Biography
Who is Barry Manilow?
Early life and real name
Barry Manilow Alan Pincus was born on June 17, 1943, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. His parents were Harold Kelliher and Edna Manilow. His mother later had his father change his surname to Pincus after a relative. His parents separated when he was a baby, and his mother's family prevented further contact with his father.
Barry grew up in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. He graduated from Eastern District High School in 1961. He briefly attended the City College of New York before studying at the New York College of Music. He also worked at CBS while studying and later studied musical theater at the Juilliard School.
How Barry became famous
In the 1960s, Barry worked as a commercial jingle writer and singer. He composed and performed television jingles for brands like State Farm Insurance and Band Aid. He also sang on commercials for Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pepsi, McDonald's, and Dr Pepper. He later received an Honorary Clio Award for this work.
He met director Bro Herrod and wrote an original score for a musical adaptation of The Drunkard. By 1967, he served as musical director for the television series Callback. He also arranged music for Ed Sullivan's production company and performed as a duo at a New York club.
Career highlights
In 1971, Bette Midler hired Barry as her pianist at the Continental Baths. He subsequently produced her first two albums and acted as her musical director on tour. He received a Grammy Award nomination for Album of the Year for producing her debut record.
Barry released his self-titled debut album in 1973. His breakthrough came with the release of the single Mandy in 1974. He followed this with a string of hit singles and albums through the 1970s and early 1980s, including Tryin' to Get the Feeling, This One's for You, and Even Now. He has recorded numerous Top 40 singles on the Adult Contemporary Chart and released multiple platinum albums.
Family and relationships
While attending high school, Barry met Susan Deixler, and the two married for a short time. He later entered a relationship with Garry Kief, who is his spouse. His family background includes Russian Jewish and Irish heritage, with ancestors from Limerick, Ireland.
Birthday and age
Barry Manilow was born on June 17, 1943, which makes Barry 83 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Barry shares the date with 31 other famous people.
Explore more
