Barry Manilow Journey: Barry Manilow, the renowned crooner, revealed that his decision to publicly come out as gay at the age of 73 was influenced by various factors. During an interview on HBO’s “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace,” Manilow discussed why he hadn’t disclosed his sexuality earlier.
Chris Wallace inquired about Manilow’s first marriage, questioning if his sexuality played a role in its dissolution. While Manilow expressed genuine love for his first wife, he acknowledged the significant impact of his “gay thing” that he couldn’t deny. The singer met Garry Kief in 1978, later marrying him in a private ceremony in 2014.
When asked why it took until 2017 for Manilow to publicly come out, he explained that it never occurred to him that it would become public knowledge. Despite being together with Kief for a long time, Manilow didn’t anticipate the revelation. The singer noted that the societal landscape was different in the ’70s, and being openly gay could have harmed a career. Clive Davis, his associate, subtly warned him about potential consequences, advising him not to disclose his sexuality.
Manilow admitted feeling uncomfortable discussing his personal life in the ’70s and emphasized the private nature of his relationships. He preferred to focus on his music, finding discussions about his personal life “creepy.”
Upon finally coming out in 2017, Manilow experienced a positive response from his fans, describing it as a “beautiful experience.” He realized that his fans cared about his happiness, and the public’s acceptance reflected the changing attitudes towards LGBTQ issues.
Our Reader’s Queries
How did Barry Manilow get his start?
Manilow began his career as a commercial jingle writer and singer before becoming a Grammy-winning musician and selling out shows. In 2009, he received an honorary CLIO Award for his early work in the advertising field.
Who sang Mandy originally?
The song “Brandy”, which was later known as “Mandy”, was penned by Scott English and Richard Kerr. In 1971, it was first sung by English and made its way to the top 20 of the UK Singles Chart.
What was Barry Manilow’s first big hit?
On January 18, 1975, Barry Manilow hit the top spot with his first #1 single, Mandy. Throughout his career, he sold over 75 million records, solidifying his place in music history.