Hi
Everyone…
Well, we're all alive and well following that amazing tour. I received more questions
for this Ask Barry column than ever before. Nearly all of them praising the shows,
the band, the lights
and even my clothes! I thank you all so much for the kind words and I am so glad
you had such a wonderful time. I sure did. Here are the most repeated questions.
I thought I'd answer them in one fell swoop instead of repeating the answers
over and over again as part of the column.
1. Will you ever tour again?
I won't say "never,” but at this point there is no plan for touring
anymore.
2. Will you ever come back to the U.K.?
At this point there is no plan to tour the U.K. either. I wouldn't be surprised
if a one-nighter popped up for some reason, though.
3. How is "Harmony" coming along?
"Harmony" is still the project I’m the proudest of. Our producers
are convinced it will be on its feet this season.
4. "Scores"
I received hundreds of fantastic letters regarding the "Scores" CD.
I thank you all so much. It's one of my all-time favorite projects. Singing songs
backed by a 45-piece orchestra
from the delightful "Copa" back to back with the depth of the songs
from "Harmony" was one of the most profound events of my life.
5. Will you ever write another book?
I'm thinking about it.
6. Las Vegas?
If the generous people at the Las Vegas Hilton hadn't made me an offer to take
up residency at their magnificent hotel, I doubt if I would be performing very
much. But this offer was so exciting and saved me from leaving home and still
enabled me to play with my band, create music and interact with audiences. I
sincerely hope you can all make it to Las Vegas to see a show now and then.
We’re all having a great time.
7. Will you still be making CDs and writing music?
I will continue to produce and write CDs for myself and others.
Thanks
for all the kind words. Here's the Ask Barry column for this
issue.
All my best,
Barry
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Barry,
Out of all the artists you have worked with, who have you enjoyed working with
the most? And is there an artist, past or present, that you always wanted
or would be interested working with?
All my best,
David
Hi David,
Out of all the duet partners I've sung with, the biggest thrill for me was
working with Barbra Streisand and Barbara Cook. Both of them are fantastic
singers. Barbara Cook sounded like an angel on "Look To The Rainbow,” and
Barbra Streisand was perfection on my song "I Won't Be The One To Let
Go.” I could have listened to them sing all day long. I also LOVED
performing with Dave Koz.
The singers that have gone that I would have loved to sing with would be Frank
Sinatra and Judy Garland, although I'm such a huge fan of them both, I doubt
if any sounds would have come out of my mouth!
Thanks for asking.
Barry
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Dear Barry:
Where did you get that great crocodile coat, was it made for you, or did
you buy it at some store?
Roxy Hi Roxy,
The coat was the prototype for Lawrence Fishburn's character to wear in the
Matrix. My tailor made it for him and loaned it to me for the tour.
Barry
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Hi Barry,
I'd like to know what is your most memorable performance and what made it so
memorable to you.
Thank you.
Cathy
Hi Cathy,
There have been dozens of memorable performances in my years on the stage.
Performing for and meeting Prince Charles and Princess Diana, my first
solo performance at Carnegie Hall,
the two weeks at the London Palladium, 50,000 people at an arena in Manila.
But the two that stand out for me are the concert I did for GMHC in New York
at Carnegie Hall and the concert at Blenheim Palace in the 80's.
Barry
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Hi Barry
At what time in your career did you realize that you had "made it?”
Kelly
Hi Kelly,
I was walking down Madison Avenue and a workman in a sewer popped his head
out of a man-hole and yelled something great to me.
Then a few minutes later, a garbage truck went by and one of the guys yelled
my name and gave me a thumbs up sign.
I'll never forget those two moments. They humbled me and made me realize that
my music had gone farther than I'd ever dreamed.
Barry
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Dear Barry,
Have you ever thought about hooking up with Rod Stewart? You two are starting
to look like twins, for gosh sakes!! He's even come around to doing your
kind of music!! Give it some thought.
xo
Hi,
I'd love to sing with Rod. He's great. When he stops making those standards
CDs, I hope we can get together.
