Manilow, Barry (1946-…), is a popular American singer , composer, and pianist known for his personable manner and pleasant baritone voice. Manilow is one of the most successful performers in pop music, attracting sell-out crowds to his concerts. His romantic and melodic ballads have made him one of the few pop music composers to succeed outside rock music.
Manilow was born on June 17, 1946, in New York City. His real name was Barry Alan Pinkus. He briefly attended the City College of New York and the New York College of Music. Manilow worked as a music editor on television in New York City in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. He got his big show business break in 1972 when he became pianist and musical director for cabaret singer Bette Midler (see Midler, Bette ). Manilow decided on a solo career in 1974. He recorded his first hit, “Mandy,” in 1974. From 1975 to 1981, 16 of Manilow’s songs made the pop music Top Ten list. They included “Could It Be Magic” (1975), “I Write the Songs” (1975), “Weekend in New England” (1976), “Looks Like We Made It” (1977), “Can’t Smile Without You” (1978), and “I Made It Through the Night” (1980).
Manilow won an Emmy Award for a 1977 television special. He won the 1979 Grammy Award as best male pop music performer for the song “Copacabana (At the Copa)” (1978). Manilow also gained acclaim for his album 2 A.M. Paradise Cafe (1984), which reflected his interest in modern jazz. During this time, Manilow composed some of the most familiar commercial jingles of the day. He has continued to tour and to make extended concert appearances on Broadway and in Las Vegas. He has also written two musicals for the stage—Barry Manilow’s Copacabana (1994) and Harmony (1997). Manilow wrote an autobiography, Sweet Life: Adventures on the Way to Paradise (1987).
