For Barry Manilow, it all started when he decided to pursue his dream of being part of the entertainment industry. He got involved with music ever since his mother Edna and his stepfather Willie Murphy bought him a piano for $800, which took them five years to pay off. It turned out it was money well invested, as Barry would eventually make a name for himself and a career which spans decades.

Barry Manilow’s career began when his mother and stepfather bought him a piano, a gift that inspired his lifelong love for music. He studied at the City College of New York, the New York College of Music, and the Juilliard School, all while working at CBS. Early in his career, he wrote jingles for commercials, including a Dr. Pepper ad that supported him for years. This work sharpened his skill for writing catchy melodies, a talent that became central to his later pop success.

In 1973, he released his debut album, but it was his 1974 single “Mandy” that brought him fame, followed by hits like “I Write the Songs,” “Could It Be Magic,” and “Copacabana.” By the late 1970s, he had five albums on the charts at once and a passionate fan base nicknamed “Fanilows.”

At 21, Manilow married his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler, but the marriage ended after two years as he focused on music. Decades later, in 2017, he publicly came out as gay at age 73, revealing his nearly 40-year relationship with Garry Kief, his manager and now husband, whom he married in 2014. The couple has raised Garry’s daughter, Kristen, and share a relationship Manilow describes as built on deep respect and teamwork.

He has also spoken openly about undergoing plastic surgery, though he downplays his youthful appearance as “just luck.” Despite keeping his personal life private for most of his career, Manilow says coming out was positive, and he hopes his story encourages others. Today, he continues to be celebrated for both his enduring music and his inspiring personal journey.