“You Don’t Sing!”: Barry Manilow Reveals Bette Midler’s Savage (and Hilarious) Reaction to His First Record Deal.

Introduction

“You Don’t Sing”: Barry Manilow Recalls Bette Midler’s Hilarious Disbelief Over His Solo Success

Before Barry Manilow became the Grammy-winning icon responsible for some of the most recognizable melodies in pop history, he was perfectly content staying behind the scenes. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Brooklyn native was known as a top-tier songwriter, arranger, and the go-to accompanist for rising stars in New York City—most notably, the legendary Bette Midler.

However, a sudden twist of fate in 1969 changed the trajectory of his career, much to the shock of his peers and even himself.

The “Accidental” Demo That Changed Everything

Manilow’s journey to the spotlight wasn’t fueled by a burning desire to be a singer. In fact, his entry into the world of recording contracts was born out of financial necessity. While trying to pitch his compositions, Manilow recorded demos of his songs. Because he couldn’t afford to hire a professional vocalist, he provided the vocals himself.

To his astonishment, Bell Records was less interested in the songs as covers and more interested in the man singing them. They offered him a record contract on the spot. “People couldn’t believe that I was the one that got the record contract,” Manilow, now 82, recently recalled. “They were supposed to; I was just a piano player, arranger.”

Bette Midler’s Savage (and Hilarious) Reality Check

One of the first people Manilow called with the news was his close friend and collaborator, Bette Midler. At the time, the two were a staple of the New York nightlife scene, frequently performing together at the Continental Baths.

When he told Midler he had secured a record deal, her reaction was immediate and unfiltered:

Midler: “Doing what?” Manilow: “Singing.” Midler: “Well, you don’t sing.” Manilow: “Yeah, I know, but they think I do!”

From “Awkward” Performer to Global Icon

Despite Midler’s skepticism, Manilow’s career exploded following the 1974 release of “Mandy.” Since then, he has sold over 85 million albums worldwide. Yet, the transition from the piano bench to center stage was anything but smooth. Manilow admits that the “performance” aspect of stardom terrified him.

“I stunk,” he admitted candidly about his early shows. He felt like a “fraud” because he was stuttering and awkward in front of an audience. However, his fans—the famous “Fanilows”—didn’t see a fraud; they saw a “real guy.” Their unwavering support allowed him to grow into his role as a frontman.

Lessons from The Divine Miss M

Manilow credits Midler for much of his artistic growth. He describes her as the most “brilliant talent” he has ever seen, praising her ability to master comedy, acting, and singing simultaneously. Working alongside her taught him the most valuable lesson of his career: Take chances and never play it safe.

That philosophy is still driving him today. After more than 25 years of development, Manilow and lyricist Bruce Sussman finally brought their musical, Harmony, to Broadway. For the man who “didn’t sing,” it has been a career defined by taking exactly the kind of risks Midler once inspired him to take.