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In the 70's you couldn't miss Barry's hits on the radio. "Mandy", "Its a Miracle" and of course "I wrte the Songs".
but I didn't become a fan of Manilow until my sister Nancy and brother in law Larry too me to see him in concert
January 2, 1977. Barry was finishing up a record breaking series of shows at the Uris Theater in NYC.
This would have be considered the height of his early success.
I was very impressed by Barry's performance that night. Not because he was so polished or even very dynamic at
that time. It was how his modest personality, willingness to be open about his life made the the large room
feel very intimate.
Of course the highlights of the show featured Barry's big booming ballads especially "Tryin' to get the Feelin'"
and the "Could it be Magic/Mandy" medley. But he proved to be quite the showman with dancing and comedy routines
with his backup singers, Lady Flash (featuring the incredible Debra Byrd). He closed the show playing his 'new'
New Years Eve Song, "Its not another New Year's Eve". The album, "Barry Manilow Live" that was eventually released is
a great souvenier of that night with Nancy, Larry, and Barry.
I've seen Barry about 8 or so more times over the years - virtually every major concert tour - and he keeps getting better.
His gig at Radio City in the early portion of 2002 was wonderful and healing after 9/11. The 'aw shucks' modesty
may be a bit more of an act now - but no doubt he is sincere in appreciation of his loyal fans.
TOP 25 MANILOW SONGS
25) Brooklyn Blues
24) It's all behind us now
23) Here comes the Night
22) Please Don't be Scared
21) Some kind of Friend
20) Copacabana
19) Sweet Life
18) Can't smile without you
17) I write the Songs
16) Bandstand Boogie (American Bandstand)
15) I made it through the Rain/Beautiful Music (live version)
14) Ready to take a chance again
13) Ships
12) New York City Rhythm
11) If I should love again
10) Read 'em and Weep
9) Mandy
8) This one's for you
7) When October Goes
6) Even Now
5) Who needs to dream?
4) Weekend in New England
3) Tryin' to get the Feelin'
2) Looks like we made it
1) Could it be Magic
**Honorable mentions:
Every single Day
Let Freedom Ring
Because it's Christmas
The last Duet (With Lilly Tomlin)
TOP 10 MANILOW ALBUMS
10) 2:00 AM Paradise Cafe
9) Barry Manilow (1989)
8) Because it's Christmas
7) Showstoppers
6) Even Now
5) Tryin' to get the Feelin'
4) Barry Manilow I
3) 2 Nights Live (2003)
2) Barry Manilow Live (1977)
1) Here at the Mayflower
**HONORABLE MENTIONS:
One Voice
Swing Street
The Greatest Hits (and then some)
Ultimate Manilow
My Manilow Listmania at Amazon.com
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