Barry Manilow: The Biography: Barry Manilow - The Biography

by Patricia Butler

Biographer Patricia Butler unravels the strange stories behind Manilow's Brooklyn upbringing, his change from youthful executive to freelance musician and his dramatic partnership with Bette Midler.

Genres: Biography Memoir, Biography

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2001

Reviews

[Kendra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Timelines were all over the place. Info about a bunch of other celebrities that didn’t even need a place in this book. LOTS of hearsay. Total disappointment. Will read his autobiography to get the real story of his life.

[Paul White · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been a lover of Manilow's music since the late 70s and thought that it would be good to read a biography and autobiography to get different views of his life. Whether you love or hate him his accomplishments show that millions adore his music, or maybe just him.

Sadly, I found that this book digressed too much from the person. The introduction appears to have been well researched as it covered this parent's and grandparent's and how their relationships will have impacted the young Barry Manilow. However, once it reached the point where he started to make a living from music it deviated and became very opinion based from comments made from interviews with associates, fans or others in the industry. I don't recall one interview or conversation between the author and subject.

I am not questioning the validity of the content or opinions. I would just have preferred to read about his relationships with songwriters and Clive Davis rather than a fan who is so in love with him that she refuses to share a bed with her husband because it would be unfaithful to her idol.

[Diana Thieman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read. I couldn’t put it down. Bravo to the author for such an enlightening yet unbiased biography after an over abundance of interviews and research.

He has and continues to go through a lot of crap but he doesn’t let it change his principles. He perseveres through all the pain. I could say a lot more but I do not want to spoil this must read biography.

[pat :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good read for a fan of Barry like myself, not so sure if somebody who isn't a fan of his would be interested in the longer stuff but the stuff about his day to day life before becoming famous seems interesting in that regard. overall a fun read :)

[Stephen Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best biography of a singer!!! Best part is when Barry sings "Mandy!!!!!"

[Trevor Seech-Hrvatin · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can very much tell that the last few chapters were the book the author wanted to write.

Regardless, it is an entertaining read about one of my favorite musicians.

[Donna Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

i tried finishing this book. I love Barry Manilow...but it was so boring i had to quit.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating man.