Barry Manilow is and always will
be a national treasure.His is a
story of a poor Jewish boy growing
up in the Brooklyn slums and
making it big in the music
industry.He's an inspiration to us
all.In his young life,his
grandparents, [Joe and Esther
Manilow], were an influencing
factor [we all thank them for
this].For without Grandpa Joe
encouraging his singing and
Grandma Esther giving him an
accordion, we might never have
known Barry.His stepfather,Willie,
gave Barry his first piano at his
bar mitzvah which started Barry on
a new path playing at social
events. These factors helped
launch his career.His big break
came in 1971 when Bette Midler
wanted him to play for her. He
became her producer/arranger.Then
one night at Denver's Red Rocks
Stadium, he played one of his all
time favoite songs,"Could It Be
Magic". It turned out to be just
that-"Magic"! The crowd went wild
[who could blame them] and the
applause was endless. He received
his first [but not last] standing
ovation. I became a fan instantly.
His voice made my heart melt.
His music has gotten me through
some very tough times: 2 fires,a
bad marriage,my rebellious self
destructive teenager,no money,no
food and the list grows....Thanks
Barry for pulling me through! I
never knew music could be such
good medicine for an injured
soul.
That's why I'm devoting
this page to Barry Manilow, my
hero.
