record “Bette Midler” (1973), earning a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year for his production work. The collaboration with Midler from 1971 to 1975 established Manilow as a serious musical force and provided him with invaluable experience in artist development and live performance.
Breaking Through: The Solo Career Launches
While working with Midler, Manilow simultaneously developed his solo career. His first attempt at recording as the group “Featherbed” with producer Tony Orlando resulted in several tracks, including an early version of “Could It Be Magic,” but failed to achieve commercial success.
In July 1973, Bell Records released his self-titled debut album “Barry Manilow,” which showcased his eclectic musical range with piano-driven pop and guitar-driven rock. The album included “Could It Be Magic,” based on Chopin’s “Prelude in C Minor,” which would later become one of his signature songs and provide Donna Summer with one of her early hits.
The Hit-Making Machine: Chart-Topping Success
The real breakthrough came in 1974 when Clive Davis, newly installed at Columbia Pictures’ music division, pushed for the release of “Mandy” as a single. Despite Manilow’s initial reluctance to record the song (originally titled “Brandy” by Scott English), “Mandy” became his first number one hit and launched an unprecedented string of chart successes.
The success of “Mandy” established a pattern that would define Manilow’s career: while he was a talented songwriter, many of his biggest hits were penned by other writers, with Manilow’s genius lying in his ability to select, arrange, and perform songs that resonated deeply with audiences.
The Golden Era: Major Hits and Albums
From 1975 to 1982, Manilow dominated the Adult Contemporary charts with a series of multi-platinum albums and unforgettable singles:
“I Write the Songs” (1975): Written by Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys, this became Manilow’s signature anthem despite the ironic fact that he didn’t write it. The song perfectly captured the meta-musical theme of his career.
“Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again” (1976): Written by David Pomeranz, this emotional ballad showcased Manilow’s ability to convey deep vulnerability through his vocals.
“Looks Like We Made It” (1977): Penned by Richard Kerr and Will Jennings, this optimistic anthem became one of his most beloved songs about overcoming relationship challenges.
“Copacabana (At the Copa)” (1978): Co-written by Manilow with Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman, this narrative masterpiece tells the tragic story of Lola and Rico at the famous New York nightclub. The song’s cinematic quality and memorable characters made it one of his most distinctive hits.
“Can’t Smile Without You” (1978): Another cover that Manilow made his own, this tender ballad demonstrated his ability to express genuine emotion without becoming overly sentimental.
“Weekend in New England” (1976): Randy Edelman’s composition became a staple of romantic playlists, showcasing Manilow’s skill at creating musical postcards of emotional moments.
Television Stardom and Emmy Recognition
Manilow’s success extended beyond recording into television, where he became a major attraction. His ABC television specials were cultural events that drew massive audiences and critical acclaim.
“The Barry Manilow Special” premiered on March 2, 1977, attracting an astounding 37 million viewers—roughly twice the audience of modern television hits. The special earned four Emmy nominations and won for Outstanding Special–Comedy, Variety or Music.
His television success continued with “The Second Barry Manilow Special” (1978) featuring Ray Charles, and “The Third Barry Manilow Special” (1979) with John Denver as his guest. Each special showcased Manilow’s ability to create intimate, memorable television moments that felt both grand and personal.
In 2006, Manilow won another Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for “Barry Manilow: Music and Passion,” proving his television appeal had endured across decades.
The Art of Reinvention: Later Career Evolution
As musical tastes shifted in the 1980s and 1990s, Manilow demonstrated remarkable adaptability. Rather than clinging to his early pop formula, he explored different musical territories:
Jazz and Standards: Albums like “2:00 AM Paradise Cafe” (1984) showcased his sophisticated understanding of jazz and blues, recorded live in the studio with legendary musicians including Sarah Vaughan and Mel Tormé.
Broadway and Musical Theater: Manilow co-wrote the musical “Copacabana” with Bruce Sussman, which ran for two years in London’s West End. Later, their collaboration “Harmony: A New Musical” told the story of the Comedian Harmonists and eventually made it to Broadway in 2023.
Tribute Albums: His series of decades-themed albums—”The Greatest Songs of the Fifties” (2006), “The Greatest Songs of the Sixties” (2006), and “The Greatest Songs of the Seventies” (2007)—proved that his interpretive skills could breathe new life into classic material.
Las Vegas Residency: The Entertainment Capital Chapter
Manilow’s Las Vegas residencies have become legendary in their own right. Beginning in 2005 with “Manilow: Music and Passion” at the Las Vegas Hilton, he performed 300 shows for 450,000 fans over five years. The residency was extended through 2008, establishing him as a major draw in the entertainment capital.
He later moved to the Paris Hotel & Casino for “Manilow Paris Las Vegas” (2010-2012) and currently performs “The Hits Come Home” at the Westgate Hotel, demonstrating his enduring appeal to multiple generations of fans.
