Anyone who questions Barry Manilow’s toughness has really not been paying attention. He’s seven months removed from a cancer scare, yet the man continues to schedule dates for his record-breaking Las Vegas residency. And yes, the man is definitely still on the mend; there’s a very real chance there might be a last-minute cancellation of some (or all) of his shows this month at Westgate Las Vegas, but make no mistake: Manilow will do whatever it takes to get on that stage.
In the meantime, he continues to be extremely productive. This month sees the release of his first studio album of new material in nearly 15 years, What a Time, produced in collaboration with Michael Lloyd. It’s Manilow’s 33rd studio album and features Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Dave Cobb and longtime co-writers Bruce Sussman and Adrienne Anderson. If you want a taste of the feel-good nature of this album, check out “Sun Shine,” an album track Manilow released alongside the album’s announcement release. It’s incredibly catchy and relaxing, and would fit perfectly into a medley of his greatest hits.
The album’s opener, “Once Before I Go,” will have particularly special significance for fans who have seen his Westgate Las Vegas shows. Not only did the song reach the Top 10 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart, its accompanying video was filmed at the International Theater, the venue where Manilow single-handedly obliterated Elvis Presley’s record for performances. (In 2024 he performed his 637th show, one more than The King, making each subsequent show history in the making.) Oh, and lest we forget to mention, Manilow has also set the lifetime performance record at Radio City Music Hall in New York City with 53!
All of this just goes to illustrate that Manilow still has so much to offer the world. This from a man who’s already sold 85 million albums worldwide, has 52 Top 40 singles (13 of those going to number 1) and has been recognized by Billboard as the number 1 adult contemporary artist of all time.
If you do get to see Manilow this month, you’ll be stunned at how humble he is. What seems to matter most to Manilow is his connection to the audience. Yes, you get those amazing songs that never seem to age, from “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” “Mandy” and “Copacabana,” but Manilow’s relationship with his fanbase is what really puts his shows over the top. I still remember grinning from ear to ear when Manilow, really feeling the love from a recent audience, shouted out, “Let’s close the doors and order some pizza!”
Even if Manilow has to cancel more shows going forward, don’t despair: So strong is his relationship with Westgate Las Vegas that the property gave him a lifetime contract. And it’s not just the property that loves Manilow: Upon news of his cancer diagnosis last December, fan support came pouring in from all over the globe. Manilow may continue to keep his fans waiting, but one thing is for sure: They aren’t going anywhere!
Westgate Las Vegas, 5+. westgateresorts.com
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