Overview

Barry Manilow, born Barry Alan Pincus on June 17, 1943, is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and producer whose career has spanned over five decades. He was born in Brooklyn, New York City. Manilow is best known for his romantic ballads and numerous hit songs that gained him a wide audience starting in the 1970s. Some of his most famous songs include “Could It Be Magic”, “Mandy”, “I Write the Songs”, “Can’t Smile Without You”, and “Copacabana (At the Copa)”. Manilow’s career has included live performances, Broadway shows, and television appearances. He also wrote commercial jingles for major companies such as McDonald’s, Pepsi Cola, and Band-Aid early in his career. He has received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award. He has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Manilow continues to perform and record music, maintaining a dedicated fanbase.

What Is Barry Manilow’s Net Worth?

Barry Manilow, the celebrated American singer-songwriter and producer, has amassed a significant fortune over his illustrious career. As of 2025, Barry Manilow’s net worth is estimated to be $100 million. This substantial wealth reflects his enduring success in the music industry, spanning over five decades.

Sources of Barry Manilow’s Net Worth

Manilow’s impressive net worth is derived from a variety of sources, reflecting his multifaceted career. These sources include:

  • Music Royalties and Sales: With over 75 million records sold worldwide, Manilow has generated substantial income from record sales, streaming royalties, and publishing rights. His thirteen number-one hits and numerous platinum albums have contributed significantly to his wealth. Notable hits such as “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “Looks Like We Made It” continue to generate revenue through various channels.
  • Concert Performances: Manilow has been a consistent touring artist throughout his career, commanding significant fees for his live performances. In 1984, he performed a sold-out, 10-night run, which grossed over $2 million at the box office, demonstrating his drawing power and earning potential from live concerts.
  • Songwriting: In addition to performing his own hits, Manilow has also written songs for other artists, earning royalties and fees for his songwriting contributions. Though he might not have received substantial residuals from early jingles, his songwriting acumen has undoubtedly contributed to his overall net worth.
  • Television and Film Appearances: Manilow’s appearances in television movies, such as “Copacabana” in 1985, and various talk shows, including “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” have supplemented his income and increased his visibility, further contributing to his financial success.

Early Career and Earnings

Barry Manilow’s early career involved various roles that gradually built his foundation in the music industry. He initially earned money by writing commercial jingles for brands. Some of the jingles he penned include:

  • State Farm: “Like a Good Neighbor”
  • Band-Aid: “Stuck on Band-Aid”
  • KFC: “Grab a Bucket of Chicken”
  • Pepsi: “Feelin’ Free”
  • McDonald’s: “You Deserve a Break Today”

Unfortunately, Barry does not earn residuals from his commercial jingles. The gigs were all one-off paid contract jobs. For example, he was paid just $500 to write “Like a Good Neighbor” for State Farm. Despite the low initial payments, Manilow credited this work as teaching him everything he would eventually need to know about creating pop songs.

In 1964, Barry’s career began when he met Bro Herrod, a CBS director. He composed an original score for a musical, which ran for eight years. By the end of the ’60s, Barry was given a record deal by Tony Orlando, the vice president of Columbia/CBS Music. He later became Bette Midler’s pianist, accompanying her on albums such as “The Divine Miss M” and “Bette Midler,” earning a Grammy nomination in 1973.

Music Career Highlights and Earnings

Barry Manilow’s breakthrough hit “Mandy” in 1975 marked a significant turning point in his career, leading to a string of successful albums and singles. Key milestones include:

  • 1975: “Mandy” becomes a major hit, launching Manilow into mainstream success.
  • Late 1970s: Releases multi-platinum albums such as “Tryin’ to Get the Feeling,” “This One’s For You,” and “Even Now.”
  • 1980s: Continues to release popular albums, including “One Voice,” and tours extensively, earning substantial income from live performances.
  • 2000s: Releases “Ultimate Manilow,” a commercially successful greatest hits album, further boosting his earnings.

Legal Issues

In 1994, Barry filed a lawsuit against a Los Angeles radio station, claiming that one of their advertisements was destroying his reputation. The ad boasted that their radio station was better than the others since it did not play music by Barry Manilow. Eventually, the radio station agreed to drop the ad.

In 1997, Manilow settled another legal matter by donating $5,000 to the American Tinnitus Association. Judge Philip Espinosa sued the singer because he claimed that one of his concerts was too loud. Espinosa claimed that the music had caused “constant ringing” in his ears.

Real Estate Holdings

In 1994, Barry Manilow listed his Bel-Air residence for $2.71 million. The property was built 25 years prior and features 5,000 square feet of living space. The home sits on two acres of land and also boasts a guest house, recording studio, and theater room.

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