Barry Manilow to be Honored by BMI

Recently it’s been revealed that Barry Manilow would receive the ‘BMI Icon’ award at the BMI 65th Annual Pop Awards in early May. BMI is one of the publishing organizations that supports and represents songwriters in the world of business.

In the early 70s, an unknown singer songwriter in New York by the name of Barry Manilow hit the big time with a ballad called “Mandy,” and it’s been a roller coaster ride these last 40 years. Did you know that he originally wrote the song with the title “Brandy,” but was persuaded to change the song title to “Mandy,” as the group ‘Looking Glass’ was on the charts with a song of the same name.

Being discovered by Bette Midler in the New York bath houses in the early 70s was just the beginning for Barry, who would be one of the biggest stars in the music world.

In the early days, did you know that Barry kept the lights on in his New York apartment by writing TV and radio commercials for companies? McDonald’s, State Farm, KFC, Stridex, Band Aid and Pepsi are all jingles you’ve heard over the years that were all written by Barry.

Barry has earned the Tony, Grammy, American Billboard, and Clio awards, and is in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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