Barry Manilow (born June 17, 1943) is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, musician, and producer known for his hit recordings in the 1970s and 1980s. Manilow has recorded and released 51 Top 40 singles, including 13 that reached number one.
Barry Manilow Career Highlights
1964: Manilow begins his career as a commercial jingle writer and singer, creating memorable jingles for brands like Band-Aid and State Farm.
1971: Manilow becomes the musical director for the WCBS-TV series "Callback."
1974: Releases his breakthrough single "Mandy” which becomes a number one hit.
1975: Releases "I Write the Songs” which also reaches number one and wins a Grammy Award.
1978: Releases "Copacabana (At the Copa)” which becomes one of his most iconic songs.
1984: Stars in and co-produces "Barry Manilow: Music and Passion” a Las Vegas show that runs for several years.
2002: Releases "Ultimate Manilow” a compilation album that debuts at number three on the Billboard 200.
2014: Releases "My Dream Duets” which wins a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Barry Manilow has primarily been a solo artist throughout his career. However, he has collaborated with various musicians and orchestras for his performances and recordings.
Barry Manilow Grammy Awards
1979: Best Pop Male Vocal Performance for "Copacabana (At the Copa)."
2016: Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for "My Dream Duets."
Three Most Famous Songs
1. "Mandy” His first number one hit and one of his most enduring songs.
2. "Copacabana (At the Copa)” Known for its catchy tune and storytelling, this song has become a staple of his live performances.
3. "I Write the Songs” Another number one hit that solidified his reputation as a premier singer-songwriter.
Barry Manilow Quotes
I am not a singer who writes songs; I am a writer who sings.
My goal was always to take a genre that was out of favor and bring it back.
Barry Manilow Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
- Private Life: Manilow has always been private about his personal life. In 2015, he married his long-time manager Garry Kief in a private ceremony.
- Health Issues: Manilow has had several health issues over the years, including hip surgery and a heart procedure in 2016.
- Cultural Impact: Despite facing criticism for being overly sentimental, Manilow has maintained a dedicated fan base and is recognized for his significant contributions to pop music.
- Jingle Career: Before becoming famous, Manilow wrote jingles for many major brands. His jingle for State Farm ("Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there") is still used today.
- Broadway: Manilow has been involved in several Broadway productions, including writing songs for the musical "Copacabana."
Barry Manilow Legacy
Barry's career spans over five decades, marked by his distinctive voice, memorable melodies, and significant impact on pop music. Despite the ups and downs, his music continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Barry Manilow ratings
