By admin 
Introduction
The year 2013 marked a profound milestone in the legendary career of Barry Manilow, but it wasn’t for a platinum record or a sold-out residency. Instead, the “Copacabana” singer was honored with the Humanitarian Award at the Dream Foundation’s 12th Annual Celebration of Dreams Gala. This recognition highlighted a side of Manilow that fans have long felt through his music: his deep-seated compassion and commitment to making the world a kinder place.
A Night of Moving Tributes
The evening was an emotional journey, filled with star-studded performances and heartfelt speeches. As Manilow took the stage to accept the award, he was visibly moved by the introduction from Nigel Lythgoe and the presence of friends and fellow icons like Jane Lynch, Richie Sambora, and the late Olivia Newton-John. Manilow opened his speech with genuine humility, reflecting on the “beautiful and moving” atmosphere of the night. He noted that while the room was filled with immense talent, the true star was the mission of the Dream Foundation—an organization dedicated to granting final dreams to terminally ill adults.
“That’s what the Dream Foundation is all about: making people feel good,” Manilow remarked. “I can only hope that I’ve had some small part over the years in helping you feel good.”
The Power of “One Voice”
The highlight of the evening came when Manilow shared the mystical origin story of one of his most beloved anthems, “One Voice.” He revealed to the audience that the song didn’t come to him through hours of practice, but rather through a vivid dream.
“I wrote this song in a dream,” he explained. “It woke me up in the middle of the night—music and lyrics, everything.” He recounted how he tip-toed down the hallway to his piano and whispered the melody into a cassette machine so as not to forget it. For years, he wondered why that specific song had come to him so effortlessly. Standing on the Dream Foundation stage, he finally found his answer. He realized the song was a tribute to people like Tom Rollerson (the foundation’s founder), who prove that it only takes one person, one voice, to change the world.
A Call for Unity and Compassion
Manilow concluded the night with a stirring performance of “One Voice.” The lyrics served as a perfect metaphor for humanitarian work: the idea that a single, solitary voice singing in the dark can eventually be joined by others until it becomes a powerful, harmonious choir.
The performance emphasized the core message of the night: that kindness is contagious. When “hands are joined and fears unlocked,” the darkness of the world begins to recede. By the time he reached the final notes, the audience was reminded that Barry Manilow is more than just a performer; he is a man who has used his platform to foster a sense of community and hope for decades.
This award didn’t just celebrate a year of charity; it celebrated a lifetime of using music as a tool for healing. As the applause rang out, it was clear that while Barry Manilow has written many “songs that make the whole world sing,” his greatest contribution remains his heart.