Barry Manilow
Biography
In terms of both record sales and career longevity, Barry Manilow is one of the most successful adult contemporary singers ever. That success hasn't necessarily translated to respect (or even ironic hipster appreciation) in most quarters; Manilow's music has been much maligned by critics and listeners alike, particularly the romantic ballads that made his career, which were derided as maudlin schlock even during his heyday. It's true that Manilow's taste for swelling choruses and lush arrangements often bordered on bombastic, but unlike many of his MOR peers, Manilow wasn't aiming to make smooth, restrained background music -- he conceived of himself as a pop entertainer and all-around showman in the classic mold, and his performances and stage shows were accordingly theatrical.
Manilow dominated pop music during the latter half of the '70s like few other performers, spinning off a long series of hit singles (including 13 number one hits on the adult contemporary charts) and platinum albums that essentially made the Arista label. The well began to run dry by the early '80s; no longer a superstar expected to deliver blockbuster hits, Manilow was free to explore his long-held taste for swing, pop standards, and Broadway show tunes, which dominated his albums from the mid-'80s on. He has continued to record steadily, and his popularity never completely eroded, as evidenced by the number three chart debut of his 2002 greatest-hits package, Ultimate Manilow, and the number one peak of his 2006 covers album, Greatest Songs of the Fifties.
Barry Manilow was born Barry Alan Pincus on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, and grew up in its low-income Williamsburg section. His father left the family when Barry was two, and he eventually adopted his mother's maiden name of Manilow. He began playing piano and accordion at age seven, and following high school, he was accepted to the prestigious Juilliard School of Music, which he paid for by working in the CBS mail room. From there, he became musical director of the CBS show Callback, and supported himself for the next few years by writing, producing, and performing advertising jingles (including high-profile campaigns for State Farm, Dr. Pepper, McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and more).
In 1971, he met Bette Midler, who hired him as her pianist, arranger, and musical director; he served as her accompanist on her legendary pre-fame tour of New York City's gay bathhouses, masterminded her first two albums (1972's The Divine Miss M and its self-titled follow-up), and debuted some of his original material at her Carnegie Hall show in the summer of 1972. Thanks to his gig with Midler, Manilow was able to land a record deal of his own with the fledgling Bell label, and his debut album, Barry Manilow I, was released in 1973. It didn't sell very well, and when Bell became Arista, label head Clive Davis asked Manilow to record a pop tune called "Brandy," which had been a U.K. hit for its co-writer, Scott English. Manilow changed the song into a ballad and changed the title to "Mandy" (to avoid confusion with the Looking Glass hit "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)"); released on 1974's Barry Manilow II, "Mandy" became a number one hit early the next year. The Broadway-esque follow-up, "It's a Miracle," hit the Top 20, and a re-release of the Chopin-adapted ballad "Could It Be Magic" (from the first album) hit the Top Ten.
With his career thus established, Manilow recorded an even stronger follow-up album in 1975's Tryin' to Get the Feeling. "I Write the Songs" (ironically, written by Beach Boys sideman Bruce Johnston) became his second number one pop hit in early 1976, and with the title track also hitting the Top Ten, the album went triple platinum. Manilow consolidated his emerging stardom with This One's for You, released toward the end of the year; it produced hits in the title track, the Top Ten "Weekend in New England," and the number one "Looks Like We Made It." In 1977, Manilow released the concert double-LP Live, which became his first and only number one album, as well as his biggest hit with sales of over four million copies. The same year, he won an Emmy for his first prime-time special on ABC (aptly titled The Barry Manilow Special); the network would air Manilow specials for the next several years. Even Now was another triple-platinum success in 1978; "Can't Smile Without You," the disco-tinged "Copacabana," and "Somewhere in the Night" all hit the Top Ten, with the first two marking a departure from Manilow's typical reliance on ballads for his hits.
The first signs that Manilow's run of success was in jeopardy came on 1979's One Voice, which -- although it sold well and produced a Top Ten hit in an unlikely cover of former Mott the Hoople frontman Ian Hunter's "Ships" -- didn't have the same consistency of craftsmanship as its predecessors. Released in 1980, Barry spawned Manilow's last Top Ten hit, "I Made It Through the Rain"; though he remained a massively popular international touring act, and continued to place hits on the adult contemporary charts for a few more years, the prime of his pop success was over. In 1984, Manilow officially changed direction, recording an album of swinging, jazzy originals called 2:00 A.M. Paradise Café; it featured jazz greats like Mel Tormé, Sarah Vaughan, Shelly Manne, and Gerry Mulligan. Subsequent ventures like 1987's Swing Street, 1991's Showstoppers, 1994's Singin' with the Big Bands, and 1998's Manilow Sings Sinatra all explored various facets of swing, vocal jazz, and traditional pop. In addition, Manilow's stage musical Barry Manilow's Copacabana: The Musical premiered in 1994, and continued to tour the U.S. and U.K.; another musical, Harmony, was premiered in 1999.
Manilow's long relationship with Arista ended when he signed to the jazz-oriented Concord label, for which he debuted in late 2001 with the concept album Here at the Mayflower, which continued his evolution into a pre-rock pop stylist. Manilow began to reenter the wider public eye in 2002, performing "Let Freedom Ring" at the Super Bowl pre-game show; aided by television advertising, Ultimate Manilow entered the album charts at a stunning number three position that March. A DVD release of the collection followed, as well as a two-disc set of live music called 2 Nights Live that had been culled from a weekend in New Jersey. Manilow went back to the studio in 2005 to record a diverse collection of tracks from the 1950s with producer and music mogul Clive Davis. The resulting Greatest Songs of the Fifties, a labor of love, became a surprise hit and topped the charts in early 2006. A sequel, The Greatest Songs of the Sixties, arrived at the end of that year and reached number two, which paved the inevitable way for The Greatest Songs of the Seventies in 2007 and The Greatest Songs of the Eighties in 2008. A holiday album, In the Swing of Christmas, appeared in 2007, and updated with a pair of bonus tracks, was re-released under the same title in 2009. ~ Steve Huey & Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
Selected Discography

