Barry Manilow is a prominent American singer and producer who has solidified his position as one of the most significant figures in modern music. While he is recognized for recording many of his own iconic songs, Manilow is also recognized as a notable songwriter, having composed numerous chart-topping songs for other artists, including “Dionne Warwick” and “Bette Midler.” (1)
Barry Manilow’s Appearance (Height, Hair, Eyes & More)
| Height | 6 ft 0 in 1.82 m |
|---|---|
| Weight | 176 pounds 80 kg |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Body Type | Skinny |
| Sexual Orientation | Gay |
Facts About Barry Manilow
| Nationality | American |
|---|---|
| Estimate Net Worth | $100 million |
| Religion | Gemini |
| Zodiac Sign | Jewish |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York |
| Birthday | June 17, 1943 |
Barry Manilow’s Net Worth
As of 2023, Barry Manilow has a total net worth of $100 million, and his source of income is his career in the music industry as a prominent American singer and producer.
Barry’s income has been substantially contributed by his involvement in producing jingles and tracks for different television advertisements. He has collaborated with renowned brands like McDonald’s, Band-Aid, and Pepsi-Cola. Nevertheless, the central part of his income has been generated through the sales of his records. (2)
See the net worth of other famous musicians here.
Barry Manilow’s Early Life
Barry Manilow is a famous American singer-songwriter and musician who was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 17, 1943, as Barry Alan Pincus. Barry Manilow was raised in a Brooklyn neighborhood that was economically disadvantaged. He faced hardship during his upbringing since his father abandoned the family when he was just two years old.
After Barry’s father left his family, he was prompted to embrace his mother’s maiden name, Manilow. Moreover, he nurtured his passion for music during his formative years by mastering the accordion and piano, showcasing his musical prowess. His stepfather’s influence paved the way for his appreciation of jazz and the captivating tunes of Broadway shows.
Following a brief stint studying advertising at City College of the City University of New York, Manilow enrolled in classes at the New York College of Music, which is presently a constituent part of New York University. Subsequently, he also pursued studies at the renowned Juilliard School of Music.
In order to finance his academic pursuits, Manilow secured employment in the mail room at CBS. This opportunity eventually facilitated his career at the network’s local television affiliate, where he initially worked as a film editor. Later, in 1967, he became the music director for a talent show.
Barry Manilow, the septuagenarian vocalist, has a devoted following of fans, primarily comprising women, referred to as “Fanilows.” He has stated that his consideration for his supporters was a key factor behind his decision to keep his personal life out of the public eye for the majority of his career.
Manilow believed that his fans would be let down if they knew he was gay, so he refrained from making any disclosures concerning his sexuality.
He also added, “When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful — strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’ I’m just so grateful for it.” (3)
Barry Manilow’s Husband/Boyfriend and Family Life
Barry Manilow, a celebrated American singer, songwriter, and musician, has had a tumultuous romantic history. Prior to his current marriage to Garry Kief, which has continued for nine years since their wedding in 2014, Manilow was previously married to Susan Deixler.
Over the years, he has also been in relationships with notable figures such as Lorna Luft and Linda Allen. Additionally, Manilow had an encounter with Melissa Manchester during his formative years. Despite his complex romantic history, Manilow’s enduring talent and contributions to music have solidified his place as a revered figure in American pop culture.
Barry Manilow’s Career
Barry Manilow entered the pop music industry through his collaboration with the then-unknown Bette Midler as a duo. Manilow began his journey as Midler’s pianist, performing at various gay bathhouses located in New York City.
In due course, he was elevated to the position of her musical director and arranger, and together they produced and arranged Midler’s debut album, which subsequently won a Grammy Award. Manilow also worked on the follow-up album in a similar capacity.
While Barry Manilow’s initial album failed to make any significant impact, his subsequent album included the immensely popular single “Mandy,” which reached the number-one spot on the Billboard Pop chart. This track paved the way for his ascent to stardom during the remainder of the 1970s.
He achieved further success with numerous hit songs, including “Looks Like We Made It,” “I Write the Songs,” “Copacabana (At the Copa),” and “Could It Be Magic.” Additionally, he received Grammy and Tony awards for his work in a Broadway production.
During the early 1980s, Barry Manilow initiated a new direction in his career, establishing himself as a contemporary interpreter of pop standards and show tunes. He collaborated with renowned jazz musicians such as Mel Torme, Sarah Vaughan, Gerry Mulligan, and Shelly Manne on his 1984 album 2:00 AM Paradise Cafe.
He continued to pursue this approach on subsequent releases, including Swing Street in 1987 and Showstoppers in 1991. On the latter album, he performed alongside Michael Crawford and Barbara Cook. Barry Manilow considers one of his most significant career accomplishments to be the creation of music for a set of previously unreleased lyrics by Johnny Mercer, a renowned lyricist who wrote numerous pop standards from the 1930s to the 1950s.
Manilow’s wide-ranging repertoire, which encompasses both show tunes and pop standards, has earned him a loyal following that recognizes his enduring significance in American music and popular culture. Barry Manilow’s status as an important figure in music was affirmed when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June 2002, alongside other notable artists such as Sting and Michael Jackson.
This recognition serves as a testament to his contributions to the art of songwriting and his enduring impact on the music industry. (4)
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References
- Biography, Barry Manilow made the whole world sing with his 1970s hits “I Write the Songs,” “Mandy” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).”, retrieved from https://www.biography.com/musicians/barry-manilow
- Celebrity Net Worth, Barry Manilow Net Worth, retrieved from https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/singers/barry-manilow-net-worth/
- Britannica, Barry Manilow American singer, retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barry-Manilow
- Biography, Barry Manilow made the whole world sing with his 1970s hits “I Write the Songs,” “Mandy” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).”, retrieved from https://www.biography.com/musicians/barry-manilow