Barry
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Hi Barry!
Why was "Life Will Go On" never released as a single? I think this
is one of your best songs. It's helped me through some difficult times.
Love,
Jan
Hi Jan,
I've always loved Richard Kerr and Will Jenning's "Life Will Go On.” As
far as single releases go, I throw that question to Clive Davis. He was always
the one in charge of what songs were released as singles. I’m glad it
helped you.
Barry
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Dear Barry:
2003 at Dodge Theater, Phoenix you put on a skit of an older gentlemen pushing
his elderly wife in a wheelchair. You narrated the story of your life together
and how she, in the past, had "dancing legs." We
saw your show/skit and there wasn't a dry eye in the theater. Our friends said
they have seen you 5 times and it wasn't you that put on the skit. Am I crazy
or what? Please let me know.
Thanks.
Jeanne
Dear Jeanne,
During my 2003 tour, I performed a song from my CD "Here At The Mayflower" called "Not
What You See.” In the song, an elderly man recalls life with his late
wife. As I sang the song, I put on a cap, a scarf and glasses. I tried to look
like that old man and sing his story. It must have worked for your friends
since they didn't realize it was me.
Barry
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Dear Barry,
I am a 4th year vet student and ready to graduate in May 2005. I am thinking
seriously of quitting at this point due to lack of confidence and major fear.
I want to be a good vet and it worries me that I won't be. Fear seems to
be a powerful thing. Any advice Barry?
Holly
Dear Holly,
Please don't be scared. I've been there too.
If I thought that every night I would have to sing for two hours for thousands
of people and hope that they stand and cheer, it would scare me to death!
I begin each night by imagining I'm going out to greet my good friends. THAT
I can do. And little
by little, the rest falls into place.
My advice is to go slowly, Holly. Tackle one challenge at a time. Don't think
about becoming a
full-time, all consuming, 24-hours-a-day vet. Think about
the first step. I'll bet you can make it through the first step. When you're
done with that, begin the second one. Before you know it, you'll be where you
want to be.
Good luck!
Barry
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Hi Barry,
I know you have always said really nice things about Clay Aiken and I just
wanted to know now that you have met him and had the chance to work with
him do you still think he has
a long career ahead of him? And what did you think of him?
Heidi
Hi Heidi,
I thought Clay was a terrific young man. Very grounded, very kind and a terrific
singer. I think he's got a long career ahead of him, especially if he discovers
the kind of music that moves him.
Barry
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Hi, Barry,
My dear father passed away last March. The emotions have been like a roller
coaster. How long did it take you to work through all the emotions when your
mom passed away? Your music is especially helpful at a time such as this.
Love,
Sharon
Dear Sharon,
My condolences on the loss of your dear father.
In my experience, it takes about a year to process the grief from the loss
of a parent. My blue days hit me out of nowhere now and then for a year.
My advice (if you like) is to find a therapist and work through your grief
with them. Trying to get through it by yourself is very difficult.
Good luck.
Barry
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Dear Barry,
I have two questions for you:
1.) Who do you listen to when you are trying to relax and unwind?
2.) Do you ever get a chance to go to concerts as a spectator?
Love,
Grace
Hi Grace,
I listen to classical music when I'm unwinding.
I only go to concerts if I'm sure I'm going to be knocked out. Dave Koz knocks
me out. Sting knocks me out. The last Tina Turner concert killed me. And of
course, my friend Bette Midler is always great.
Barry
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Hi Barry,
Which single of yours disappointed you the most by not becoming a big hit?
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I guess the song I was hoping for more air-play would be "Brooklyn Blues.” It's
one of my favorite songs and recordings. I love doing it live too.
Barry
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Hey, Barry!
I'm Jessie, I'm 18 years old and I've been a fan of yours since
I was practically a fetus! "Even Now" means more
to me than I could ever possibly communicate to you. Anyway,
the
majority of the music of my generation
is, shall we say, crap. Very few musicians impress me these days. Are there
any artists from the current scene who you like?
