Introduction

Barry Manilow at 81: The Truth Behind the “5 Artists He Hated Most”

For decades, Barry Manilow has been the undisputed king of romantic ballads, a legend whose music has provided the soundtrack to millions of lives. However, at age 81, a storm of rumors has resurfaced regarding the icons he supposedly “couldn’t stand.” While Manilow is known for his polished, gentle image, the history of his career reveals a few surprising friction points and one legendary rivalry that defined an era.

The Famous Feud: Manilow vs. Neil Diamond

The centerpiece of any discussion regarding Barry’s “hate list” inevitably leads to Neil Diamond. This wasn’t just a simple disagreement; it was a clash of titans fueled by industry pressure. In the late 70s and early 80s, record labels often pitted the two against each other.

Manilow once famously dismissed Diamond’s music as “guitar-oriented gruff,” a jab that cut deep given Diamond’s status as a songwriting powerhouse. The tension reached a boiling point during a New York interview when Manilow reportedly hung up the phone after being asked why he wasn’t “as hip as Neil.” However, time heals all wounds. When Diamond announced his retirement due to Parkinson’s disease, Manilow sent a touching tribute, proving that their “feud” had finally evolved into mutual respect between two “Brooklyn boys.”

Facing the “Hate” of Others

Interestingly, the narrative of “hatred” often flowed toward Manilow rather than from him. A notable example is Canadian singer Atmar Marian, who went as far as leading a theme song titled “We All Hate Barry Manilow” for a CGI series. Despite such public displays of disdain, Manilow remained the bigger person, shrugging off the negativity to focus on his craft.

While rumors occasionally linked him to misunderstandings with figures like Quincy Jones or Pharrell Williams, Manilow has largely maintained a reputation as a collaborator, often sharing the stage with jazz greats like Brian Culbertson.

A Legacy Built on Resilience

Beyond the gossip, Manilow’s journey is one of incredible grit:

• The Jingle King: Before the Grammys, he wrote timeless tunes for State Farm (“Like a good neighbor…”) and Band-Aid.

• The Hitmaker: With 51 Top 40 singles and 13 platinum albums, his commercial success is nearly unparalleled.

• Personal Courage: In 2017, Barry surprised the world by coming out as gay, revealing his decades-long relationship with manager Gary Kief. He feared his fans would reject him, but instead, he was met with a wave of global support.

Conclusion: More Love Than Hate

Ultimately, the idea of a “hate list” doesn’t quite fit the man who wrote Mandy and Copacabana. While professional rivalries existed, Barry Manilow’s 81 years have been defined more by musical excellence and personal authenticity than by grudges. He remains a symbol of hope and resilience, proving that even in the cutthroat music industry, class and talent usually win the day.

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