Cliff’s Reviews > Barry Manilow: The Biography: Barry Manilow - The Biography > Status Update

Looks like we made it, and we definitely made it through the rain with Barry through the years. It does not matter what the critics or naysayers say. What matters is that we, as fans, had a special and unforgettable experience. Thank you for the music, Barry. (",)

We've reached almost the end of this biography, and yet we've learned little insights from Barry's life apart from what we already knew over the passing years. The biographer (non-official it seems) relies heavily on gossip and hearsay from non-fans and other artists who usually denigrate Barry, such as Phil Collins and Bob Dylan. I should like to know more about Barry's activities, perspectives on his songs/ albums.

Roberta Kent - a close friend who manages Barry's interaction with his fans. 2AM Paradise Cafe - Barry's jazz-oriented album where he explores his serious artistry for a change of scenery form his usual fare of commercial pop songs.

Fanilows, particularly his most ardent female fans fan the flames of Manimania at its peak. We read sample stories here about their obsession, fantasizing sexually which I find ironic since they haven't yet known he is gay. He has sold the illusion really well. I read elsewhere he never disclosed his sexuality during this time for fear of losing his fan base. Barry also wants to do serious music not just pop music.

Fanilows, particularly his most ardent female fans fan the flames of Manimania at its peak. We read sample stories here about their obsession, fantasizing sexually which I find ironic since they haven't yet known he is gay. He has sold the illusion really well. I read elsewhere he never disclosed his sexuality during this time for fear of losing his fan base. Barry also wants to do serious music not just pop music.

At this point, Barry has achieved superstar status in the advent of 4 bestselling albums. This is the late 70's. He meets future husband Garry Kief and becomes his new manager without any music background. Barry changes his organization and opts not to work with friends, somewhat alienating them...

Solo act and disengagement from Bette Midler. Meet up with Clive Davis. Mandy. Lady Flash. Linda Allen

The Continental Baths. Bette Midler. Ron Dante. Barry's first album. His first breakout as a budding singer, no longer an accompanist.

This is the part where Barry's sexuality is addressed. Had I read this about this twenty years ago when this book was released, I would have been scandalized! I think I’ve always known he is gay as any fan would have figured out as time passed on. I mean, with legions of adoring woman fans over the years, there is no known partner, girlfriend or wife or any significant other whom Barry would have a fling on?

I'm a very big fan of Barry Manilow - a true blue Fanilow! I've grown up listening to all of his music. It is so no wonderment that I would be interested in all of his roots and humble beginnings. He was once an ordinary person with ordinary problems. In this biography, we are presented with a somewhat gossipy perspective of how his parents met and of their separation and later remarrying to different partners.