Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Barry Manilow
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Barry Manilow made an impact.
Barry Manilow is a celebrated American singer-songwriter whose career has thrived for six decades. He is renowned for his hit songs such as "Could It Be Magic," "Looks Like We Made It," "Mandy," "I Write the Songs," "Can't Smile Without You," "Weekend in New England," and "Copacabana." Manilow's music has made him a prominent figure in popular culture and entertainment.
1964: Composed Original Score for "The Drunkard"
In 1964, Barry Manilow was asked to arrange songs for a musical adaptation of "The Drunkard" and instead wrote an entire original score which was used in the Off Broadway musical that ran for eight years.
December 1965: Playboy inspires Manilow
In December 1965, Manilow credits the response he received from Playboy for the courage to leave everything behind and begin a career in music.
1967: Musical Director for Callback
In 1967, Barry Manilow became the musical director for the WCBS-TV series Callback.
January 27, 1968: Musical Director for Callback
On January 27, 1968, Barry Manilow served as the musical director for the WCBS-TV series Callback, which premiered on this date.
1969: Signed by Tony Orlando
In 1969, Barry Manilow was signed by Columbia/CBS Music vice-president and recording artist, Tony Orlando.
1971: Pianist for Bette Midler
In 1971, Bette Midler chose Barry Manilow as her pianist at the Continental Baths in New York City.
1972: Produced The Divine Miss M
In 1972, Barry Manilow produced Bette Midler's debut album, The Divine Miss M.
July 1973: Release of "Barry Manilow" Album
In July 1973, Bell Records released Barry Manilow's album "Barry Manilow," which included the song "I Am Your Child."
1973: Produced Bette Midler Album
In 1973, Barry Manilow produced Bette Midler's second album, Bette Midler.
1973: Grammy Nomination
In 1973, Barry Manilow was first nominated for a Grammy Award as a producer, arranger and performer.
August 20, 1974: "Brandy" changed to "Mandy"
On August 20, 1974, the title of the song, "Brandy" was changed to "Mandy" during the actual recording session.
November 1974: Arista Records Introduced
In November 1974, Clive Davis introduced Columbia Pictures' new record division, Arista.
January 1975: "Mandy" Number 1 Hit
In January 1975, Barry Manilow's breakthrough 1974 release of the single "Mandy" became Bell Records' final number 1 hit.
March 22, 1975: American Bandstand Appearance
On March 22, 1975, Barry Manilow appeared on American Bandstand to promote his second album, beginning a friendship with Dick Clark.
1975: End of Collaboration with Bette Midler
Barry Manilow worked with Bette Midler from 1971 to 1975.
1976: Recording 'Barry Manilow Live'
In 1976, Barry Manilow recorded Barry Manilow Live at the Gershwin Theatre (also known as the Uris Theatre).
March 2, 1977: The Barry Manilow Special Premieres
On March 2, 1977, "The Barry Manilow Special" with Penny Marshall premiered to an audience of 37 million.
1977: Release of "Barry Manilow Live" Album
In 1977, Barry Manilow released the triple-platinum album "Barry Manilow Live," which included the "Very Strange Medley" of commercial jingles.
1978: Nomination for Emmy
In 1978, "The Second Barry Manilow Special," with Ray Charles, was nominated for four Emmys at the 30th Primetime Emmy Awards.
1978: Hit Song "Copacabana"
In 1978, Barry Manilow released the hit song "Copacabana," which later became the basis for a film.
1978: Royal Albert Hall Concert
In 1978, a one-hour special from Barry Manilow's sold-out concert at the Royal Albert Hall aired in the UK.
February 11, 1979: Concert on Standing Room Only
On February 11, 1979, a concert from Barry Manilow's Even Now Tour at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles aired on the HBO series Standing Room Only.
May 23, 1979: The Third Barry Manilow Special
On May 23, 1979, ABC aired "The Third Barry Manilow Special", with John Denver as his guest, which was nominated for two Emmy awards.
1980: Release of "Barry" Album
In 1980, Barry Manilow released the self-titled "Barry" album, which was his first album to not reach the top ten in the United States.
1980: One Voice Special Nominated for Emmy
In 1980, Barry Manilow's "One Voice" special, with Dionne Warwick, was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Music Direction.
1981: Release of "If I Should Love Again"
In 1981, Barry Manilow released the album "If I Should Love Again", featuring "The Old Songs" and "Somewhere Down The Road".
1982: Royal Albert Hall Concert Broadcast
In 1982, a concert from Barry Manilow's sold-out Royal Albert Hall show was broadcast in England.
