White Male of Distinction #6: Barry Manilow
I was torn between including Barry Manilow because he was part Jewish. However, since he is also of Russian and Irish origin I thought he should count. Barry Manilow’s real name is Barry Alan Pincus and he has been thrilling America with hit records since since 1974 when the song “Mandy” went number one. Followup hits included Weekend in New England, Looks Like We Made It, Can’t Smile Without You, Copacabana, and I Write the Songs.
However, it was as a jingle writer that Barry Manilow really shined. He wrote the jingles for State Farm, Stridex, and Band Aids and sang jingles for Pepsi, Jack in the Box, Dr. Pepper, and McDonalds. His voice launched 1000 sales. It is for his talent in both music and marketing that I have named Barry Manilow a White Male of Distinction.
I didn’t know Barry M was part russian but then i didn’t realise he had been thrilling anyone with his music either.
Lucy
August 7, 2008 at 3:25 pm
25% Russian, 25% Irish, 50% Jewish, 100% thrilling
thatsrightnate
August 7, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Lucy: You MUST be kidding!!!!! Where have you been for the last 34 years, hiding your head in the sand????? If anyone has been thrilling musical audiences during that time it’s Mr. Manilow!
Brindie
August 7, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Barry Manilow is Jim Morrison…..same age, same height, same kg, same voice, same error of pronunce voice Mandy, Brandy……born in 1943 – jim death in 71 and cia end work in 73 when barry come in the world…..ops….what is this?
Pinedo
March 29, 2010 at 6:08 am
Wow, that had actually never occurred to me. I don’t know how much truth there is to this, but I’m at least intrigued enough to sign up for any newsletter you may have.
thatsrightnate
March 29, 2010 at 1:44 pm