Barry Manilow’s journey into the entertainment world began when he decided to follow his passion for music. His love for music was sparked early on, thanks to a generous gift from his mother, Edna, and his stepfather, Willie Murphy, who bought him a piano for $800. It took them five years to pay it off, but it proved to be a worthwhile investment. Barry would go on to build a long-lasting career in the music industry, one that spans decades and continues to inspire many.
Before fully diving into his music career, Barry attended the City College of New York before moving on to the New York College of Music. He later studied musical theater at the prestigious Juilliard School, all while working as a log clerk at CBS to support himself.
During this time, Barry met Susan Deixler, his high school sweetheart. The two married when Barry was just 21 years old, but the marriage didn’t last long—only about two years. Barry explained that he was too focused on his music and not ready to settle down. “I just wasn’t ready for marriage,” he said, reflecting on his youth and his determination to make it in the music world.
Barry’s path to fame wasn’t immediate. In the years before his big break, he made ends meet by writing jingles for commercials. One of his most notable successes was a jingle for Dr. Pepper, which, as he fondly recalls, “paid the rent for years.” Writing catchy tunes for commercials honed Barry’s songwriting skills and played a major role in shaping his ability to create pop music hits later in his career.
Barry explained that the key to succeeding in writing commercial jingles was to craft the catchiest melody possible within a short span of time. This skill set would later prove invaluable in the pop music industry, where memorable hooks and choruses are essential for success.
In 1973, Barry released his debut album, “Barry Manilow,” but it wasn’t an immediate hit. It was his single “Mandy,” released a year later, that catapulted him to stardom. Following that success, he continued to produce chart-topping hits like “I Write the Songs,” “Could It Be Magic,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).” By 1978, just five years after his debut, Barry had five albums on the charts simultaneously, along with ten No. 1 singles. His fan base, affectionately called “Fanilows,” grew rapidly.
Throughout much of his life, Barry kept a personal secret—one that weighed heavily on him. It wasn’t until the age of 73 that he publicly came out as gay. Barry revealed that he and his partner, Garry Kief, had been together for nearly 40 years and had married in 2014 at their Palm Springs home. The two met in 1978 and started a relationship not long after. Garry, who now manages Barry’s career and serves as president of Barry Manilow Productions, has been by his side ever since.
Reflecting on their relationship, Barry said, “I was one of the lucky ones. I was pretty lonely before that.” Despite concerns about how coming out might affect his career, Barry’s fans responded with overwhelming support. He’s happy he shared his truth and now enjoys the freedom of living authentically.
In addition to opening up about his personal life, Barry has been candid about his many plastic surgeries. He doesn’t shy away from discussing his cosmetic procedures, though he prefers not to be seen as the “Joan Rivers of the guys.” On a British morning show, Barry jokingly attributed his youthful appearance to “blind luck.”
Barry Manilow’s journey is one of resilience, talent, and authenticity. From humble beginnings to a successful career spanning decades, Barry has remained true to his passion for music and his personal truth.
