Journale 12

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A ROCKLINE! FLASHBACK: 1983
Barry Manilow Then, Now ... Forever! RockLine! Salutes One Of The Most Successful Music Makers Ever! Call his music romantic, call it smaltzy, melodic or sugar-coated - whatever your opinion, you can't deny that people all over have been calling it some-thing... and that means Barry Manilow's music has been recognized for a long, long time.
It all began from rather humble beginnings - the place, Brooklyn, New York; the year, 1946. A shy child, abandoned by his truck-driver father and raised by his mom Edna and Grandpa Joe, Barry developed an early love for music. "It was always there," he remembers - his mom had a penchant for melodies and the youngster took accordian and piano lessons. He soon began composing his own music.
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The Early Years: A Behind-The-Scenes Kind Of Guy It would be quite a stretch between those early days and his first recording contract: Barry attended the New York College of Music and the Juilliard School. He worked at odd jobs to support himself until the music happened, doing a stint at the CBS mailroom and many a gig playing for other performers. He made a name for himself as an arranger, conductor and record producer - and a good one. He might have remained a very successful behind-the-scenes arranger had a lady by the name of Bette Midler not asked him to go on tour as her musical director. Encouraged by 'the divine Miss M' to spotlight his own music in a solo spot between the first and second halves of her act, Barry began his performing career. That is, he nervously began. For despite his obvious talent, Barry was devastatingly shy and singing alone in front of an audience was terrifying. But he did it - and lo and behold, audiences loved it. In 1974, he signed a contract with Bell (now Arista) Records and released Barry Manilow, his debut LP. Though the tune "Could It Be Magic" was on that one, it wasn't a single and Barry went hitless that very first time around. This early publicity shot shows Barry, too shy to face the camera, but trying to 'look cool' with a cigarette in his hand. Since that time, he's proudly quit smoking.
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Into The Limelight
Through the years, his shyness subsided - at least on stage. Barry learned to put on a concert that people remembered - a combination of razzle-dazzle showmanship and his very real sincerity and vulnerability. His costumes ranged from glittery show-stoppers to boy-next-door sweatshirts and glasses.
The songs he sang quickly became hits - from his secound LP (Barry Manilow ll) onward, he's had one hit after another. "Mandy" was his first gold single - it was followed by "It's A Miracle," "Could It Be Magic," "I Write The Songs," and "Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again."
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The Private Man
Of course, he was never completely alone - his friends were a select few musical buddies who worked behind the scenes with him. And of course, there's always been mom Edna - Barry's staunchest supporter once attempted an acting/singing career of her own, but it quickly fizzled. Mom and son are still very close.
In the fact of criticism leveled at his middle-of-the-road music, Barry has continued to thrill audiences the world over. His concerts were instant sellouts - in Europe as well as in the USA and Canada. New York City's prestigious Broadway proved a successful showcase - and earned him a Tony award.
But the most beloved female in his life has always been beagle Bagel - now a grandmother (Barry also owns her progeny Biscuit), she's been ever faithful to her musical master.
Television beckoned and Barry responded. He's starred in three specials - the first of which won an Emmy Award. Guest John Denver teamed up with Barry for one such airing - ratings went through the roof. In 1979, Barry received his first Grammy Award - it was for his rendition of "Copacabana". Other hits in the latter half of the '70s were "This One's For You", "Weekend In New England," "Looks Like We Made It," "Even Now," and "Somewhere In The Night." .
The Private Man For all his outward flash, the man behind the music remained as insecure as ever. He preferred solitude and didn't venture into the world of celebrity at all. Barry allowed few non-performing pictures of himself to be taken - this is one at his New York City apartment, indulging in a favorite game, backgammon. Other Manilow passions included reading (scary novels), doing crossword puzzles, and going to the movies.
The VIP's of the human kind in Barry's life through the years have included (standing) Clive Davis (president of Arista Records), and manager Miles Lourie (though it's rumored the two are redefining their relationship). Linda Allen used to be his lady, but that's changed. Perhaps it was because Barry's realized that "I'm married to my work - my songs are my children." Or perhaps there are other reasons. The very private Barry isn't saying. Maintaining that tightly guarded privacy has been a chore, but for Barry, it's a necessity. The only way he's been able to handle his overwhelming fame has been his way. That includes the elaborate security around his Bel Air, Cal. home. It is protected by devices, he told an interviewer, "That will blow your brains out if things go off."
In August, 1980, Barry was honored by the Hollywood Chamber Of Commerce with his own star on the Walk Of Fame - and his very own Barry Manilow Day!
