Millions of people all around the world are admiring fans of Barry Manilow, and this article looks at his life and times.

The beginning.

Barry Alan Pincus was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 17, 1943. His father was of Russian and Jewish descent, and his mother was Irish. His parents split up when Barry was only two, and he was raised by his mother and maternal grandparents. He was introduced to music when he was seven, when he began to learn the piano and accordion.

But in another sense it was not until 1956 that Barry was ‘born’, as this was when things started to happen for him.

His blossoming career.

His career really started whilst he was still at high school, because it was here that his singing just got better and better, and this led him to applying and being accepted into the Julliard school of music. He paid for his time there by working in the CBS mailroom.

For the next few years, Manilow made his way by writing and performing advertising jingles, including the now-famous song for State Farm Insurance. His work got him noticed, and in 1971 he was hired by Bette Midler as her pianist and music director. He accompanied her on several bath house performances in New York City before Midler herself gained fame and fortune. His work with Midler helped her rise to the top, and as a result, Manilow landed his first record deal in 1973.

Potential Reached

And it was reached with his second album, Barry Manilow ll. Amongst the songs on that album was the smash hit single Mandy which reached number one both in the UK and the US.

And in fact over the years Barry has had 13 number one albums which is an unbelievable feat of success. During this time his style has changed and evolved from love songs and ballads to smooth jazz.

Overall, though, Manilow is best known for his romantic singing and sometimes crooning ways on stage, and his shows have been sold out in nearly every venue for decades. His fans number in the millions and his act is imitated by many.

During his time Barry has won two Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has also been called the best performer of his generation by Rolling Stone magazine.

If you ever have the opportunity of seeing Manilow perform live then I suggest you take the opportunity as I am sure that you will not regret it.

This is one of a series of articles on musicakl icons. If you would like me to let you know when the next one comes out then please contact me through my website below.

Millions of people all around the world are admiring fans of Barry Manilow, and this article looks at his life and times.

The beginning.

Barry Alan Pincus was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 17, 1943. His father was of Russian and Jewish descent, and his mother was Irish. His parents split up when Barry was only two, and he was raised by his mother and maternal grandparents. He was introduced to music when he was seven, when he began to learn the piano and accordion.

Prior to his Bar Mitzvah at age 13, Barry began to sing. It was also at this time that he changed his name to match that of his mothers maiden name – Manilow. In several ways, 1956 was the year Barry Manilow was born.

Budding Career.

He continued singing through high school, and upon graduation, he was accepted to the prestigious Julliard School of Music. He paid his tuition by working in the CBS mail room. This proved to be a fortuitous school-time job. Manilow advanced at CBS, and wound up serving as the musical director for the CBS show Callback.

For a couple of years Barry got along by writing and performing, but things started to really take off after a successful period with Bette Midler as her pianist and musical director.

Reaching his potential

Barry fully reached his potential with the release of his second album Barry Manilow ll, which contained his smash hit single, Mandy, and which climbed to number one both in the US and the UK.

Barry has had 13 number one albums from a total of 30 albums that he has released (at the time of writing) which is a remarkable rate of success. He has gradually moved from ballads to jazz and has worked with such legends as Mel Torme and Sarah Vaughan.

Nearly every venue that he sings at is a total sell out and this is not really surprising when you consider that his fans number in the millions.

During his time Barry has won two Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has also been called the best performer of his generation by Rolling Stone magazine.

If you get the chance to see Barry perform live, then don’t miss it.

This is one of a series of articles on musical icons. If you would like me to let you know when the next one comes out then please contact me through my website below.