Thanks a bunch!
Jessie Hi Jessie,
There are some very talented people trying to break through with interesting
stuff. Here are some I really like: Bebel Gilberto, Joss Stone, Karrin
Allyson, Shelby Lynne, Scissor Sisters,
Underworld,
Aya, Groove Armada, Tortured Soul, Lizz Wright, Chris Botti, Dirty Vegas, Kings
of Convenience, Anjelique Kidjo, Basement Jaxx, Paul Oakenfield, Deep Forest,
A3, Rufus Wainwright, Zero 7.
Barry
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Hi Barry,
At the "One Night Live" concert in Philadelphia you did a song I
didn't recognize. "Dancin' in the Aisles.” Did you write it? If
so, when, with whom, ...etc?
Alan
Hi Alan,
I wrote "Dancin' In The Aisles” with the great songwriters, Barry
Mann and Cynthia Weill. I recorded it for the "Here Comes The Night" album,
but Clive turned it down, so it never made it on the album. But I've always
loved the song and felt that it would resonate very deeply this year. I loved
ending our show with it each night.
Thanks for asking. Hope you liked it too.
Barry
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Hi Barry,
What are your favorite parts of doing your concerts?
Jackie
Hi Jackie,
My favorite part of doing the show is the feeling I get from a room full of
people forgetting their worldly
problems for a little while. It moves me very deeply to know that I can have
that kind of positive impact on a room full of people.
Barry
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Dear Barry,
I just turned 12 & have been in private voice lessons since age 6. I'm
not the best but I don't clear a room either. The other day a chorus teacher
at school told me "I just wasn't
good enough" when I tried out for a song. I was so sad. Not cuz I didn't
make it but cuz of what she said. I'm just a kid! Mom made me listen to "God
Bless the Other 99.” It's great!
Tell me about that song and how it came about? I was so sad for a long time
and wanted to quit but mom kept telling me to listen to the song. Thanks!
Ally
Hi Ally,
Ken and Mitzie Welch wrote "God Bless The Other 99" as a tribute
to all those brave people who audition over and over and get turned down over
and over. We folks in the entertainment industry spend our lives being rejected.
It's rare when we get accepted and land a job.
I feel that I am one lucky guy being able to break through and become accepted
by so many beautiful people.
If you really feel that you have something to offer, don't stop trying. Keep
studying, practicing and stay committed to your dreams. It really could happen
for you.
Good luck,
Barry
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Hi Barry,
I went to your show last month in Jacksonville. You mentioned The Jaguars that
night. Do you have a favorite NFL team?
Thanks,
Anthony
Hi Anthony,
As I said that night in Jacksonville, I am athletically challenged! Coming
from a very poor neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, sports weren't affordable.
If you saw someone jogging in our neighborhood, you knew they were running
from a robbery! So, the answer to your questions is: What the hell is the
NFL?
Barry
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What song
or songs have had the most profound effect on you and why?
Kim
Hi Kim,
Here are the composers who have had the most profound influence and meaning
to me. Any song written by Steven Sondheim. Any song written by Harold Arlen.
Any song written by Frank Loesser. Any song written by Jule Styne. Any song
written by Leonard Bernstein. Then of course there are the classical composers
who have written the most beautiful and deeply moving music in the Universe.
Barry
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Hi Barry,
I agree with the reviews from Cleveland that say you sound "as inspired
and technically assured as ever." What is your regimen? It is fascinating
since you never aspired to be a singer, let alone a performer, as I understand
it -- and yet you continue to rock on. How do you do it? Who do you study with?
What would be your advice to other singers?
Mary
Hi Mary,
I'm a very fortunate guy. I've only taken one voice lesson and that was over
30 years ago. I always forget to warm up and Debra Byrd gives me tips on
keeping my voice in shape every night. Thank goodness for Debra.
My advice to other singers would come from the performing place not the technical
place. The advice would be to try your best to tell the truth when you sing.