Barry Manilow - Then, Now... & Forever
Though the '80s started out well enough for the man who writes the songs, Barry's had his share of disappointments as well these past two years. The movie project he's been looking for, has so far not materialized (a promising film with Frank Sinatra fizzled), and his latest album, "If I Should Love Again," didn't really have the impact of his previous work. The 1982 single, "Oh, Julie" was Barry's most disappointing ever. He began a much balleyhooed tour of Europe, only to have to cancel due to illness. In all fairness, he's not exactly floundering. He's excited by Francis (his talented hand helped bring Dionne Warwick a hit LP): And there is the possibility of a CBS-TV movie in the offing... Barry would play a foster father. And though his new studio LP won't be out until late next month, Barry did release an EP (Extended Play) record a short while back: it included "Oh, Julie" plus the oldie, "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter" and two other tunes. That form was not only new for him, it's never been done by an artist in his league - yes, it was a gamble (and the returns on its success are still coming in) but it appears that Barry's ready for a risk or two. Though the year's not been his best, Barry's clearly bouncing back - whether it's a brand-new Barry you'll see in '83 with a change of career direction, or more of the same music you've come to expect, RockLine!'s looking toward a banner year.
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RockLine 1980
Barry Manilow DON'T COME TOO CLOSE! He just Wants To Be The One In Your Life - But He's Not Too Sure He Wants Anyone In His! You listen to Barry's beautiful love songs and the words go straight to your heart. You see him on his TV specials and this adorable music man is so down-to-earth, so real that you could almost reach out and touch him. You'd give anything to meet Barry face to face and tell him how much his music means to you - it's your number-one dream! But you might as well forget it ' cause you're never gonna find him - Barry hardly ever goes out in public! The Hermit Of Beverly Hills Could the same sweet singer who seems to love his fans and thrive on their approval really want to avoid them when the cameras stop rolling? The answer is yes, but Barry isn't singling out his fans in his search for privacy - he does his best to avoid people in general! The solid walls of his California house and a tight (ver-r-ry tight!) circle of friends and business associates shield Barry from the outside world - and that's just the way he wants it. This may sound shocking since Barry seems to go out of his way to be close to his TV and concert audiences - he jokes with them, kisses a lucky few, and truly appreciates the roses and other gifts tossed at his feet. Is Barry Manilow a phony? Could that lovable on-stage personality be a put-on-a friendliness that disappears when the show is over? Definitely not! It's hateful rumors like this that sent Barry into seclusion in the first place and made him mistrust the press. He may have a lot of money but music and his beloved beagle "Bagel" are the only important things to Barry - and he worries that you'll get the wrong impression of him because he has homes on both coasts and rides around in limousines. In fact, Barry worries about everything. He gives few interviews because some reporters have said nasty things about his appearance and his music, and super-sensitive Barry didn't take that very well at all. It's hard enough getting up there in front of thousands of people (millions on TV!) without someone calling you "awkward" and your music corney and over-sentimental! Barry was scared to death when "Mandy" became a number-one hit and made him a celebrity - he was thrilled, of course, but the pressure to produce more hits grew even greater! Many hit albums later, Barry still feels the same pressure to improve, and the on-stage nervousness is still there - though he's learned to hide it better! Not only is Barry a perfectionist, he's terribly insecure - he worries that he'll say something he shouldn't, which makes him even more careful about talking to the press. It isn't enough proof that his concerts sell out in minutes and his TV specials run away with the ratings - Barry still worries about his career. He bites his nails to the quick, occasionally loses his temper when things aren't going just right, and he's petrified of getting sick - if he had to cancel a concert or stop work because of illness he'd be letting others down. Barry feels a genuine responsibility to give his all to his music, all the time. He only goes to parties he has to attend, receptions where his presence is required for business and awards ceremonies when he's a presenter or nominee - he'd much rather be home with "Bagel" and his music. But something's missing from Barry's super-dedicated life - it's love. The musical master of the love song has left no place in his own life for romance!
The human wall - Arista Records president Clive Davis, manager Miles Lourie, and best friend Linda Allen are super-protective of Barry!
Life sure is lonely at the top!
Winning the Emmy award was a thrill - but can it keep him company?
Hiding From Love Doesn't Barry want to be somebody's baby? It doesn't look like it - Barry's made a firm choice between his heart and his art, and it makes for a very lonely life. Besides "Bagel," Barry's only close friend is long-time pal Linda Allen, but he insists that marriage isn't a possibility now or in the future. Bitter memories of his disastrous first marriage make Barry leary of commitment - he's just not ready to take a chance again. Barry's world is lonely, but he's got his work, his stereo, books, and word games to keep him busy - meanwhile, the car he recently learned to drive sits in the driveway while Barry stays in his shell. If nothing else, his solitude is great inspiration for all his songs about heartbreak! "The hardest part is coming home to nobody," Barry says - but he'd rather be alone than expose himself to the pain relationships can cause. His greatest satisfaction comes from making music and seeing that you enjoy it - the sound of your applause and the love inside your letters (yes, he reads them) are enough to make him happy for now. The wall between you and Barry may not make you happy, but that's the way it has to be - just remember that he really does care for you, and if you can accept the idea of knowing and loving him through his music you'll be a very understanding fan!