August 27, 1983: Blenheim Palace Concert
On August 27, 1983, Barry Manilow performed an open-air concert at Blenheim Palace in Britain, attended by an estimated 40,000 people.
December 1983: Endowment of Music Departments
In December 1983, Barry Manilow endowed the music departments at six major universities in the United States and Canada.
1984: Release of 2:00 AM Paradise Cafe
In 1984, Barry Manilow released "2:00 AM Paradise Cafe", a jazz/blues collection recorded live in the studio. A documentary of Manilow recording the album with jazz legends also aired on Showtime. In 1984 and 1985, England aired two one-hour concert specials from his National Exhibition Centre (NEC) concerts.
1984: Release of "When October Goes"
In 1984, Barry Manilow released "When October Goes", with lyrics by Mercer, as a single from his album 2:00 AM Paradise Cafe.
1984: Radio City Music Hall Record
In 1984, Barry Manilow's ten-night run at Radio City Music Hall set a box-office sales record of nearly $2 million, making him the top draw in the venue's 52-year history.
1985: Departure from Arista and Release of "Manilow"
In 1985, Barry Manilow left Arista Records for RCA Records, releasing the pop album "Manilow". In 1985, Japan aired a Manilow concert special where he played "Sakura" on the koto. This marked a shift to international music, with songs in multiple languages.
1985: Lead Role in 'Copacabana' Film
In 1985, Barry Manilow played Tony Starr in the CBS film 'Copacabana', based on his 1978 hit song. He also wrote all the songs for the movie.
1985: "Copacabana" Television Movie
In 1985, the television movie "Copacabana," starring Barry Manilow and executive produced by Dick Clark, was released.
October 1986: Lobbying Against Copyright Bill
In October 1986, Barry Manilow lobbied against a copyright bill in Washington, D.C., arguing it would negatively impact songwriters' royalties. He met with legislators, including Senator Al Gore, to advocate for the existing blanket license system.
1987: Release of Autobiography and 'Swing Street' Album
In 1987, McGraw-Hill published Barry Manilow's autobiography, "Sweet Life: Adventures on the Way to Paradise." He also returned to Arista Records with the release of "Swing Street", a jazz album, featuring "Brooklyn Blues", an autobiographical song, and "Hey Mambo", a Latin duet with Kid Creole.
March 1988: CBS Airs 'Big Fun on Swing Street' Special
In March 1988, CBS aired Barry Manilow's 'Big Fun on Swing Street' special, featuring songs and special guests from his 'Swing Street' and '2:00 am Paradise Cafe' albums. The special won an Emmy for Outstanding Art Direction for a Variety or Music Program.
1988: Performance at AIDS Concert and Disney Contribution
In 1988, Barry Manilow performed at the AIDS Concert '88. Bette Midler's character sang Manilow's "Perfect Isn't Easy" in Disney's 'Oliver & Company'.
June 10, 1989: Final Performance of 'Barry Manilow at the Gershwin'
On June 10, 1989, Barry Manilow concluded his show, "Barry Manilow at the Gershwin", with a total of 44 appearances at the Gershwin Theatre.
November 12, 1989: Benefit Concert for Hurricane Hugo Relief
On November 12, 1989, Manilow held a benefit concert to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo. He performed at the University of South Carolina's Carolina Coliseum, with the $10 tickets selling out in three hours.
1989: Release of 'Barry Manilow' Album
In 1989, Barry Manilow released the album 'Barry Manilow', which contained "Please Don't Be Scared", "Keep Each Other Warm", and "The One That Got Away". This album marked a shift towards covers and compilations in his recording career.
1989: Release of 'Barry Manilow' Album Featuring Cover Tunes
In 1989, Barry Manilow released the album 'Barry Manilow', which marked the beginning of his focus on cover tunes.
1989: 1989-1990 Live on Broadway Tour
In 1989-1990 Barry Manilow toured on Broadway.
1990: Release of Christmas Album 'Because It's Christmas'
In 1990, Barry Manilow released the Christmas album 'Because It's Christmas', featuring a recreation of "Jingle Bells" with Exposé.
1990: Japan Airs 'National Eolia Special: Barry Manilow On Broadway'
In 1990, Japan aired 'National Eolia Special: Barry Manilow On Broadway'. Barry Manilow sang the title song "Eolia", which was also used in a commercial for an air conditioner company.
