Who is Barry Manilow?

Nov 21, 2023

Barry Manilow is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, and record producer who has been entertaining audiences for over five decades. With his sweeping orchestrations and heartfelt ballads, Manilow has become one of the most popular and successful music artists of all time.

 

Born Barry Alan Pincus in Brooklyn, New York, on June 17, 1943, Manilow developed a passion for music at an early age. He began playing the piano at age seven and started composing songs by his teens. After graduating from Brooklyn College with a degree in music education, Manilow worked as a jingle writer and arranger before launching his solo career in the early 1970s.

 

Manilow’s breakthrough came in 1973 with the release of his self-titled debut album, which featured the hit singles “Mandy” and “It’s a Miracle.” Over the next few years, Manilow established himself as one of the most popular artists in the world, with a string of chart-topping hits, including “Could It Be Magic,” “I Write the Songs,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).”

 

Manilow’s success has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, four Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and an American Music Award. He has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 

Manilow continues to perform and record music to this day, and his shows are known for their elaborate stage productions and enthusiastic audiences. He has sold over 85 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.

 

In addition to his music career, Manilow has also been involved in Broadway theater, producing and starring in several successful musicals. He is also a philanthropist, supporting a variety of charitable organizations.

 

Barry Manilow’s enduring legacy is a testament to his talent, his passion for music, and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages.

With his writing partner, Bruce Sussman, they have been writing Harmony: A New Musical, which tells the true story of The Comedian Harmonists, for nearly 30 years before it finally landed on Broadway in 2023.