Barry Manilow, born Barry Alan Pincus on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his romantic ballads and pop hits. Raised in a lower-class neighborhood, Manilow's early life was marked by his parents' divorce and a name change to his mother's maiden name. He developed a passion for music early on, studying at the New York College of Music and the prestigious Juilliard School.

Manilow's career began in the 1960s with work in musical theater and commercial jingles, including notable ads for McDonald's and Band-Aid. His big break came in the 1970s when he collaborated with Bette Midler, leading to his own success with hits like "Mandy," "I Write the Songs," and "Copacabana (At the Copa)." Despite mixed reviews from critics, Manilow's elaborate orchestrations and sentimental style won him a massive fan base and numerous accolades, including Grammy and Tony Awards.

Throughout his career, Manilow has sold over 85 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. He has also been involved in producing and arranging for other artists and has contributed to musicals and films. Manilow's influence and popularity have persisted over decades, with a career spanning more than sixty years.