Respect the lyrics and tell the lyricists' story with as much honesty as you
can find.
Thanks for the provocative question.
Barry
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Barry,
On the back cover of "Scores,” there are four crumpled up pieces
of paper. Next to the one on the piano bench is a pencil. My question is, were
they purposely made to resemble roses?
Love,
Danielle
Dear Danielle,
I never saw them as roses. They were meant to represent a composer's hard work.
Barry
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Dear Barry
Since I am an elementary teacher, I would like to know if any elementary teachers
inspired you and how? What do you remember about them (good and bad)?
Margo
Dear Margo,
Sorry to say that I don't remember any teachers during my young life that were
inspiring to me. I think the teachers had their hands full controlling the
kids in my school.
There was one very kind telephone operator named Ruth Zachary who made me feel
safe and like I had something to contribute by her support and encouragement.
If not for her, I think I would have
probably given up school.
It's kindness and encouragement that youngsters need, as you must know. Congratulations
on your chosen field. The world needs you.
Barry
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Dear Barry,
As a historian, there are times when I am required to write. Consequently,
I have a regiment to get myself into a creative mode. What do you do to
enhance your creative side? Or, do you compose when the moment moves you?
Thanks,
Prof. Martyn
Dear Professor Martyn,
I find that I am my most creative in the early morning hours. When I have a
project to begin, I usually go to bed very early and get up before the sun
rises. The ideas seem to flow much better then.
Barry
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Hi Barry,
I am a ringer in a hand-bell choir and it looks like I may wind up becoming
the music director starting in January because our Music Director will be
resigning. I have played hand-bells for about 5 years, which is the extent
of my music experience. Any helpful ideas?
Thanks,
Julie
Hi Julie,
Hand-bells! Wow!
My advice -
1. Be honest ("This new job is
overwhelming. I hope I can make you all proud.")
2. Be kind and encouraging ("That was GREAT! Keep going!")
3. Be inspiring ("I've been practicing every night for the entire week
and I think I'm actually getting better!")
Your choir will love you for it and will become the best hand-bell choir on
the block!
Good luck,
Barry
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Dear Barry,
I recently read that you do not like audience members fantasizing about you--well
I'm sorry to tell you but I know of many women who do-- including me. I am
a happily married mother. My friends and I think you are incredibly sexy
and joke that we would "do you" in a minute (not that we think
it's realistic). So don't think it's such a bad thing that women fantasize
about being with
you--enjoy it!!!
Sincerely,
Vicki
Dear Vicki,
I'm very flattered that you and your friends think I'm incredibly sexy. You
have my complete permission to fantasize away!
I was referring to people who make up relationships with me that do not exist.
Many of these wackos have crossed the line and have intruded in my personal
life and the personal lives of friends and family members of mine. Going through
our garbage, appearing at our doorsteps, writing us letters about incidents
that they've invented - these fantasies are unhealthy for them and for all
of us.
But as for you and your sexy fantasies that will never happen -
go girl!
Barry
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Barry,
Why wasn't "Who Needs To Dream" redone on "Scores?”
Michelle
Michelle,
I tried re-recording "Who Needs To Dream,” but the original version
just sounded better no matter how hard I tried. "If it ain't broke, don't
fix it" applied in this case. We did re-mix it so it does sound a little
fresher.
Barry
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Hi Barry,
You are truly a gifted showman that could teach some of these so-called musical
stars a lesson. You mentioned that you had worked with the kids from American
Idol and I wanted to know if you plan on doing more mentoring in the future?
I hope you are able to share your performing skills with the new batch of performers
coming up. Your stage presence and great suits make for a wonderful evening.
Thank You,
Kim
Hi Kim,
I enjoyed working with the kids on American Idol. But when I asked them questions
like "Who are you singing this song to?" they all looked at me
as if I were from Mars! I will share my experience with as many young performers
as possible.
Glad you like my suits! My favorite suit was the red velvet one even though
I was in the minority (I'm always too hip for the room!).