Personal Life: Love, Loss, and Authenticity
Manilow’s personal life remained largely private for decades. His brief marriage to high school sweetheart Susan Deixler in 1964 ended in annulment in 1966, with Manilow later explaining that his passion for music and immaturity contributed to the relationship’s failure.
In 2017, at age 74, Manilow publicly came out as gay, revealing his long-term relationship with TV executive Garry Kief, who became his manager in 1978 and his husband in 2014. Manilow had initially feared that revealing his sexuality might disappoint his predominantly female fanbase, but found instead that his fans were overwhelmingly supportive.
This late-in-life authenticity added a new dimension to his public persona, allowing fans to see the man behind the music with greater clarity and understanding.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Throughout his career, Manilow has consistently used his platform for charitable causes. His Manilow Music Project has donated over $10 million to high schools across America to support music education, helping to ensure that future generations have access to quality music programs.
After Hurricane Hugo in 1989, he held a benefit concert in South Carolina, raising funds for disaster relief. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Manilow Fund for Health and Hope raised $150,000 in just 48 hours for the American Red Cross. In 2011, he contributed $300,000 to restore the music program in Joplin, Missouri, after the devastating tornado that destroyed the city’s high school.
The Numbers Tell the Story: Commercial Achievement
Manilow’s commercial success is staggering by any measure:
- Over 85 million records sold worldwide
- 51 Top 40 singles on the Adult Contemporary Chart
- 13 number one Adult Contemporary hits
- 28 top ten Adult Contemporary singles
- 36 top twenty Adult Contemporary singles
- 13 platinum albums and 6 multi-platinum albums
- 15 Grammy nominations spanning every decade from 1973 to 2015
- One Grammy win for “Copacabana” (Best Pop Male Vocal Performance, 1979)
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
While never a critical darling, Manilow’s influence on popular music is undeniable. His peers in the industry have consistently praised his work—Frank Sinatra famously predicted in the 1970s, “He’s next.” His sophisticated arrangements, emotional delivery, and ability to select material that resonates with audiences have influenced countless artists.
His songs have been covered by artists ranging from Take That to Donna Summer, demonstrating their enduring appeal across different musical genres and generations. The narrative complexity of songs like “Copacabana” showed that pop music could tell complete, emotionally satisfying stories.
Current Projects and Future Legacy
At 81 years old, Manilow continues to perform and create. His 2023 residency “Manilow: Hits 2023!” and his 2024 “last, last UK concerts” at the London Palladium demonstrate his ongoing commitment to his craft and his fans.
His musical “Harmony” finally reached Broadway in late 2023, representing the culmination of decades of work on the project. The show’s journey from conception to Broadway mirrors Manilow’s own career—persistent, passionate, and ultimately triumphant.
The Manilow Method: What Made Him Special
Several factors distinguish Manilow from other pop artists of his era:
Sophisticated Arrangements: His background in classical music and commercial jingles gave him an unusual ability to create lush, memorable arrangements that elevated simple melodies.
Emotional Authenticity: Despite criticism of being “schmaltzy,” Manilow’s emotional delivery felt genuine to his audience, creating deep connections with listeners.
Song Selection: His ability to recognize great songs, regardless of who wrote them, and adapt them to his style was unparalleled.
Production Skills: His work producing albums for Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, and others demonstrated his understanding of how to present artists at their best.
Live Performance: His concerts were theatrical events that made audience members feel they were part of something special and intimate, regardless of venue size.
FAQs
What are Barry Manilow’s biggest hits?
His most famous songs include “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Copacabana,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” “Looks Like We Made It,” and “Could It Be Magic.”
How many records has Barry Manilow sold?
Manilow has sold more than 85 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
What was Barry Manilow’s first hit song?
“Mandy” was his first number one hit in 1974, launching his career as a major recording artist.
Is Barry Manilow still performing?
Yes, at age 81, Manilow continues to perform regularly, primarily through his Las Vegas residency “The Hits Come Home” at the Westgate Hotel.
What commercial jingles did Barry Manilow write?
He wrote and performed jingles for State Farm Insurance, Band-Aid, McDonald’s, Pepsi, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Dr Pepper, among others.
When did Barry Manilow get married?
He was briefly married to Susan Deixler from 1964-1966 and later married his longtime partner Garry Kief in 2014.
Barry Manilow’s career represents more than just commercial success—it embodies the power of music to create emotional connections across generations. From his humble beginnings writing jingles to his status as a global superstar, Manilow has consistently demonstrated that authentic emotion, combined with musical sophistication and relentless work ethic, can create art that endures.
His influence extends beyond his own recordings to his work as a producer, his contributions to musical theater, and his ongoing support of music education. As he continues to perform in his ninth decade of life, Barry Manilow remains proof that great songs, performed with passion and skill, never go out of style.
Whether you’re discovering his music for the first time or revisiting the songs that have provided the soundtrack to your life, Barry Manilow’s catalog offers a masterclass in the art of popular music—emotional, memorable, and timelessly crafted to touch the human heart.
