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Barry Manilow is an international success with sales of more than 75 million albums worldwide. He has been a staple on the Adult Contemporary charts, and is also known as an inspiration to performers of all genres of entertainment.
The singer was born and bred in Brooklyn, New York. He was first introduced to the accordion, an instrument that was popular in his neighborhood at the time. His musical taste was influenced by his family, including a collection of jazz and swing standards that was a prominent force in his home. Manilow attended The Julliard School in New York City, where he wrote an original score for the play "The Drunkard," which became an Off-Broadway success.
Manilow first worked as a commercial jingle writer, and was a musical director for a TV station before meeting with Better Midler and joining forces for her two albums, "The Divine Miss M" and "Bette Midler" - he was also her musical director on The Divine Miss M tour. Manilow eventually began recording himself, and he saw success with the single "Mandy" off of "Barry Manilow II." Over the next two decades, he released hits such as "I Write the Songs," "Weekend in New England" and "Copacabana."
In the height of his fame, Manilow also filmed televisions specials that he starred and executive produced. The second special featured Ray Charles as a special guest, and it was nominated for four Emmy Awards. At this point he began to gain success throughout the world, with the release of "Manilow Magic - The Best of Barry Manilow" hitting the top of the charts in the UK.
Manilow also became a touring force at the time, selling out massive arenas throughout the world. He also became involved with philanthropy, endowing music departments to six major universities in North America. He focuses on encouraging new musical talent.
In the 1990s, Manilow took to recording cover songs, including a 1998 album entitled "Manilow Sings Sinatra," released just months after the legendary artists death. He also performed a number of big band standards. He went back to his beginning of instrumentals during that time, too: he wrote musical scores for "Thumbelina" and "The Pebble and the Penguin."
In the past decade, Manilow tapped into the country genre with the special "Manilow Country." He performed with greats such as Trisha Yearwood, Deana Carter and Jo Dee Messina. He also recorded "Manilow Live!" complete with a 30-piece orchestra and a choir.
In 2003, Manilow teamed up with Midler again for ''Better Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook," and they followed that up with 2005s "Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook." In 2004 he released two albums, "2 Nights Live" and "Scores: Songs from Copacabana & Harmony."
Manilow has clearly taken part in many facets of the entertainment industry, and he has many fans, including his peers: Bob Dylan has said that Manilow is an inspiration to him, and Arsenio Hall claimed that Manilow was his favorite guest.
As of late, Manilow has released "The Greatest Songs of the Fifties" and ''The Greatest Songs of the Sixties." Covers from the albums include classics such as ''Are You Lonesome Tonight" and "Cant Help Falling in Love." These albums brought resurgence to Manilows career - he sold out three Madison Square Garden Shows in January of 2007.
The singer can currently be found in Las Vegas performing to sold-out crowds regularly - his contract was extended through 2008, and he always has a loyal fan base ready to hear him perform.
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