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Introduction
Barry Manilow Reflects on His Farewell Tour, New Music, and the Legacy He Hopes to Leave Behind
Music icon Barry Manilow — one of the best-selling entertainers of all time with more than 85 million albums sold — recently sat down with News4JAX to discuss his upcoming farewell performance in Jacksonville. Though he delivers the announcement with his trademark humor, there’s no denying the emotional weight behind the words “farewell tour.” After decades of performing across the country, Manilow is saying goodbye to the cities that shaped his long and remarkable career, and Jacksonville is high on that list.
Looking through an old “cheat sheet” of tour history, Manilow laughed in disbelief. The last time he performed in Jacksonville was seven years ago, but his first performance in the city reaches all the way back to 1981. “We’re old friends at this point,” he said warmly, recalling the long bond he has built with Jacksonville audiences.
When asked whether he feels he has expressed everything he wanted to say musically, Manilow paused. Over his decades-long career, he has recorded nearly every style he loves — from 1940s big-band jazz to his signature pop ballads. “I’d have to dig deep to find a genre I haven’t touched,” he admitted. But even with such an expansive musical catalog, he still finds new inspiration.
His latest single, “Once Before I Go,” is deeply personal. Written by his late friend Peter Allen, the song was introduced to him many years ago. It was legendary music executive Clive Davis who recently encouraged Manilow to record it. While touring, Manilow handed production duties to the celebrated Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, resulting in what he calls a “beautiful and moving” recording. “I think I even sound good on it,” he joked.
Manilow also spoke passionately about his long-running Manilow Music Project, which has provided new instruments to schools across the country. On this tour, he’s taken the initiative further by honoring music teachers in every city. Students choose a favorite teacher, who is then invited onstage during the show and awarded $10,000 to support their school’s music program. For Manilow, these moments are among the most meaningful of each performance. “Thousands of people cheering for a music teacher — it’s beautiful,” he said.
Reflecting on his career, Manilow highlighted the album that changed everything for him: 2 A.M. Paradise Café. A jazz-inspired project featuring legends like Sarah Vaughan and Mel Tormé, it marked a transformative moment — even winning over critics who had long dismissed him.
As the farewell tour approaches, Manilow remains humbled by the letters, stories, and emotional connections shared by fans. “I didn’t know my music would have that kind of impact,” he said. “Once I realized it, I took my job very seriously.”
With Jacksonville on the horizon, Manilow is ready to say goodbye — not with sadness, but with gratitude, reflection, and the music that has shaped generations.