USA: Veteran performer Barry Manilow releases his first album of original material in over a decade, inspired by the harsh media spotlight shone on young celebrities

Record ID: 809673

  • Title: USA: Veteran performer Barry Manilow releases his first album of original material in over a decade, inspired by the harsh media spotlight shone on young celebrities
  • Date: 15th June 2011
  • Summary: LAS VEGAS LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (RECENT) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) BARRY MANILOW, SAYING: "You know, in my head I'm 35, going on 35. That's it, I'm going on 35 so, five years from now I'll be 40."
  • Embargoed: 30th June 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa, Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA9L7D0EGJ5OY1PCG86ZZXRM7MG
  • Story Text: Barry Manilow is trying something new. After 40 years in the music business, the singer is releasing his first album of original content in nearly a decade.
    Manilow, who turns 68 on June 17, is no stranger to challenge but his new album may pull him away from his usual fan base.
    "15 Minutes," which is set for release in the United States and Canada on Tuesday (June 14) (and the UK on June 20), the rock-flavored project is inspired by the harsh media spotlight shone on young celebrities.
    "It's not pretty piano tinkling," he said. "It's got a lot of energy. Some of it is anger. I don't know whether they'll like that. But there's a lot of great melodies on it, so hopefully they'll connect with that."
    The 16 songs detail the rise, fall and possible redemption of a youngster who seeks fame and fortune. Manilow, who wrote the music and has released it on his own label, says that he was inspired by Britney Spears' very public meltdown in 2007.
    Manilow scored his first No. 1 single with "Mandy" in early 1975 when he was a 31-year-old industry veteran. More hits quickly followed: "I Write the Songs," "Looks Like We Made It," "Can't Smile Without You," "Copacabana (At the Copa)."
    His fans haven't strayed yet. Manilow is seven years into a Las Vegas residency, jetting to the weekend engagements from his home in nearby Palm Springs .
    He always knows exactly what is planned for the next five years. A recent stint at London's 02 Arena with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was taped for a live album that will come out in the winter. Then he plans to record a follow-up to his first jazz album, 1984's "2:00 A.M. Paradise Cafe."
    By the end of this five-year plan he would be 73. "In my head I'm going on 35," he insisted with a smile that barely creased his face. "Five years from now I'll be 40. Hey!"
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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