Barry Manilow

Barry Alan Pincus, known professionally as Barry Manilow, was born on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York City, USA. Manilow grew up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and attended Eastern District High School and the New York College of Music. He later studied musical theater at the Juilliard performing arts school. His early musical influences were jazz and Broadway standards.

'Mandy' is a song originally recorded by Scott English as 'Brandy' in 1971. Barry Manilow released his version in 1974, making it his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song marked Manilow's breakthrough into mainstream success, leading to a career filled with numerous hits and accolades. The emotional ballad showcased his talent for capturing the essence of longing and loss.

Barry Manilow's song 'Copacabana,' released in 1978, became one of his most recognizable and beloved hits. The song tells the story of a showgirl named Lola and club scene drama at the Copacabana Hotel. Its catchy tune and narrative style made it stand out, earning Manilow a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1979. 'Copacabana' remains a staple in pop culture.

Barry Manilow was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 2, 1982. Located at 1500 Vine Street, his star recognizes his significant contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly as a singer-songwriter and musician. By this time, Manilow had already established himself as a major figure in popular music with numerous chart-topping hits and had developed a reputation as a consummate performer.

A highly-rated TV special titled 'The Barry Manilow Special,' aired in 1985 on CBS. It featured a live concert performance by Manilow, interspersed with documentary-style footage about his life and career. The special was a hit, showcasing his engaging showmanship, timeless hits, and the adoration of his fans. It was one of several successful television specials that helped cement his status as a pop culture icon.

Barry Manilow's album 'Barry Manilow: Live on Broadway', released in 1993, captured one of his sold-out performances during his Broadway concert series. The album featured Manilow's biggest hits, as well as his charismatic interaction with the audience. His Broadway concerts during this time reaffirmed his standing as an exceptional live performer and brought his passion for the theatrical to the fore in an impressive musical showcase.

'Ultimate Manilow,' released on February 14, 2002, is a compilation album of Barry Manilow's most popular and enduring hits. The album includes fan favorites like 'Mandy,' 'Copacabana,' and 'Can't Smile Without You.' It reached number 3 on the Billboard charts, proving Manilow's long-lasting appeal and ability to resonate with audiences across generations. The album was part of a resurgence in his popularity in the early 2000s.

Barry Manilow began his long-running Las Vegas residency 'Music and Passion' at the Las Vegas Hilton (later the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino) in December 2005. The show combined Manilow's classic hits with elaborate sets and his signature showmanship. The residency was immensely popular, drawing fans from all over the world and running for several years, highlighting his enduring appeal and talent as a live performer.

Barry Manilow performed at the BBC Proms in the Park on October 15, 2012. This was a special edition of the famed classical music festival, held in Hyde Park, London. Manilow's performance included some of his greatest hits and was part of a celebration of popular music that filled the park with an enthusiastic crowd. His presence at the Proms was a testament to his broad appeal and showmanship.

In an interview with People magazine published on April 10, 2017, Barry Manilow publicly came out as gay for the first time, revealing his marriage to his longtime partner and manager Garry Kief. Manilow stated that he had kept his sexuality private to avoid disappointing his fans but was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming positive support he received. This moment was significant personally and culturally as Manilow had been a beloved figure in music for decades.