What Happened to Barry Manilow?

Barry Manilow, born Barry Alan Pincus in Brooklyn, New York, in 1943, rose to prominence in the 1970s, establishing himself as a global superstar with a string of chart-topping hits and a distinctive blend of pop, adult contemporary, and show tunes. His career began significantly when he became Bette Midler's musical director, arranger, and pianist in 1971, which led to his own solo recording contract. His breakthrough came in 1975 with the single 'Mandy,' which became his first number-one hit.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Manilow solidified his status with iconic songs such as 'I Write the Songs,' 'Looks Like We Made It,' 'Can't Smile Without You,' and the Grammy Award-winning 'Copacabana (At the Copa).' He became known for his engaging live performances, selling out venues worldwide and setting box-office records. His influence extended beyond performing, as he also produced Grammy-nominated albums for other artists and composed numerous memorable advertising jingles. In 2002, his significant contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In recent years, Manilow has maintained a robust schedule, including a highly successful Las Vegas residency, 'Manilow: Las Vegas – The Hits Come Home!', which debuted in 2018 and has consistently garnered rave reviews and sold-out audiences. Beyond his performances, he founded the Manilow Music Project, a philanthropic endeavor that has donated millions of dollars in instruments and resources to schools across the country, emphasizing his commitment to music education.

In late 2025, Manilow faced a significant health challenge when he was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer in December. He underwent surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his left lung, sharing the news with fans via Instagram. Following the surgery, his recovery necessitated the postponement of several scheduled 2026 farewell tour dates and February Las Vegas residency shows. He provided updates on his health, indicating a longer recovery period than initially anticipated.

As of April 2026, Barry Manilow is reportedly recovering well and has been seen in public, smiling in New York City. While some April 2026 tour dates were again postponed due to ongoing doctor's orders, many have been rescheduled for later in the year, including his Las Vegas residency, which is set to resume in May 2026. Demonstrating his enduring passion for music, Manilow announced in March 2026 that he would release his first new studio album in nearly 15 years, titled 'What A Time,' on June 5, 2026. His new single, 'Once Before I Go,' also reached the Top 10 on the Adult Contemporary Chart in March 2026, extending his chart presence to six decades.

Manilow's personal life also gained public attention when he revealed his marriage to his long-time manager, Garry Kief, in 2014, after decades together. They waited for same-sex marriage to become legal in California to formalize their union. The couple has also raised Kief's daughter, Kirsten, and became grandparents in 2023. Manilow continues to be a beloved figure in entertainment, balancing his health recovery with ongoing musical projects and performances, maintaining his connection with his dedicated fanbase.