The Greatest Songs Of The Eighties
2008

Beautiful Ballads & Love Songs
2008

The Greatest Songs Of The Seventies
2007

Even Now
2006

The Greatest Songs Of The Sixties
2006

The Essential Barry Manilow
2005

2Nights Live!
2004

Ultimate Manilow
2002

Here At The Mayflower
2001

One Voice
1998

If I Should Love Again
1998

Tryin' To Get The Feeling
1998

Manilow Sings Sinatra
1998

Summer Of '78
1996

Singin' With The Big Bands
1994

Showstoppers
1991

Barry Manilow
1989

Greatest Hits Volume III
1989

Swing Street
1987

Live On Broadway (Live)
1987

2:00 AM Paradise Cafe
1984

Greatest Hits Volume II
1983

Greatest Hits, Vol. 1
1978

The Barry Manilow Masters: Even Now
1978

Live
1977

This One's For You
1976

II
1974
Barry Manilow is awesome! I have been to only one concert and he not only is a performer but an entertainer! He got different members of the audience up on stage with him--a thrill of a lifetime--to sing with him. I have been to several other concerts of different singers and Barry tops them all! His personality, his handsome looks are all wonderful. I have more Barry Manilow CD's than anyone else. I can relax to his music. There aren't enough adjectives to describes him!
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Anyone who doesn't appreciate Barry Manilow is low class, coarse, and just plain ignorant to this great artist. lol to all these losers...... . . . . . . .
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Always liked his romantic ballads, it's what he was known for. He has the loveliest, bedroomy eyes and smile. He is forever. I agree with Mike . . we are commenting on artists and their music, not their lifestyles. That doesn't belong here.
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Well The metahead is like The Belated Homosexuals beating the s**t out of the guy that just gave him the best head he's ever had in his life ..Cause his girl friend is screwing the football couch ..Manilow is history ..He takes you to a place that we've been before and makes it better ...A real nice guy ..
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Hey Metalhead, You may not like Barry, but don't go bashing him. A lot of us appreciate music where all instruments make beautiful harmony, that tells a story and we can understand the words. If you don’t like just move on.
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I had a Barry Manilow ablum with the same cover jacket as the "Trying to get the feeling" album (you have pictured). It was way back in the late 70's (I'm sure of it). I just want to find that album (in CD, of course),it had the song "One of these days"...can you tell me where i can find it...
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ONE AND ONLY BARRY MANILOW THAT PUTS YOU IN ANOTHER WORLD OF LOVE,COMPASS I O N . . N O T H I N G BUT THE BEST
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Some of my first memories of music are Barry Manilow songs, I LOVE HIM and he is old enough to be my grandpa!
Peace unto you my fellow pandorians. |
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what can be said about a man that's been amoung the tops in his profession for more than 3 decades except "BRILLANT"!! ! ! ! ! I have no doubt that he's going to be hanging around the top of the charts for some time to come. Stay with it Berry.... we're still with you and always will be.
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How sad that I can not hear the one song that meant so much in my life..... kept trying just to hear the one song ang could not.....
Barry has been an important part of my life in so many ways.... not becoming younger.. having been in Vegas last month and could not afford his tickets. thought I could sit here and appreciate certain songs....... O H WELLLLLLLLL |
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It's an amazing feeling to see a person succeed despite the critics. But like they say 'Nobody have ever erect any statute honoring a critic', so the hell with the critics. He will always be a legendary performer. ALWAYS!
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You ought to correct the error where you say in one paragraph that "Live" was Barry's only number one album, after you stated that "The Greatest Songs of the Fifties" also went #1. Other than that, good article.
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Barry is one of the very best male singers of all time. Mellow and easy to listen to. Many years ago My husband took our daughter (on a date) when he came to Notre Dame, Indiana. She is forty now and still talks about that special night. Thanks Barry for all the years of wonderful music.
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As someone else said in these comments, "I'm a manly man" but love Manilow. I first saw Manilow in college in the fall of '76. It was one of the best concerts I had seen to date. At that moment, I became a HUGE Manilow fan. He is an uplifting entertainer with his variety of music. HE IS A CLASSIC. Thanks for everything Barry! Keep it going !!!
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I honestly like the above biography... a rarity indeed!
Manilow is indeed a superb songwriter; a decent singer; an accomplished pianist; and an adequate performer. |
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Barry's music has uplifted and inspired me so much over the years and always somehow at the right time. Whether his lyrics fit my situation or not, listening to him has always comforted me. I'm so grateful that he has maintained his love for his craft and not given up dispite negativity. He has a special place in my heart always. "Just One Voice".....
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Barry got me through some really tough times in the late seventies/ea r l y