1991: Production of Nancy Wilson's Album 'With My Lover Beside Me'
In 1991, Barry Manilow produced Nancy Wilson's album 'With My Lover Beside Me', featuring lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Manilow also sang a duet on the record.
1991: Release of 'Showstoppers' Album
In 1991, Barry Manilow released 'Showstoppers', a collection of Broadway songs.
1991: Launching Copacabana Musical
In 1991, Barry Manilow, with Bruce Sussman, launched Copacabana, a musical play based on previous Manilow-related adaptations. They wrote new songs and it ran for two years in London's West End.
February 19, 1992: Testimony for Audio Home Recording Act
On February 19, 1992, Barry Manilow testified in support of H.R. 3204, The Audio Home Recording Act of 1991, before the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property.
1993: Invitation from Mercer's Widow
In 1993, Barry Manilow was invited by Johnny Mercer's widow to complete songs based on Mercer's lyrics.
1993: PBS Airs 'Barry Manilow: The Best of Me'
In 1993, PBS aired 'Barry Manilow: The Best of Me', a concert taped at Wembley Arena.
1994: Scoring 'Thumbelina'
In 1994, Barry Manilow co-wrote the Broadway-style musical scores for the animated film Thumbelina.
1994: Release of 'Singin' with the Big Bands' Album
In 1994, Barry Manilow released 'Singin' with the Big Bands'.
1995: Scoring 'The Pebble and the Penguin'
In 1995, Barry Manilow co-wrote the Broadway-style musical scores for the animated film 'The Pebble and the Penguin'.
December 1996: A&E Airs 'Barry Manilow: Live By Request'
In December 1996, A&E aired 'Barry Manilow: Live By Request', attracting an estimated 2.4 million viewers.
1996: Release of 'Summer of '78' Album
In 1996, Barry Manilow released the album 'Summer of '78', including the hit "I Go Crazy".
March 1997: VH-1 Airs 'Barry Manilow: The Summer of '78'
In March 1997, VH-1 aired 'Barry Manilow: The Summer of '78', a special featuring Manilow at the piano.
July 1997: Settlement of lawsuit
In July 1997, it was reported that Manilow donated $5,000 to the American Tinnitus Association to settle the lawsuit regarding concert volume from December 23, 1993.
November 23, 1997: Preview of 'Harmony: A New Musical'
From October 7 to November 23, 1997, 'Harmony: A New Musical' previewed at the La Jolla Playhouse.
1998: Release of 'Manilow Sings Sinatra' Album
In 1998, Barry Manilow released 'Manilow Sings Sinatra', a tribute to Frank Sinatra.
October 23, 1999: NBC Airs 'StarSkates Salute to Barry Manilow'
On October 23, 1999, NBC aired the 'StarSkates Salute to Barry Manilow', featuring figure skaters performing to Manilow's music. Manilow also performed.
1999: Grammy Nomination for 'Manilow Sings Sinatra'
In 1999, Barry Manilow received a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for 'Manilow Sings Sinatra'.
April 11, 2000: TNN Airs 'Manilow Country'
On April 11, 2000, The Nashville Network (TNN) aired 'Manilow Country', featuring country stars singing Manilow hits with a "country" twist.
June 2000: DirectTV Airs 'Manilow Live!'
In June 2000, DirectTV aired the concert special 'Manilow Live!' featuring a 30-piece orchestra and a choir. Manilow also worked with Monica Mancini on her Concord album The Dreams of Johnny Mercer.
February 2002: Release of 'Ultimate Manilow' Greatest Hits Album
In February 2002, Barry Manilow returned to the charts when Arista released a greatest hits album, Ultimate Manilow.
May 18, 2002: CBS Airs 'Ultimate Manilow'
On May 18, 2002, Barry Manilow returned to CBS with 'Ultimate Manilow', a special filmed in the Kodak Theatre.
2005: Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts
In 2005, to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Manilow matched every U.S. dollar donated by his fans to the American Red Cross through the Manilow Fund for Health and Hope website, tripling the original donation.
2009: Honorary Clio Award
In 2009, Barry Manilow received an Honorary Clio Award at the 50th Anniversary Clio Awards in Las Vegas, for his work as a jingle writer and singer during the 1960s.
October 27, 2011: Contribution to Joplin, Missouri
On October 27, 2011, Manilow visited Joplin, Missouri, and his Manilow Music Project contributed $300,000 to restore the musical program and instruments that were lost in a tornado.
2015: Grammy Nomination
In 2015, Barry Manilow had his lastest Grammy Nomination as a producer, arranger and performer.
