Barry Manilow’s journey from Brooklyn’s own to a worldwide musical sensation is a story of talent, perseverance, and strategic acumen. With a net worth of $100 million, Manilow’s six-decade-spanning career has not only enriched the world of music but has also established him as a financial powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
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Barry Manilow Net Worth
Barry Manilow is an iconic American singer-songwriter and producer with a net worth of $100 million. He has become a prominent figure in music, known not only for his chart-topping hits like “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “Looks Like We Made It” but also for his songwriting contributions for other artists, including Bette Midler and Dionne Warwick. His enduring success and contributions to the music industry have solidified his legacy as one of the most significant musical talents in recent history.
Who is Barry Manilow?
Barry Manilow, born Barry Alan Pincus on June 17, 1943, is a legendary American singer-songwriter with a prolific career that spans over six decades. Renowned for hits like “Could It Be Magic,” “Mandy,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa),” Manilow has achieved 51 Top 40 singles on the Adult Contemporary Chart, including 13 number ones.
With 13 platinum and six multi-platinum albums to his name, Manilow’s influence extends beyond the charts; he’s also known for his work as a producer and arranger for himself and artists like Bette Midler and Dionne Warwick. Despite mixed critical reception, Manilow’s talent has been recognized by peers, including Frank Sinatra. Having sold more than 85 million records globally, Barry Manilow’s enduring legacy is marked by his extensive contributions to music, theater, and commercials, earning him a place as one of the world’s bestselling artists.
Early Life
Barry Manilow, originally Barry Alan Pincus, was born on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, into a diverse heritage, with a mother of Russian Jewish descent and a father of Irish descent who was a truck driver. His parents divorced early in his life, leading him to be raised by his mother’s Jewish family, which influenced his upbringing and name change to Manilow before his bar mitzvah.
Growing up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, he graduated from Eastern District High School in 1961 and briefly attended the City College of New York before pursuing his passion for music at the New York College of Music and the Juilliard School. During his studies, he worked at CBS to support himself, marking the early stages of a journey that would see him become one of the world’s most beloved musicians.
Career
Barry Manilow’s career began in the 1960s when he wrote an original score for an Off-Broadway musical, “The Drunkard,” leading to an eight-year run. He made a name for himself as a commercial jingle writer and singer, lending his voice to brands like State Farm and McDonald’s, earning an Honorary Clio Award for his work. By 1967, Manilow was the musical director for the WCBS-TV series “Callback” and was later signed by Tony Orlando at Columbia/CBS Music.
The 1970s saw his partnership with Bette Midler, serving as her pianist and producer, earning critical acclaim and his first Grammy nomination. His solo career took off with the release of “Mandy” in 1974, followed by a string of hits including “Could It Be Magic” and “Copacabana.”
In the 1980s, Manilow’s versatility shone through albums like “2:00 AM Paradise Cafe” and “Manilow,”. He also embarked on numerous tours, including a notable performance at Blenheim Palace. His contributions extended to film and TV, composing for the animated feature “Oliver & Company” and starring in the CBS film “Copacabana.”
The 1990s featured Manilow exploring various musical genres through cover albums and embarking on world tours. He also ventured into musical theater with “Copacabana” and “Harmony.” The 2000s brought Manilow’s Las Vegas residencies and continued success with albums like “The Greatest Songs of the Fifties,” further solidifying his place in music history.
Manilow’s influence spans decades, with notable achievements in every era from the 1970s through the 2020s, including Grammy nominations across five decades. His enduring impact on music, theater, and entertainment showcases his versatility and talent as a performer, composer, and producer.
Personal life
Barry Manilow’s journey is marked by both love and the pursuit of his musical dreams. Marrying his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler, in 1964, he later realized his need for a “wondrous musical adventure” led him to leave what he considered a perfect marriage, a decision he credits to the guidance he sought from Playboy Advisor.
Despite their separation and the annulment of their marriage in 1966, Manilow emphasized that his love for Deixler was genuine, and their separation was not due to his sexual orientation. In 1978, Manilow found love again with TV executive Garry Kief, who also became his manager. The couple married in a private ceremony in 2014, after same-sex marriage was legalized in California, keeping their relationship away from the public eye until 2015.
Manilow, who officially came out as gay in 2017, expressed his joy over the support from his fans following the revelation of his marriage. Today, Manilow shares his life with Kief and has a stepdaughter through Kief’s previous marriage, as well as an adopted granddaughter.
Does Barry Manilow wear a wedding ring?
Barry Manilow and his manager Garry Kief held a private wedding ceremony. While they didn’t file any official paperwork, both Manilow and Kief wear wedding bands as a symbol of their commitment to each other, underscoring their long-term relationship and mutual dedication.
Picture by: EBLV / / Splash News
Real Estate
Barry Manilow’s real estate venture includes listing his Bel-Air residence in 1994 for $2.71 million, a property that he had for 25 years. Spanning 5,000 square feet, the estate is not just spacious but luxurious, featuring a guest house, recording studio, and theater room, all sitting on two acres of prime land.
Philanthropy and fundraising
In 1989, following Hurricane Hugo‘s devastation in South Carolina, Manilow hosted a sold-out benefit concert, raising significant funds and collecting canned food donations. He also took an active role in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, matching donations made by his fans to the American Red Cross, resulting in a collective contribution of $150,000.
Additionally, in 2011, Manilow’s “Manilow Music Project” donated $300,000 to Joplin, Missouri, to help restore the city’s high school musical program after it was destroyed by a tornado. These actions not only demonstrate Manilow’s generosity but also his influence in mobilizing resources for critical causes.
Conclusion
Barry Manilow’s story from Brooklyn to financial success is a narrative of extraordinary talent and strategic savvy. His enduring appeal, musical genius, and financial acumen have made him a legend in the truest sense. As Manilow continues to enchant audiences around the world, his journey remains a beacon of inspiration, proving that passion, when paired with smart decisions, can lead to unparalleled success.
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FAQs about Barry Manilow
- What are some of Barry Manilow’s most famous songs? Barry Manilow’s hit list includes “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “I Write the Songs,” among others.
- Has Barry Manilow won any major music awards? Yes, Manilow has been nominated for and won several Grammy Awards throughout his career, among other accolades.
- What is Barry Manilow’s educational background? Manilow attended the New York College of Music and the Juilliard Performing Arts School.
- Did Barry Manilow write all of his hit songs? While Manilow wrote many of his hits, he also performed songs written by others, demonstrating his versatility.
- How has Barry Manilow contributed to other artists’ careers? Manilow has produced and arranged albums for several other artists, including Bette Midler and Dionne Warwick, showcasing his talents behind the scenes.
