Introduction

The Secret Genius of the “Jingle King”: Barry Manilow’s Surprising Start

Long before he was selling out arenas and commanding million-dollar residencies in Las Vegas, Barry Manilow was the invisible voice of American consumerism. While many know him for “Mandy” or “Copacabana,” Manilow’s career was built on a foundation of catchy, 30-second masterpieces known as commercial jingles.

In a candid interview reflecting on his upcoming residency at the Las Vegas Hilton, Manilow looked back at his Brooklyn roots and the “desperate” early days that shaped his legendary work ethic.

From Brooklyn to the Recording Booth

Barry Manilow is a musician’s musician. He admits that his life is entirely consumed by music, to the point where he has no hobbies and very little knowledge of the world outside the studio. In a humorous exchange, he recalled how his upbringing in Brooklyn didn’t exactly prepare him for the “country club” lifestyle of other celebrities.

“If you saw somebody with a tennis club walking in Brooklyn, you knew they stole it and were going to hit you over the head with it,” Manilow joked, incorrectly calling a racket a “club”—a mistake that highlighted his singular focus on his craft.

The Hits You Didn’t Know He Wrote

While Manilow eventually became a chart-topping solo artist, his early work as a jingle writer produced some of the most enduring melodies in advertising history. His ability to create an emotional connection in just a few bars made him the go-to composer for major brands.

• State Farm: The iconic “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” is still used today.

• Band-Aid: He penned and sang the famous “I am stuck on Band-Aid ’cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me.”

• Stridex: He also composed music for pimple cream commercials during his early career.

However, not every gig was a glamorous success. Manilow admits to some “low points,” including a project he dubbed the “Toilet Bowl Blues.” Despite his financial desperation as a young man, he did have his limits. He famously turned down a request to write a commercial for a feminine hygiene product, dryly noting that “nothing rhymes with douche.”

A Legacy Measured in “Fanilows”

Manilow’s impact is perhaps best seen through his dedicated fanbase, often called “Fanilows.” These supporters have followed him since his 1974 breakthrough with “Mandy.” At his shows, it is common to see fans dressed as “Lola” from “Copacabana,” complete with yellow feathers in their hair.

During the interview, a trivia contest revealed just how deep this devotion goes. Hardcore fans were able to identify obscure facts about his career, such as:

1. He has released a staggering 43 CDs over his career.

2. He famously got his start playing piano and singing backup for Bette Midler.

3. The one major award he has not yet won is an Academy Award (though he has Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys).

4. Contrary to popular belief, he did not write the jingle for Burger King.

Conclusion

Barry Manilow’s transition from writing “Toilet Bowl Blues” to performing five nights a week in Vegas is a testament to his versatility. Whether he’s writing a 60-second song about insurance or a six-minute pop epic, his goal remains the same: making music that stays in your head forever.

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