Barry Manilow’s journey into the entertainment industry began when his mother, Edna, and stepfather, Willie Murphy, bought him a piano for $800, which took them five years to pay off. This investment paid off immensely as Barry built a career spanning decades.
Barry initially attended the City College of New York before moving on to the New York College of Music and later the Juilliard School, where he studied musical theater. He also worked as a log clerk at CBS during this time.
Early Love and Career Beginnings
Barry married his high-school sweetheart, Susan Deixler, at 21, but their marriage lasted only about two years. Barry wasn’t ready to settle down, being heavily involved in his music career. “I just was not ready for marriage,” he said. “I was out making music every night, sowing my wild oats.”
Before his breakthrough, Barry wrote songs for commercials, including a Dr. Pepper jingle that “paid the rent for years.” He explained to WHRB that his knack for catchy melodies helped him succeed in writing jingles and later pop songs.
Breakthrough and Success
In 1973, Barry released his debut album, which didn’t immediately succeed. However, his 1974 single “Mandy” catapulted him to fame. Hits like “I Write the Songs,” “Could It Be Magic,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa)” followed. Within five years, Barry had five albums on the best-selling charts simultaneously and ten No. 1 singles, earning a massive fan base known as “Fanilows.”
Revealing a Long-Held Secret
For most of his life, Barry kept a secret. At 73, he came out as gay and revealed that he had been in a relationship with Garry Kief for nearly 40 years. They married in 2014 at their Palm Springs estate. Barry and Garry met in 1978, and Garry, who also manages Barry’s career, is the president of Barry Manilow Productions.
Barry explained that he kept his sexuality a secret for fear of how it might affect his career. Today, he’s glad he shared his truth, as his fans have been supportive and happy for him.
A Lasting Relationship
Barry and Garry raised Garry’s biological daughter, Kristen, together. Barry describes their relationship as built on respect, with no major conflicts. “Garry’s the smartest guy I’ve ever met. He’s a great manager,” Barry told the Chicago Sun-Times. “It’s about two guys who made it through 40 years.”
Barry hopes their story will inspire others. “Maybe it will make people feel good. Maybe it will inspire some young people that they can do it, too.”
On Aging and Plastic Surgery
Barry has also been open about undergoing plastic surgeries, though he prefers not to be seen as the “Joan Rivers of the guys.” He attributes his youthful appearance to luck. “I’m really very old, please let’s not talk about it,” he joked on the British morning show This Morning.
Barry Manilow’s courageous decision to come out and his enduring love story with Garry Kief is truly inspiring.
