Barry Manilow: The Hitmaker of Pop and Soft Rock

Barry Manilow is an American singer, songwriter, and producer whose melodic pop and soft rock anthems defined the 1970s and 1980s. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, his career is anchored by monumental commercial success, including over 85 million records sold worldwide and a string of platinum-certified albums.

Early career

Born in 1943, Barry Manilow began his professional journey in the New York City music industry during the late 1960s. He initially worked as a jingle writer, crafting memorable commercials for brands like State Farm and McDonald's, while also serving as a pianist and arranger for vocalist Bette Midler.

His first major label deal came with Bell Records, resulting in his 1973 self-titled debut album. While it found modest success, it laid the groundwork for his signature sound, blending pop songcraft with theatrical flourishes.

Breakthrough

Manilow's career exploded in 1974 with the single "Mandy," released on Bell's successor label, Arista Records. The song soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, catapulting him to stardom and earning his first gold record certification.

This success was solidified by his 1975 album "Tryin' to Get the Feeling," which went platinum and spawned multiple top-ten hits. His partnership with Arista Records and its founder Clive Davis became a defining element of his commercial dominance throughout the decade.

Key tracks

Mandy — This 1974 ballad was his first number-one single and remains his signature breakthrough hit.

Copacabana (At the Copa) — This 1978 story-song became a cultural phenomenon, winning a Grammy and inspiring a television film.

I Write the Songs — Although written by Bruce Johnston, Manilow's 1975 version became a chart-topping anthem often associated with him.

Can't Smile Without You — A quintessential soft rock ballad from 1978, it demonstrated his mastery of heartfelt, mainstream pop.

Looks Like We Made It — This 1977 single secured his status as a consistent chart-topper, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

The 1980s saw Barry Manilow continue his hit-making streak with albums like 1980's platinum "Barry" and 1984's "2:00 AM Paradise Cafe," a jazz-influenced project. He expanded into broader entertainment, scoring films and mounting successful Las Vegas residencies that showcased his dynamic stage presence.

In later decades, Manilow explored themed albums, covering the Great American Songbook on 1994's "Singin' with the Big Bands" and collaborating with other vocalists. His 2017 album "This Is My Town: Songs of New York" reflected a lifelong connection to his birthplace. Barry Manilow's endurance is evidenced by continued sold-out tours and chart entries, including a 2006 number-one album on the Billboard 200 with "The Greatest Songs of the Fifties."

For fans of Barry Manilow's brand of polished, emotive pop, several artists share a similar approach. Neil Diamond matches his knack for grand, theatrical songwriting and massive live shows. Andy Williams represents the earlier generation of smooth, easy-listening vocalists that influenced Manilow's style. Air Supply parallels his success with powerful soft rock ballads during the same era. Bette Midler, his early collaborator, shares a similar flair for dramatic performance and cross-genre appeal.

The music of Barry Manilow remains a staple on adult contemporary and classic hits FM stations, ensuring his timeless ballads and upbeat classics are always in rotation. These radio formats consistently feature his extensive catalog, from his 1970s chart-toppers to his later interpretive works.

Listeners can explore the enduring catalog of Barry Manilow by tuning into the soft rock and classic pop radio stations featured on our website. His iconic hits