Barry Manilow.Photo:Ann Limongello/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Ann Limongello/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
There is no doubt thatBarry Manilowis one of the greatest living entertainers of our time. From his humble beginnings in New York, to his brief stint as a jingle writer, to chart-topping dance and love songs, the man is an incomparable performer who writes the songs that make the whole world sing (as he put it). Look back at his life in photos as he turns 80 on June 17, 2023.
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Barry Manilow’s Early Years
His love for music bloomed early, as Manilow took on the accordion and the piano as a child. He would later enroll at the New York College of Music (now part of N.Y.U.) and attend the Juilliard School of Music to fine tune his talents.
02of 10Barry Manilow’s Jingle-Writing EraBarry Manilow.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via GettyDuring his university years, Manilow worked in the mailroom at CBS. That’s where he met director Bro Herrod, who recruited him to arrange some songs for the musical adaptation of the playThe Drunkard.Because of his talent and sharp ear for music, Manilow wound up writing the entire score for the production.In the 1960s, Manilow also found success as a jingle writer. In fact, the musician is responsible for some of thecatchiest phrases top companies still use today— State Farm’s “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” as well as Band-Aid’s “I am stuck on Band-Aid cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me,” for example.Other successful jingles include KFC’s “Grab a Bucket of Chicken,” Pepsi’s “Feelin' Free” and McDonalds' “You Deserve a Break Today.”
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Barry Manilow’s Jingle-Writing Era
Barry Manilow.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
During his university years, Manilow worked in the mailroom at CBS. That’s where he met director Bro Herrod, who recruited him to arrange some songs for the musical adaptation of the playThe Drunkard.Because of his talent and sharp ear for music, Manilow wound up writing the entire score for the production.
In the 1960s, Manilow also found success as a jingle writer. In fact, the musician is responsible for some of thecatchiest phrases top companies still use today— State Farm’s “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” as well as Band-Aid’s “I am stuck on Band-Aid cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me,” for example.
Other successful jingles include KFC’s “Grab a Bucket of Chicken,” Pepsi’s “Feelin' Free” and McDonalds' “You Deserve a Break Today.”
03of 10Barry Manilow Finds Success with ‘Copacabana (At the Copa)‘Barry Manilow with ‘Copacabana’ showgirls.Dick Clark Productions/GettyIn 1971, Manilow began working with Bette Midler after the two performed a show together at the Continental Baths in New York City. Their musical chemistry was so strong that he wound up coproducing her first two albums and was nominated for a Grammy for his work onThe Divine Miss M.Manilow went on to release his first solo albumsBarry Manilow IandBarry Manilow IIin 1973 and 1974, respectively. The latter was a smash hit thanks to its single “Mandy” topping the charts.He followed that up with several albums that produced hit singles such as “I Write the Songs” off 1975’sTryin’ to Get the Feelin,’ “Looks Like We Made It” from 1976’sThis One’s for Youand, of course, the widely popular, Grammy Award-winning, “Copacabana (At the Copa)” off 1978’sEven Now.
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Barry Manilow Finds Success with ‘Copacabana (At the Copa)’
Barry Manilow with ‘Copacabana’ showgirls.Dick Clark Productions/Getty
Dick Clark Productions/Getty
In 1971, Manilow began working with Bette Midler after the two performed a show together at the Continental Baths in New York City. Their musical chemistry was so strong that he wound up coproducing her first two albums and was nominated for a Grammy for his work onThe Divine Miss M.
Manilow went on to release his first solo albumsBarry Manilow IandBarry Manilow IIin 1973 and 1974, respectively. The latter was a smash hit thanks to its single “Mandy” topping the charts.
He followed that up with several albums that produced hit singles such as “I Write the Songs” off 1975’sTryin' to Get the Feelin,' “Looks Like We Made It” from 1976’sThis One’s for Youand, of course, the widely popular, Grammy Award-winning, “Copacabana (At the Copa)” off 1978’sEven Now.
