Barry Manilow Started Career in Gay Bathhouse

Barry Manilow
Post may include affiliate links, which may earn us a commission

Barry Manilow, the iconic singer known for hits like “Copacabana” and “Mandy,” has been reflecting on his remarkable journey in the music industry. Let’s dish on how this dazzling star, now 80, started his career and navigated through life’s melodies and challenges.

Manilow’s musical adventure began in the vibrant New York City of the early 1970s. Picture it: the young Manilow tickling the ivories at the Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse in the basement of the once-glamorous Ansonia Hotel. It was here that he joined forces with the fabulous Bette Midler, setting both of their careers on a meteoric rise to stardom.

Throughout his over 50-year career, Manilow has not only serenaded the world with his enchanting tunes but has also sold over 85 million albums globally and bagged a Grammy. But it’s not just the music charts he’s rocked – he’s lent his magic to musicals, commercials, and even films. Talk about a showbiz staple! However, beneath the glittering surface, Manilow faced a personal struggle: concealing his sexuality to safeguard his career.

Related: Elton John: A Symphony of Love, Life, and Legacy

Manilow, who officially came out as gay in 2017, shared to The Hollywood Reporter that he was always concerned about his sexuality affecting his career, keeping it a secret for most of his life. In the 1980s, he confided in record executive Clive Davis about the risks of coming out, citing how it had impacted Elton John’s career at the time. Interestingly, Davis doesn’t recall this conversation, suggesting they never delved into Manilow’s sexuality.

Now, Barry Manilow is living his truth, happily married to his husband, Garry Kief. In a heartwarming update, Manilow recently became a grandparent, celebrating the arrival of a baby girl in Kief’s family. He expresses sheer joy in embracing this new chapter of his life.

Barry’s story isn’t just a tale of fame and fortune; it’s a journey of self-acceptance, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness against all odds. What a symphony of life he’s composed! 🌈🎵

Related: Jonathan Bennet to Glitter Broadway in ‘Spamalot’

Mood Meter

Did you enjoy the article?