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In the world of music, Barry Manilow stands as an iconic figure, known for his distinctive voice and remarkable songwriting abilities. But beyond his musical talents, there’s a love story that has captured the hearts of many – the marriage of Barry Manilow to his longtime partner, Garry Kief. In this article, we will delve into the details of this relationship, Barry Manilow’s career, and the intriguing facets of his life. So, is Barry Manilow married? Let’s explore.
Barry Manilow’s Private Ceremony
Barry Manilow, the iconic singer whose career took off in the early 1960s, surprised the public in April 2014 when he married his longtime partner, Garry Kief. The couple had been together since 1978 but had kept their relationship largely private, with Manilow not publicly coming out as gay until 2017. Their low-key wedding took place at their expansive 53-acre home in Palm Springs, California. Despite being in the public eye for decades, Manilow’s personal life had remained relatively under wraps until the announcement of his marriage to Kief.
In a revelation that garnered widespread attention, Barry Manilow and Garry Kief, who first crossed paths in 1978, finally tied the knot in April 2014. Despite Manilow’s illustrious career spanning several decades, his relationship with Kief remained discreet until the announcement of their marriage a year later. The couple opted for a private ceremony at their residence in Palm Springs, California, maintaining the intimacy that characterized their enduring relationship, which had quietly flourished for over three decades.
Who is Barry Manilow?
Barry Manilow, born Barry Alan Pincus on June 17, 1943, is an acclaimed American singer and songwriter whose illustrious career spans an impressive seven decades. Known for his distinctive voice and remarkable songwriting abilities, Manilow has left an indelible mark on the music industry with a string of hit recordings. Some of his most iconic songs include “Mandy,” “Copacabana (At the Copa),” “Could It Be Magic,” and “I Write the Songs.”
Throughout his prolific career, Manilow has achieved remarkable success on the Adult Contemporary Chart, boasting 51 Top 40 singles, including 13 that reached the number one spot. His influence extends beyond solo performances, as he has also excelled in producing and arranging albums for both himself and other artists. Despite not always being a favorite among music critics, Manilow’s talent has been recognized and praised by peers in the industry, with legendary figures like Frank Sinatra acknowledging his significance, once stating, “He’s next.”
Birth Name | Barry Alan Pincus |
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Gender | Male |
Born | June 17, 1943 (age 80) |
Born Place | New York City, US |
Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter, Producer |
Genres | Soft Rock |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, Piano |
Years Active | 1964–present |
Labels | Bell, Arista, RCA, Concord, Verve |
Spouse(s) | Susan Deixler (m. 1964; ann. 1966) and Garry Kief (m. 2014) |
In addition to his chart-topping achievements, Manilow has contributed his musical prowess to various mediums, writing and performing songs for musicals, films, and corporate commercials. With over 85 million records sold worldwide as a solo artist, Barry Manilow stands as one of the bestselling artists globally, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of music.
Who is Barry Manilow Married to?
Barry Manilow is married to Garry Kief, who not only holds the significant role of being Manilow’s spouse but also serves as his longtime manager. Their relationship extends beyond the personal sphere into the professional, with Kief managing the career of the iconic singer. In addition to guiding Manilow’s successful journey in the music industry, Kief has a noteworthy professional portfolio as the president and CEO of Stiletto Entertainment, where he has worked with other notable figures such as jazz singer Matt Dusk and actress Lorna Luft, the daughter of Judy Garland and half-sister to Liza Minnelli.
Garry Kief’s influence in the entertainment industry goes beyond his management role, as he also holds the position of trustee for the Judy Garland Heirs Trust, according to Deadline. Despite the couple’s private nature, fans have warmly embraced the union of Barry Manilow and Garry Kief, expressing support and enthusiasm for the singer’s personal and professional life.
Barry Manilow’s Ex-Wife
Barry Manilow’s ex-wife, Susan Deixler, played a significant role in the legendary singer’s early life. Manilow’s journey began in Brooklyn, where he developed his passion for music. Despite his initial commitment to Susan, whom he married in 1964 in a ceremony conducted by a Rabbi in alignment with her Jewish heritage, their union faced challenges. Manilow, recognized as the best musician in his high school yearbook, was deeply in love with Susan, prioritizing their relationship over his budding music career, to the concern of some friends.
However, the couple’s love story unfolded differently than expected, as they separated after only a year of marriage. Barry Manilow’s devotion to music eventually took precedence over his relationship with Susan, leading to their divorce. Susan, left at home while Manilow pursued his musical dreams, filed for an annulment, and though she never remarried, she went on to have two children, Pauline and Danny. Opting for a career in holistic healing, Susan chose a quiet and private life, eventually finding it in her heart to forgive her former husband despite earlier grievances.
Barry Manilow’s Career
Barry Manilow’s illustrious career spans several decades, marked by diverse accomplishments in the music industry. In 1967, he became the musical director for the CBS network television show and ventured into creating memorable jingles for commercials, notably for brands like ‘Band-Aid’ and ‘Dr. Pepper.’ In the early ’70s, Manilow collaborated with Bette Midler on her sophomore releases, ‘The Divine Miss M’ and ‘Bette Midler.’
His solo career took off in 1973 with the release of his debut album, ‘Barry Manilow,’ and its subsequent remix and re-release two years later. The 1970s proved to be a prolific period for Manilow, with hit albums like ‘Barry Manilow II’ featuring the iconic song “Mandy” and ‘Tryin’ to Get the Feeling,’ which went triple platinum in the United States.
