Barry Manilow
Early Evaluation of Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow was initially signed to Bell Records before Clive Davis took over and rebranded the label as Arista Records. Manilow’s first album, Barry Manilow, had been a commercial disappointment, selling only 10,000 copies. Despite this, Clive evaluated him as part of the Bell roster and attended a performance at the Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park on June 24, 1974, where Manilow opened for Dionne Warwick. Clive was impressed by Barry’s vocal talent, engaging stage presence, and the audience’s warm reception, particularly during his “Very Strange Medley” of commercial jingles. Clive saw star potential in Manilow and decided to retain him as an Arista artist.
The Discovery of “Mandy”
Barry was already working on his second album when Clive suggested a crucial addition: the song “Brandy,” a moderate U.K. hit written by Scott English and Richard Kerr. Clive reimagined the song as a ballad, retitled it “Mandy” to avoid confusion with another hit song, and worked closely with Barry to refine the arrangement. Barry’s rendition of “Mandy” became the first single off his album Barry Manilow II, released in October 1974, and marked Arista’s first major release. The single soared to number one, establishing both Manilow as a star and Arista Records as a serious contender in the music industry.
Early Successes and Tensions
Following the success of “Mandy,” Barry Manilow II reached the Top 10 and became a million-seller. Subsequent singles like “It’s a Miracle” (number 12) and a re-release of “Could It Be Magic” (number 6) cemented Barry’s popularity. However, tensions arose as Clive and Barry had differing visions for his career. Barry saw himself as a singer-songwriter in the mold of Elton John and Billy Joel, while Clive viewed him as a pop singer and entertainer who needed defining hits, regardless of whether he wrote them.
This conflict peaked during the production of Barry’s third album, Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again. Clive suggested “I Write the Songs,” written by Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys, as a single. Initially resistant, Barry eventually recorded it after significant persuasion. The single became another number-one hit and earned Johnston a Grammy for Song of the Year, though Barry lost in the Record of the Year category. Despite its success, the song highlighted the underlying tension between Barry’s identity as a songwriter and his reliance on outside material.
Continued Hits and “Manilow Mania”
Barry maintained a string of hits through the late 1970s and early 1980s, including:
“Weekend in New England”
“Can’t Smile Without You”
“Looks Like We Made It”
“Somewhere in the Night”
“I Made It Through the Rain”
Barry’s albums consistently performed well, with Barry Manilow Live (1977) reaching number one and selling over 3 million copies. His TV specials, like The Barry Manilow Special, drew massive audiences, further solidifying his status as a pop icon. In the U.K., his popularity reached “Beatles-level” frenzy, with tabloids coining the term “Manilow Mania.” In 1982, Barry Live in Britain debuted at number one in the U.K., making him the first American artist to achieve that milestone.
Departure and Reunion with Arista
In 1985, Barry left Arista for RCA, releasing albums like Manilow and the soundtrack to Copacabana: The Movie. These efforts failed to replicate his earlier success. By 1987, Barry returned to Arista, and the two began collaborating on a series of successful concept albums, including:
Swing Street
The Greatest Songs of the Fifties (2006, debuted at number one)
The Greatest Songs of the Sixties
The Greatest Songs of the Seventies
The Greatest Songs of the Eighties
These projects kept Barry relevant in an evolving music landscape and provided fresh material for his live shows.
Legacy and Continued Collaboration
Barry Manilow’s career has spanned decades, with over 25 Top 40 singles and numerous gold and platinum albums. His hits have become perennials, ensuring his place in the pop pantheon. Clive and Barry’s professional relationship evolved into a lasting friendship, marked by mutual respect despite their early differences. Their collaborations have been celebrated through events like Arista’s 25th Anniversary Special and Barry’s induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.
Facts from the Narrative
Initial Signing: Barry Manilow was signed to Bell Records and retained by Clive when Arista launched.
First Major Hit: “Mandy” became Barry’s breakout hit, reaching number one and marking Arista’s first major success.
Chart Success: Between 1974 and 1983, Barry had 25 Top 40 singles, including “It’s a Miracle,” “Looks Like We Made It,” and “I Write the Songs.”
Concept Albums: Barry’s return to Arista in 1987 led to a series of successful concept albums, starting with The Greatest Songs of the Fifties (2006), which debuted at number one.
Television Specials: Barry’s TV specials, such as The Barry Manilow Special, attracted millions of viewers and won awards, including an Emmy.
International Fame: In the U.K., “Manilow Mania” reached a fever pitch, with Barry achieving multiple chart-topping albums.
Grammy Recognition: “I Write the Songs” earned Bruce Johnston a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1975, with Barry nominated for Record of the Year.
Arista Milestone: Barry’s work was critical to establishing Arista as a top label, generating both financial success and industry credibility.
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