Barry Manilow: The Journey of a Music Icon and His True Self

Barry Manilow’s rise to fame in the entertainment industry is a story of perseverance, talent, and the courage to embrace his true self. His journey began with a simple yet powerful act of love and sacrifice from his family. Barry’s mother, Edna, and stepfather, Willie Murphy, saved $800 over five years to buy him a piano, igniting his passion for music. This modest investment turned into a lifelong career spanning decades, proving to be money well spent.

Early Years and Musical Beginnings

Barry started his academic journey at City College of New York before transferring to the New York College of Music. He later attended the prestigious Juilliard School, focusing on musical theater. During this period, he worked as a log clerk at CBS to support himself. It was also during this time that Barry fell in love with Susan Deixler, his high school sweetheart. At just 21 years old, the two married. However, their union was short-lived, lasting only two years.

Reflecting on the split, Barry admitted he wasn’t ready for the responsibilities of marriage. “I was out creating music every night,” he said. “I wasn’t ready to settle down; I was too young.” His focus was firmly set on his burgeoning music career, and the demands of marriage couldn’t compete with his passion for creating melodies.

The Road to Success

Before Barry became a household name, he spent years writing jingles for commercials—a craft that sharpened his skills in creating catchy melodies. One of his most notable achievements in this period was a Dr. Pepper commercial that, as he humorously recalled, “paid the rent for years.”

Barry explained the competitive nature of commercial songwriting to WHRB: “The only way you can compete with other songwriters for a commercial is to write the catchiest melody in fifteen seconds. If yours isn’t the best, someone else gets the job.”

This experience not only honed his songwriting abilities but also laid the foundation for his later success in pop music. “Pop music is all about catchy melodies, hooks, and choruses,” he shared. “When I eventually started composing pop songs, those years writing jingles proved incredibly helpful.”

In 1973, Barry released his debut album, Barry Manilow, but it wasn’t an immediate success. It wasn’t until a year later, with his single Daisy, that he started gaining recognition. Soon after, chart-topping hits like I Write the Songs, Could It Be Magic, and Copacabana (At the Copa) solidified his place in the music industry.

Fanilows and Career Milestones

Within five years of releasing his first album, Barry had five albums and ten singles simultaneously topping the charts. His growing fan base, affectionately dubbed “Fanilows,” became a testament to his widespread appeal.

Despite his public success, Barry carried a private burden for much of his life. It wasn’t until 2017, at the age of 73, that he came out as gay, revealing he had been in a relationship with Garry Kief for nearly 40 years. The two had married privately in 2014 at their Palm Springs home.

A Love That Stood the Test of Time

Barry and Garry first met in 1978 and began dating shortly thereafter. Reflecting on their relationship, Barry said, “I knew this was it when I met Garry. Before him, I was pretty lonely.” Their partnership extended beyond romance, with Garry serving as the President of Barry Manilow Productions and managing Barry’s career. Together, they raised Garry’s biological daughter, Kristen.

Barry admitted that societal attitudes toward homosexuality made him hesitant to come out earlier. “Being gay wasn’t as accepted back then as it is now,” he explained. “I was afraid of how people would react and worried it could affect my career.”

However, coming out brought Barry a newfound sense of freedom and joy. “Nothing has changed except the overwhelming love and support from my fans,” he shared.

A Lasting Partnership Built on Respect

Barry attributes the success of their decades-long relationship to mutual respect. “We’ve never had disagreements,” he told the Chicago Sun-Times. “Garry is the smartest person I know. He handles the business side of my career while I focus on the music. Together, we map out our goals.”

Barry hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire others. “Maybe coming out will cheer people up or show young people that they, too, can succeed. For us, it’s been a truly happy love story.”

The Man Behind the Music

In addition to his musical achievements, Barry has been candid about his numerous plastic surgeries. While he doesn’t shy away from admitting he’s undergone procedures, he’s quick to dismiss comparisons to other public figures. “I’m just lucky,” he joked on the British morning show This Morning. “But I’m getting older—don’t remind me!”

Despite the challenges he’s faced, Barry remains a beacon of resilience and authenticity. His story is one of unwavering dedication to his craft and the courage to embrace his identity.

Legacy of a Music Icon

Today, Barry Manilow is celebrated not only for his timeless music but also for his bravery in living his truth. His journey serves as an inspiration for countless fans, proving that success is not just about talent but also about being true to oneself.