Barry Manilow facts every fan should know: Songs, age, partner and more

21 March 2022, 11:05 | Updated: 10 March 2023, 13:14

Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow. Picture: Getty

By Tom Eames

Barry Manilow is one of the most popular singer-songwriters of all time, selling hundreds of millions of records over the past five decades.

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The 'Could It Be Magic' singer continues to sell out arenas around the world, and shows no signs of slowing down as he nears his 80th birthday.

Here are all the important facts about Barry every fan should know:

  1. Who is Barry Manilow and what are his biggest songs?

    Barry Manilow - Mandy • TopPop

    Barry Manilow is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, musician and producer. He has been performing and recording for over 50 years.

    Among his most famous songs include:

    - Could It Be Magic
    - Mandy
    - I Write the Songs
    - Can't Smile Without You
    - Copacabana (At the Copa)
    - Weekend in New England
    - Looks Like We Made It

    He has also produced albums for many artists include Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson and Sarah Vaughan.

    He has sold over 75 million records as a solo artist worldwide, making him one of the world's best-selling artists.

  2. What is his real name and where was he born?

    He was born Barry Alan Pincus in Brooklyn, New York, and was the son of Edna Manilow and Harold Pincus.

    His father was born to a Jewish father, and an Irish-American Catholic mother, while his maternal grandparents were of Russian Jewish origins.

    Barry grew up in Brooklyn, and later enrolled in the City College of New York, where he studied before entering the New York College of Music.

  3. Barry Manilow age: How old is he?

    Barry Manilow in 2018
    Barry Manilow in 2018. Picture: Getty

    Barry was born on June 17, 1943.

    He celebrated his 78th birthday in 2021.

  4. Is Barry Manilow married?

    Barry Manilow and husband Garry Kief
    Barry Manilow and husband Garry Kief. Picture: Getty

    Barry married his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler, in 1964. However, the marriage was annulled in 1966.

    He privately came out as gay several years later, and in 1978, began a relationship with TV executive Garry Kief, who also became his manager.

    The pair married in 2014, after same-sex marriage became legal in California. They kept the relationship and his sexual orientation secret until the marriage became public in 2015.

    Barry officially came out in April 2017, telling People that he preferred to keep his sexual orientation quiet, as it worried him that it would disappoint his female fan base.