The late ’70s saw Manilow’s foray into television specials for ABC, and in 1978, he released the successful ‘Even Now’ album, followed by ‘Manilow Magic – the Best of Barry Manilow.’ Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, he continued to release albums, explore diverse musical genres, and achieve commercial success with hits like “Ships” from the album ‘One Voice.’
Manilow’s career extended into the 2000s, with notable releases such as ‘Ultimate Manilow,’ ‘Scores: Songs from Copacabana & Harmony,’ and ‘The Greatest Songs of the Fifties.’ His contribution to Broadway musical scores and numerous albums, including ‘The Greatest Love Songs of all Time,’ showcase his versatility. In the later years, Manilow remained active with releases like ’15 Minutes’ and continued his engagement with live performances, earning accolades such as an Emmy Award for ‘Barry Manilow: Music and Passion.’ His enduring career, marked by consistent creativity and versatility, has solidified his status as a musical icon.
Barry Manilow’s Early Life
Barry Manilow, originally named Barry Alan Pincus, entered the world on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York. Born to Edna Manilow and Harold Kelliher, a truck driver of Irish descent, his early life was marked by the complexities of family dynamics. Barry’s parents divorced when he was an infant, and due to his mother’s Jewish family’s strict rules, he had no contact with his father. Barry’s maternal grandparents were Russian Jewish immigrants, and his paternal background included a Jewish grandfather and a Catholic grandmother of Irish descent, with Irish roots tracing back to Limerick, Ireland.
Growing up in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, Barry Manilow faced the challenges of a divided heritage. His grandfather changed the family surname to Manilow shortly before Barry’s bar mitzvah. Despite the familial complexities, Manilow pursued his education, graduating from Eastern District High School in 1961. He then enrolled at the City College of New York before transferring to the New York College of Music. Working at CBS to cover his expenses, Manilow later studied musical theater at the prestigious Juilliard Performing Arts School, laying the foundation for his remarkable journey in the world of music.
Barry Manilow Net Worth
Barry Manilow Net Worth is $100 million. His diverse sources of income stem from his extensive and successful career in the music industry. Primarily, he generates revenue through album sales, royalties, and concert tours. With over 85 million records sold worldwide, Manilow’s albums, spanning several decades, contribute significantly to his financial success. His hit recordings, including well-known songs like “Mandy” and “Copacabana (At the Copa),” continue to generate income through royalties from radio play, streaming services, and licensing for various commercial uses.
Concert tours and live performances also play a crucial role in Manilow’s income. Known for his engaging stage presence and musical prowess, Manilow has embarked on numerous successful tours, performing for audiences around the world. The revenue generated from ticket sales, merchandise, and associated endorsements contributes substantially to his overall earnings.
Additionally, Barry Manilow has been involved in various commercial ventures, including writing jingles for notable brands such as ‘Band-Aid’ and ‘Dr. Pepper.’ His work in commercials and collaborations with other artists further diversifies his income streams. Moreover, Manilow’s involvement in television specials, Broadway musical scores, and documentary series adds to the multifaceted nature of his financial portfolio.
Who is Garry Kief?
Garry Kief is not only Barry Manilow’s longtime manager but also the president and CEO of Stiletto Entertainment. In addition to his role with Manilow, Kief has managed other high-profile clients, including jazz singer Matt Dusk and actress Lorna Luft, who is the daughter of Judy Garland and half-sister to Liza Minnelli. As the trustee of the Judy Garland Heirs Trust, Kief is involved in managing the legacy of the iconic actress. Known for his professional acumen, Kief’s diverse responsibilities in the entertainment industry extend beyond artist management to include strategic roles in trusts and entertainment companies. The public embraced Kief and Manilow’s relationship, showing support for the couple after they publicly announced their marriage.
FAQs
1. Is Barry Manilow married?
Yes, Barry Manilow is married. He wed his longtime partner, Garry Kief, in April 2014.
2. Who is Barry Manilow married to?
Barry Manilow is married to Garry Kief. They have been together since 1978 and celebrated their marriage in a private ceremony in Palm Springs, California.
3. When did Barry Manilow publicly acknowledge his marriage to Garry Kief?
Barry Manilow publicly acknowledged his marriage to Garry Kief in 2015, a year after their private wedding in 2014.
4. What is Garry Kief’s relationship with Barry Manilow beyond marriage?
Garry Kief is not only Barry Manilow’s spouse but also his longtime manager. He plays a key role in managing Manilow’s career, and as the president and CEO of Stiletto Entertainment, Kief has worked with other notable artists such as jazz singer Matt Dusk and actress Lorna Luft.
5. What other roles does Garry Kief have in the entertainment industry?
Apart from managing Barry Manilow, Garry Kief serves as the trustee of the Judy Garland Heirs Trust. His involvement in trusts and entertainment companies highlights the multifaceted nature of his responsibilities in the industry.
In conclusion, Barry Manilow’s marriage to Garry Kief is a testament to enduring love and the power of a private, intimate relationship in the midst of public scrutiny. Their journey, both personally and professionally, is a remarkable story of commitment and success. Barry Manilow’s career has left an indelible mark on the music industry, making him an iconic figure with a net worth that reflects his immense talent and hard work. With Garry Kief by his side, their partnership continues to thrive, ensuring that the music and legacy of Barry Manilow remain a cherished part of our cultural tapestry.