Barry Manilow is an American singer-songwriter and producer, best known for his romantic ballads and catchy pop hits. With over 85 million records sold worldwide, he has had numerous top-charting songs, including “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “Can’t Smile Without You.” Manilow’s rich and distinctive voice, combined with his melodic compositions, have earned him a place as a music icon.
Biography
Name | Barry Manilow |
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Birth Name | Barry Alan Pincus |
Date of Birth | June 17, 1943 |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Singer, Songwriter |
Years Active | Seven decades |
Hit Recordings |
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Top 40 Singles (Adult Contemporary Chart) |
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Albums |
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Awards |
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Total Record Sales | Over 85 million records worldwide |
Early Life
Barry Manilow, born Barry Alan Pincus, was raised in a lower-class neighborhood in Brooklyn. When he was two years old, his father left the family, and several years later, his mother remarried and Barry adopted his stepfather’s surname, Manilow. He began playing the piano and accordion at the age of seven and showed a natural talent for music. Manilow attended the City College of New York before entering the New York College of Music. He also studied at the Juilliard School, although he never graduated due to financial constraints. During this time, Manilow supported himself by working in the mail room at the New York City headquarters of CBS. He eventually worked his way up to become a film editor for the local affiliate WCBS-TV. Barry Manilow went on to achieve great success as a singer-songwriter, known for his romantic and heartfelt songs such as “Mandy” and “I Write the Songs.”
Family
Parents | Siblings |
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Edna Manilow | None available |
Harold Pincus | None available |
Barry Manilow was born to parents Edna Manilow and Harold Pincus. His father had a Jewish background, while his mother had Russian Jewish immigrant ancestry. Barry Manilow’s paternal grandfather was Jewish, but his grandmother was a Catholic of Irish descent. He was raised in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. Unfortunately, no information is available regarding his siblings.
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
Attribute | Measurement |
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Height | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
Weight | Not available |
Eye Color | Blue |
Religion | Irish Catholic and Russian Jewish |
Ethnicity | Irish, Russian Jewish |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Current Partner: Barry Manilow is currently in a relationship with Garry Kief.
Marriage Date: Barry Manilow married Garry Kief, his longtime manager, in a private ceremony in 2014.
Spouse/Girlfriend | Relationship Type | Duration | Details |
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Susan Deixler | Wife | Short time | Barry Manilow was previously married to Susan Deixler during his high school years for a short time. |
Garry Kief | Current Partner | Since 2014 | Barry Manilow is now in a relationship with Garry Kief, whom he married in 2014 after a long-time partnership. |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Barry Manilow is an American singer and songwriter with a career that spans seven decades. He became famous for his hit recordings, including “Could It Be Magic” and “Looks Like We Made It”. Manilow is known for his elaborate orchestration and romantic ballads.
- Grammy Award for Record of the Year
- Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music
- Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
- Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program
Barry Manilow has been the subject of various controversies throughout his career. Some of these controversies include:
- Barry Manilow’s association with product jingles, including the McDonald’s jingle, has sparked debates about the commercialization of his music.
- His appearance on the show “Callback” and Featherbed in New York led to discussions about the authenticity of his early career.
- Some criticisms have been raised regarding the style and themes of his music, with some considering it overly sentimental or lacking artistic depth.
Faq
Question | Answer |
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Q: Who is Barry Manilow? | A: Barry Manilow is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and producer. He rose to fame in the 1970s and is known for his hit songs such as “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “Can’t Smile Without You.” |
Q: When was Barry Manilow born? | A: Barry Manilow was born on June 17, 1943. |
Q: How many albums has Barry Manilow released? | A: Barry Manilow has released over 30 studio albums throughout his career. |
Q: Has Barry Manilow won any awards? | A: Yes, Barry Manilow has won numerous awards including Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, and American Music Awards. |
Q: Is Barry Manilow still performing? | A: Yes, Barry Manilow continues to perform and tour. He has a dedicated fan base and regularly performs concerts around the world. |