Barry Manilow, now a Broadway composer with "Harmony"

I've worked as a concert stagehand, sound engineer and lighting tech for over 25 years. I've worked for just about everyone from Metallica to Celine Dion. No one was more professional and understood his role in all of it more than Manilow. He showed up on time, started the show on time, gave the audience everything they wanted, ended on time and was out the door so we could do our work for the next show. Not a fan of the music itself, but I have the utmost respect for him as a performer.

He’s long over for a Kennedy center honors next year. He wrote sophisticated songs that made people cry, think and feel. Plus he produced for classic artists like Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, Sarah Vaughn, etc.

I was a little punk when my Mom would play his album over and over. Now I will have Copacabana playing in my head the next few days. 😂 Seriously, what a legend.

If you knew me in High School 1976-77 Barry Manilow was my crush. I even sent him an invitation to my High School graduation 1977...Way to go Barry Manilow...You've made so many people happy...

My mother was a 'Fanilow'. She loved him. I took her to see him at Radio City one year for a 'Greatest Hits' show. I knew his music but wasn't much of a "fan" - until I took her. It was hit after hit. He was charming, self-effacing and his band was top notch. Now at 53, there's a sprinkling of his hits on my ApplePlay and while my Mom has since left us, part of what keeps me connected to her are the 6-7 songs sprinkled on my own personal jukebox. And the reality is this: he's a genius for what he did. These songs will last forever.

Despite the disdain of so many people, I always liked him. Extraordinary musician. In the mid-1970s, I caught a ride home with a college buddy — the AM radio station played Mandy so many times, by the time I got home, I knew the melody, lyrics, and all the harmonies and key changes! Unlike so many others from that era, he survived and he’s still here. Bravo.

Over 30 years ago my KISS, Metallica, AC/DC loving fiancé (now husband) stood in line to buy tickets to one of Manilow's shows as my birthday present since I had been a fan for years. He came with me, but had no real desire or interest in seeing Manilow, based on all that he heard from critics and such (besides not being "his" type of music). When the show ended he turned to me and said "Wow! I actually enjoyed that. Now I know why so many like him. He is a natural born showman." That's his appeal- so glad Manilow didn't stay just behind the scenes.

Barry always seems so grateful for his wonderful career!

I’ve been a fan since high school. And I still am at 70!

As always, CBS Sunday Morning does it right. Wonderful career retrospective. Manilow is a legend as stated. It’s a crime that someone who has played such an outstanding role in American music has not been recognized by the Kennedy Center. Here’s to hoping that honor comes soon.

I learned years ago about his commercial jingles, and it still shocks me that he wrote those, and how long these companies have been using them.

In the early 80’s, I had just arrived to the United States. I got my driver’s license on Friday and had to drive 25 miles away in the highway for the first time. His music calmed my nerves for the 2 years of driving in terrifying traffics in Dallas. I’m in my 60’s now and every time I hear his songs, I’d always have a big smile. What a joy to see he is still being creative.

Adorable then, adorable 😍 now 🥰 love 💗 Barry Manilow!

This piece gave me chills. God bless Barry Manilow!

My word. He's been apart of my whole life. Mandy would be my favorite. Used to make me cry as a child. So much emotion in that song. Love you Barry Manilow ❤️

A friend of mine Jon Emmanuel was in COPACOBANA and Barry came to see the tour in Manchester and was unhappy with the orchestration so he personally paid massive overtime to the orchestra and spent several hours fixing it by ear! He said it was a masterclass in musicianship.

70s/80s kid here...I had every Barry Manilow record, and played them on my little, blue record player, while wearing my Barry Manilow t-shirt 😂 To this day, many years later, I still love him, and his music, just as much as I loved Duran Duran and all the rest from that time period. Thank you for sharing more of his story!

I grew up on Manilow music, from his TV jingles, to the theme of American Bandstand to dancing to his tunes in my local disco.

I have loved Barry for more than 45 years. He's amazing 🎉

There are a few rare performers whose professionalism and good taste and good sense match their huge artistic talents. Barry Manilow is one of these very few. I've always enjoyed his songs, marveled at his broad and rich contributions to pop culture and entertainment, and hope i get to see his new show. Congratulations, Mr Manilow. My hat is off to you 👏🎩🎶🎹🏆