eighties. "Trying to get that Feeling Again", "Weekend in New England", "Even Now" and so many more helped me get out the tears and smile at the same time.All of my friends felt the same. However dares to make fun of him remember what goes around comes around. Lee Lee |
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I enjoyed growing up with his songs. My whole family was County Western listeners, all except me. A very Awesome singer and performer. Listening to these songs brings back good mermories.
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I was pregnant in 1977 and listened to Barry at night because I was mostly alone as my husband worked the evening shift. My daughter, Adrienne, was born with Barry's music instilled in her. She is in her 30's and is still an avid Barry fan. I believe his music reached her in the womb and still touches her today in ways other flash-in-the - p a n artists of today can only aspire to achieve.
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I have been a Barry Manilow fan since I first heard him in the mid 70's. His songs and style of music touched a place in my soul that has longed for more and more of his music. His musical legacy will live on for many years because his songs breach generations; songs of love, hear t b r e a k and the joy of new relationship s and possible could have been loves doesn't change because people are people from all ages and each have experienced those things. Sing On Barry! I'll be listening.
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There is no greater talent than Barry Manilow. In addition, he is a remarkable humanitarian . He deserves all of the success he has achieved.
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I have never been musically-co r r e c t nor politically correct so I will unashamedly state, I THINK HE'S GREAT! Beautiful voice, great arranger, clever like a fox and a good sport. He never let SNL and others get to him. Just runs with the punches. Thanks Barry!
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I true artistic talent- I love Barry and his diversity- most people don't realize how artist careers he has helped lanuach. He is everywhere and no matter how old you get, he is still as classic is ever- like Rod Stewart he has proved he is no fluke, he changes with the seasons.
PS- Rod Stewart has a new album out with the old classics- have to get it!!! Thanks Barry- many a sad songs have touched a young girls heart!!! |
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I can't stand Barry - but I do have to admit, he can sing well - just not my favorite style.
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I totally love Barry Manilow!!!! I have seen him in person several times. He is a wonderful showman. I would love to see him in Las Vegas. My mother really loved him too & even my grandmother loved him.
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tHANKS TO G-D AND bARRY mANILOW! hE IS WONDERFUL AND iM MANLY PLAYED FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BOXED ETC.
bARRY IS CLASSIC AND GREAT GUY. GOOD ROLE MODEL FOR YOUTH. YOU DON'T HAVE TO RUIN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE WITH DRUGS AND ALCOHOL AND DEPRESSION TO LET YOUR TALENT COME THROUGH AND CREATE! JDMARTIN JDMARTIN@VOT E B I G J O H N . C O M |
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Barry is the best! I graduated from high school in '77, so he was at the top of his game when I was a teenager. Now my two girls both love him. I took the older one to hear him in Salt Lake City before he went to Vegas, and she just loved it! My younger daughter wants to see him (she's 10 years old), but I can't afford the tickets in Vegas. :( What an entertainer he is - I've never been to a more dynamic concert.
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I love his music ... his personality ... his showmanship ... he's the best as far as I'm concerned and I really hate it when he is derrided ...
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I have no proof, of course, but I think Manilow is one of the geniuses that has had far more influence than he gets credit for b/c he is not a "cool" person for other stars to credit -- except Bette, of course, who sets her own standards for cool. His voice is perfect, and his LOVE of performing comes through in every song, every style, every time. So I'm a sucker for it -- every time he swells the strings and hits the high notes, I get chills. I do.
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What a recording history! One of the best things about Manilow is that one can actually sing along and soung good! Not so with many other artists of the new genre.
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You know there is something wrong with the critics when they run down a performer who is selling millions of records to fans & turning out over a dozen popular hits. The reason we like Barry is thet he's GOOD. I listened to him on vinyl & my one regret is that I don't have most of those discs on CD- I always liked the quirky songs that didn't make it onto the greatest hits albums the best.
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Romantic, Funny, Sweet.....th e man has talent to beat most of the others.
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Too bad Barry was so successful early, not that I do not like and did not buy his early more popular music, but I truly enjoy his more recent music, swing street, live on broadway, paradise cafe, etc. Keep on singing.
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Schlock...a crock! The man has staying power and is truly one for the record books! Velvet voice...a crooner who speaks to souls like so many other great male vocalists. Keep singing Barry...this one's for YOU!
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