Throughout his career, Barry Manilow has charmed the world with his melodious voice and touching lyrics.
Songs like “Mandy” and “Copacabana (At the Copa)” have graced radio stations globally, establishing him as a beloved singer-songwriter.
Born on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, to Russian immigrants, Manilow’s life journey is a captivating narrative of self-discovery and resilience.
Although he was discouraged from speaking about his Irish heritage growing up, Manilow’s early life was profoundly influenced by his mother’s second husband, Willie Murphy. An Irish truck driver with a robust record collection, Murphy nurtured Barry’s love for music.
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The commitment of his mother and stepfather to buy him a piano, a purchase that took them five years to pay off, demonstrated their belief in his talent.
Manilow’s path to fame wasn’t straightforward. Before entering the New York College of Music, he attended the City College of New York and later the Juilliard School. He began his career working as a log clerk at CBS and even married his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler.
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However, he felt the compelling pull of music and resolved to pursue it despite leaving his young marriage behind.
From humble beginnings in the entertainment industry, Manilow worked on commercial jingles, gaining exposure in the industry and honing his songwriting skills.
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His work for Dr. Pepper and McDonald’s helped him find his musical style, emphasizing catchy melodies that would become a defining characteristic of his songs.
This grounding in commercial jingles paid off when Barry finally released his debut album in 1973. However, it wasn’t until the release of “Mandy” the following year that Manilow became a household name.
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Clive Davis, the president of Arista Records, saw the potential in the song, initially named “Brandy,” and suggested Barry slow it down and change the chords, creating the iconic melody we recognize today.
Riding the wave of his newfound fame, Barry produced hit after hit, culminating in 1978 with five of his albums on the best-selling charts simultaneously.
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Yet, even with the pressures of celebrity, Manilow understood the importance of not allowing fame to control his life.
In a candid self-reflection, he said, “I’ve learned over the years that at the beginning of your life it’s all about me, me, me. ‘Look at me, look what I can do, look how great I am’… If you wind up being 40 years of age still showing everybody how great you are, it’s very unbecoming.”
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As much as Manilow’s career was a public spectacle, his personal life held a secret that he would only reveal late in life. In 2017, at 73, he came out as gay, ending years of speculation.
The disclosure of his relationship with his manager, Garry Kief, was received positively by his fans, much to his relief. The couple, who had been together since meeting in 1978, had privately married three years before Manilow’s announcement.