Barry
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Hi, Mr. Manilow,
Do you ever plan to release songs you recorded but never put on a album?
Thank you,
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
Over the last few years, I've been assembling a collection of songs that never
made it on to albums. I now have 35 CDs with an average of 25 songs apiece
on them! Many of the songs are fragments of ideas, composing songs that
never made it on albums, songs that turned into pop hits and projects that
never materialized. I don't
know if many people would be interested in this project, but I'm continuing
to assemble them and maybe, someday, they'll see the light of day.
Thanks
Barry
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Dear Barry,
I have always loved your work. Years ago when I first heard you, I was hooked.
And then when I saw you, it was perfect because you look like Topo Gigio
- I loved Topo and couldn't wait for the nights that he was on The Ed Sullivan
Show. Have you ever been told this before?
Deb
Hi Deb,
Can't say that I've ever been told that I look like Topo Gigio. Rod Stewart,
maybe. Clay Aiken, okay. But Topo Gigio - no. I'll have to look him up and
see the comparison. Wasn't he a mouse?
Barry
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Barry,
I'm a northern California Rock Musician. Please let me say that of all the
shows I've ever, EVER seen, never had I come with such low expectations and
left feeling like a king that had been entertained at the palace.
My question is: I've played with some very high profile acts, but can't crack
the lid. In spite of my
commitment to social responsibilities, quitting is not an option. What would
you have done had you not gotten
your "break?”
Ace
Hi Ace,
Glad you enjoyed the show.
Had I not gotten my "break,” I would have continued making music
in some way, somehow. You see, for me, the act of MAKING music has always been
enough. My "break" came when I realized that I was musical.
Maybe you've already had your "break" and didn't recognize it. Keep
making music - for yourself.
Good luck, my friend.
Barry
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Barry
Why did you include a number in which you grab your crotch on stage? I was
shocked. I have enjoyed every concert that you have given in Phoenix. I was
just surprised by the action.
Myrna
Dear Myrna,
It just felt like the right thing to do at the time! Hope your shock was pleasant!
Barry
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Dear Barry,
What address can we write a letter to you that YOU will actually be the one
to read it?
Vikki
Dear Vikki,
I AM reading your letter!
Barry
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Hi Barry,
With ALL of the music you have written, some not yet recorded, how do you keep
it all organized? Are you an organized person?
Christina
Dear Christina,
I am the MOST organized person you'll ever meet. I think I border on the neurotic!
There are so many
songs, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, lead sheets, sequences, costumes, shoes, scripts,
letters, photos, notes, journals and computer programs all over that if they
weren't organized, I'd be living in a junk yard.
Barry
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I saw you perform "Trying to Get The Feelin' Again" at
Resorts
International in Atlantic City. The song had a beautiful bridge
section then and I've never heard that bridge again-before or since.
Where did it come from?
Thanks!
Jan
Dear Jan,
David Pomeranz's magnificent "Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again" originally
contained that beautiful bridge, but we had to edit it out because it made
the single version of the song too long for the radio. The entire song is on
the Boxed Set.
Barry
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I appreciate
the fact that fans can help your "foundation" by
making contributions, but I don't think its "right" to
have to pay a large amount of money for a 1st row seat to "meet" you.
Some people can't afford that large amount, but would love to be
able to meet you just as much as everyone else. Please explain
the purpose of it to me.
Linda
Dear Linda,
The Manilow Fund For Health and Hope is an organization that helps local charities
through donations from members of the fan club. The large amount of money
charged was not for front row seats. Arranging for front row seats and other
amenities was a thank you from all of us for the people who generously donated
to this wonderful charity.
Barry
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Dear Barry,
Could you elaborate on how you choose the charities that benefit from the Manilow
Fund for Health and Hope?
