In the rich tapestry of American music, few names shine as brightly as Barry Manilow’s. Born Barry Pincus on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, this iconic pop singer and songwriter has left an indelible mark on the industry with his elaborately orchestrated romantic ballads. Let’s delve into the chapters of his life, exploring the highs and lows, the melodies and harmonies that define the man behind the music.
Barry Manilow Bio, Movies, Biography, News, Age, Photos, Parents, Family, Net Worth
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barry Manilow |
| Date of Birth | June 17, 1943 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Age | 78 years old (as of 2021) |
| Nationality | American |
| Early Name | Barry Pincus |
| Father’s Departure | At age two, his father left the family |
| Name Change | Assumed mother’s maiden name, Manilow |
| Early Instruments | Accordion and piano |
| Education | Studied advertising at City College |
| New York College of Music (now part of NYU) | |
| Juilliard School of Music | |
| Career Start | Worked at CBS in the mail room |
| Music director for a talent show (1967) | |
| Collaboration with Bette Midler | Became her music director and co-produced her first two albums |
| Debut Album | “Barry Manilow” (1973, later released as “Barry Manilow I”) |
| Breakthrough Song | “Mandy” (from “Barry Manilow II,” 1974) |
| Grammy Award | Won for “Copacabana (At the Copa)” (1978) |
| Tony Award | Special Tony Award for concert on Broadway (1976–77) |
| Emmy Awards | Two Emmy Awards for television specials (1977, 2006) |
| Jazz Venture | “2:00 AM Paradise Cafe” (1984) |
| Film Soundtracks | “Thumbelina” (1994), “The Pebble and the Penguin” (1995) |
| Musical Composition | Co-wrote “Harmony” with Bruce Sussman, performed in La Jolla, California (1997) |
| 21st Century Resurgence | “The Greatest Songs of the Fifties” (2006) |
| Continued success with albums covering classics | |
| Autobiography | “Sweet Life: Adventures on the Way to Paradise” (1987) |
The Early Crescendo: Barry’s Journey from Brooklyn to Broadway
Barry Pincus’ early life unfolded in a lower-class neighborhood in Brooklyn. At the tender age of two, his father bid farewell to the family, and young Barry assumed his mother’s maiden name, becoming Barry Manilow. Growing up amidst the vibrant sounds of New York, he embraced music, mastering both the accordion and the piano. His stepfather’s influence introduced him to the world of jazz and Broadway tunes, igniting a passion that would shape his musical destiny.
Despite brief forays into advertising and studies at the New York College of Music and Juilliard School of Music, Manilow’s heart beat to the rhythm of melodies. His journey into the limelight commenced as he worked in the mail room at CBS, gradually ascending to roles in film editing and, in 1967, as the music director for a talent show. These early steps paved the way for a musical legacy that would echo through the decades.
A Star is Born: Collaborations and Broadway Brilliance
The early 1970s saw Manilow’s rise as he composed and arranged songs for Off-Broadway productions and crafted jingles for national television commercials. His path collided with fate when he met the talented Bette Midler, becoming her music director and collaborator on her initial albums. Simultaneously, Manilow embarked on his solo career, releasing his debut album, “Barry Manilow,” in 1973, later rebranded as “Barry Manilow I.”
The breakthrough came with his second album, “Barry Manilow II” in 1974, featuring the timeless ballad “Mandy” that soared to the top of the Billboard singles chart. This marked the beginning of a string of successes, including hits like “I Write the Songs” (1975), “Looks Like We Made It” (1976), and the disco-infused “Copacabana (At the Copa)” (1978), earning him a Grammy Award.
A consummate entertainer, Manilow graced Broadway with a concert in 1976–77, earning a special Tony Award and a live album that resonated with millions. His television specials, which began in the late 1970s, garnered him two Emmy Awards (1977, 2006), solidifying his status as a multifaceted artist.
Jazzing it Up: Evolution and Experimentation
In 1984, Manilow steered away from mainstream pop, venturing into jazz with “2:00 AM Paradise Cafe,” featuring luminaries like Sarah Vaughan and Gerry Mulligan. Subsequent albums, including “Swing Street” (1987) and “Showstoppers” (1991), showcased his penchant for drawing inspiration from the pre-rock era.
Beyond the recording studio, Manilow’s creativity extended to the screen. He starred in “Copacabana,” a television movie he helped create, later adapted for the stage. His musical compositions graced animated films like “Thumbelina” (1994) and “The Pebble and the Penguin” (1995). Collaborating with Bruce Sussman, he co-wrote the musical “Harmony,” staged in La Jolla, California, in 1997.
Resurgence and Reverberations: 21st Century Encore
Though Manilow’s album sales experienced a dip in the ’80s and ’90s, the 21st century heralded a resurgence. “The Greatest Songs of the Fifties” (2006) marked his return to the top, followed by other successful albums where he covered classics. Notable among these were “15 Minutes: Fame…Can You Take It?” (2011), “My Dream Duets” (2014), and “This Is My Town: Songs of New York” (2017).
In the midst of this musical renaissance, Manilow also graced Broadway once again with “Manilow on Broadway” in 2013. Two albums of standards, “Night Songs” (2014) and “Night Songs II” (2020), further showcased his enduring passion for timeless tunes.
| Click Here | |
| Click Here | |
| Click Here | |
| YouTube | Click Here |
A Life in Notes: Critics and Legacy
While Manilow’s adeptly crafted, heartfelt music has garnered legions of fans, critics have occasionally dismissed his style as schmaltzy and bombastic. Nevertheless, his impact on the music industry remains undeniable, weaving a legacy that transcends genres and generations.
In the pages of his autobiography, “Sweet Life: Adventures on the Way to Paradise” (1987), Manilow offered a glimpse into the adventures that shaped his extraordinary journey.
As the final notes of this symphony echo, Barry Manilow stands tall as a maestro who orchestrated a life harmonized with passion, creativity, and an everlasting love for the music that captivates the soul.
Who is Barry Manilow?
Barry Manilow is an iconic American pop singer and songwriter, born on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York. Renowned for his elaborately orchestrated romantic ballads, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
What was Barry Manilow’s early life like?
Barry, born Barry Pincus, grew up in Brooklyn. His musical journey began with the accordion and piano. At two, his father left, leading him to assume his mother’s maiden name, Manilow.
How did Barry Manilow start his career?
Barry’s career kicked off at CBS, working in the mailroom. He rose to become the music director for a talent show in 1967. His collaboration with Bette Midler marked a significant chapter in his early career.
What are some of Barry Manilow’s notable achievements?
Barry has won a Grammy Award for “Copacabana (At the Copa)” (1978), a Tony Award for a Broadway concert (1976–77), and two Emmy Awards for television specials (1977, 2006).
Which songs are Barry Manilow’s most famous?
“Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa)” are some of his chart-topping hits.