04of 10Barry Manilow’s Undeniable TalentBarry Manilow.Jim Britt /American Broadcasting Companies via GettyBarry Manilow is not just a Grammy Award-winning musician.In 1977, he took home the Emmy Award for outstanding special — comedy-variety or music forThe Barry Manilow Specialwhich aired on ABC that same year. The show was also nominated for outstanding writing in a comedy-variety or music special.Manilow was nominated for another two Emmys in 1978, before snagging his second trophy for outstanding individual performance in a variety or music program for 2006’sBarry Manilow: Music and Passion,which aired on PBS.
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Barry Manilow’s Undeniable Talent
Barry Manilow.Jim Britt /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty
Jim Britt /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty
Barry Manilow is not just a Grammy Award-winning musician.
In 1977, he took home the Emmy Award for outstanding special — comedy-variety or music forThe Barry Manilow Specialwhich aired on ABC that same year. The show was also nominated for outstanding writing in a comedy-variety or music special.
Manilow was nominated for another two Emmys in 1978, before snagging his second trophy for outstanding individual performance in a variety or music program for 2006’sBarry Manilow: Music and Passion,which aired on PBS.
05of 10Barry Manilow, Entertainer ExtraordinaireBarry Manilow.Ethan Miller/GettyThe award-winning multi-hyphenate is pictured performing during his 100th “Manilow: Music and Passion” show at the Las Vegas Hilton in 2005. He began his residency at the hotel in February 2005 and it was extended through 2008.In 2009, he moved his residency to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and he’s been performing there since. This year, the musician will becelebrating his 14th year at the prestigious establishment, as well as his 50-year anniversary as a recording artist.
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Barry Manilow, Entertainer Extraordinaire
Barry Manilow.Ethan Miller/Getty
Ethan Miller/Getty
The award-winning multi-hyphenate is pictured performing during his 100th “Manilow: Music and Passion” show at the Las Vegas Hilton in 2005. He began his residency at the hotel in February 2005 and it was extended through 2008.
In 2009, he moved his residency to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and he’s been performing there since. This year, the musician will becelebrating his 14th year at the prestigious establishment, as well as his 50-year anniversary as a recording artist.
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Barry Manilow Finds Love
Barry Manilow with husband Garry Kief.Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Manilow married his high school sweetheart Susan Deixler shortly after the two graduated, but ashe told PEOPLEin 2017, “I just was not ready for marriage” at that time. The two were divorced after a year.
“I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay,” he recalled. “So I never did anything.”
But once news of their 2014 nuptials came out, there was nothing but a wave of support from his dedicated followers. “When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful — strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’ I’m just so grateful for it.”
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Barry Manilow Still Going
Barry Manilow.Jeff Kravitz/Getty
Jeff Kravitz/Getty
08of 10Barry Manilow Is Honored at Carnegie HallDionne Warwick, Barry Manilow and Charo.Bruce Glikas/WireImageManilow posed with fellow music icons Dionne Warwick and Charo while backstage at Carnegie Hall in April. Manilow was being honored during the star-studded “This One’s for You: The Music of Barry Manilow” gala concert.
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Barry Manilow Is Honored at Carnegie Hall
Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow and Charo.Bruce Glikas/WireImage
Manilow posed with fellow music icons Dionne Warwick and Charo while backstage at Carnegie Hall in April. Manilow was being honored during the star-studded “This One’s for You: The Music of Barry Manilow” gala concert.
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Barry Manilow Commands the Crowd
Barry Manilow.Bruce Glikas/Getty
Bruce Glikas/Getty
The performance was a special occasion, as it was one of five special performances he would give at the historic venue for the first time in 11 years.
10of 10Barry Manilow Presents at the TonysBarry Manilow and Melissa Etheridge.Jenny Anderson/GettyA recipient of 1977’s Special Tony Award, Manilow poses with Melissa Etheridge at the 76th Annual Tony Awards which took place earlier this month.
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Barry Manilow Presents at the Tonys
Barry Manilow and Melissa Etheridge.Jenny Anderson/Getty
Jenny Anderson/Getty
A recipient of 1977’s Special Tony Award, Manilow poses with Melissa Etheridge at the 76th Annual Tony Awards which took place earlier this month.
source: people.com
