Early Life and Education of Barry Manilow: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Barry Manilow. A timeline of key moments.

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 17, 1943: Barry Manilow Born

On June 17, 1943, Barry Alan Pincus, later known as Barry Manilow, was born. He would become a famous American singer and songwriter.

Others born on this day/year

1961: High School Graduation

In 1961, Barry Manilow graduated from Eastern District High School in Brooklyn. During this time, he also met Susan Deixler, who he later married briefly.

1964: Marriage to Susan Deixler

In 1964, Barry Manilow married his high-school sweetheart, Susan Deixler. Manilow later stated that he was in love with his wife at the time.

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.

1966: Annulment of Marriage

In 1966, Susan Deixler had her marriage with Barry Manilow annulled.

1978: Relationship with Garry Kief begins

In 1978, Barry Manilow began a relationship with TV executive Garry Kief, who soon became his manager.

1979: Satirized in song "I Need Your Help Barry Manilow"

In 1979, Manilow's musical style was satirized in the song "I Need Your Help Barry Manilow" performed by Ray Stevens.

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.

June 22, 1989: Denial of Engagement Rumors

On June 22, 1989, Barry Manilow appeared on The Tonight Show and denied rumors that he was engaged to porn star Robin Byrd.

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.

December 23, 1993: Lawsuit over concert volume

On December 23, 1993, Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Philip Espinosa sued Manilow over the audio volume of a concert he attended with his wife, claiming he suffered tinnitus.

January 15, 1994: Canceled Performance at Ethnic Pride and Heritage Festival

On January 15, 1994, Manilow canceled a performance at an Ethnic Pride and Heritage Festival in Atlantic City, New Jersey, citing that he was told the concert would be part of a non-partisan event.

February 8, 1994: Lawsuit Against KBIG Radio Station

On February 8, 1994, Manilow sued Los Angeles radio station KBIG (104.3 FM), seeking $28 million in damages, claiming that one of their advertisements was causing irreparable damage to his professional reputation.

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.

September 23, 1997: Trial date for lawsuit

The trial for the lawsuit regarding the concert volume from December 23, 1993, was set for September 23, 1997.

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.

June 2006: Music used to deter gangs

In June 2006, Australian officials blasted Manilow's music to deter gangs from congregating in a residential area late at night.

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.

2014: Marriage to Garry Kief

In 2014, Barry Manilow and Garry Kief married after same-sex marriage became legal in California. They kept the relationship and his sexual orientation private until the marriage made headlines.

2015: Marriage to Kief becomes public

In 2015, Manilow's marriage to Garry Kief made headlines after Suzanne Somers publicly disclosed the private exchange of vows at Manilow's home in Palm Springs, California.

April 2017: Manilow comes out as gay

In April 2017, Manilow officially came out as gay, telling People that he was pleasantly surprised to find that his mostly female fan base was supportive of the marriage.

2017: Coming out as gay

In 2017, Manilow came out as gay, stating that the failure of his first marriage in 1966 was not related to issues of sexual orientation.

February 2022: Music used to deter protestors

In February 2022, New Zealand authorities employed a similar tactic against protesters who camped outside the country's parliament building to protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, using Manilow's music.