Best Wishes,
Shirley
Dear Shirley,
YOU choose the charities that benefit from the Manilow Fund for Health and
Hope. We send
donations to charities that the fans recommend. Local charities receive our
donations out of the blue because the fans send in the names of their favorite
local charities. The Fund is a wonderful organization and because of the Platinum
Package on this last tour and the generosity of the folks who partook in the
package, we were able to raise over a quarter of a million dollars for the
fund. Many, many people will be very grateful.
Barry
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Dearest Barry:
What does it feel like for you backstage meeting all your fans at the Platinum
thingy?
Love you,
Roxy
Roxy,
The people I met after the show were great people. I enjoyed every single one
of them and was very grateful that they donated to the Manilow Fund for Health
and Hope. The Fund will now be able to exist and help people for many, many
years because of all of those generous people.
Barry
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Hi Barry!
OMG! You totally crack me up! When I read your HYSTERICAL answer to the question
regarding MARC, I cried from laughing so hard! YOU ARE SO FUNNY!! Thanks
for making me laugh in the way only YOU can. I agree with you, Marc is great
and he always treats us "Fanilows" with kindness,
compassion and respect. U 2 R A Great Team!
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Nice to hear from you. Marc is a great guy and we do make a great team. Glad
you enjoyed my answer. By the way, he's replaced the tattoo of Eydie Gorme
on his rump with a tattoo of Connie Francis.
Love,
Barry
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Hi Barry!
I was wondering, why didn't you release "How Do I Stop LovingYou?” It
makes me cry every time I listen to it.
Love,
Jennifer
Dear Jennifer,
My single record releases during my time with Arista were always decided by
Clive Davis. I too, have always loved Artie Butler's "How Do I Stop
Loving You?" but Clive didn't. Oh, well. That's show biz!
Love,
Barry
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Dear Barry,
I am a 17 year old singer songwriter and a big fan of your music and proud.
You said that you think that songwriting has taken a nose dive, however
I feel I can change that. Are there
any tips you can give me as a songwriter? What's the best way to get my music
published?
Adam
Hi Adam,
a. Write from your gut.
b. Don't listen to the radio.
c. Make a great demo.
d. Put your song on a professional looking CD and package.
e. Write a short irresistible note.
f. Send it to every producer and record company that you think would connect
with your style of music.
g. Be yourself.
Good luck!
Barry
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Since record companies do not accept "unsolicited material,” how
does a songwriter ever get his songs heard?
Mark
Hi Mark,
It is a conundrum. My two suggestions would be to:
1. Find a singer who already has a record contract and have your song recorded
by that singer.
2. Arrange a showcase for yourself in some club and invite as many record executives
as you can find to see and hear you.
That's what I did. And it worked for me.
Good luck.
Barry
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Hey Barry!
1. Do you really have clinical depression?
Huh? Where on earth did
you hear THAT one?!! I do not have clinical depression although
I know it is a terrible condition for many people.
2. Are you really an atheist now?
I'm not an atheist. As you know, the definition of atheist is: Somebody
who does not believe in God or other deities. I believe that there is someone,
we know not who, that is doing something, we know not what. I believe in a "force,” an "All
That Is.” But I know that there is some beautiful energy that only wants
good for us and that we can access this energy whenever we want it. And I believe
that we are all here to become brave enough to allow that energy through us
so that we can help others and forgive everyone and ourselves.
3. How old are you really now?
I am 29 years old.
With Love, Peace & Light
Judy
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Barry,
What message would you like to leave for humanity? What has been the most intense
moment of your life?
Thanks!
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
I believe that the most important thing a human being can do is to be aware
of the impact he has on others. I would hope that I have had a positive impact
on the people I have come in contact with for all my life.The crash of "Harmony" last
year and the arbitration to get our rights back was the most intense and
horrible experience of my life.
Barry
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Hi Barry- Is there
one "special" musical experience
you have enjoyed more than another?
Sue
Dear Sue,
I've had some real incredible musical thrills.
1. Hearing Gerry Mulligan play my melodies.
2. Singing with Barbra Streisand
3. Being accompanied by a 100 member orchestra at the Statue
of Liberty Centenial Celebration
4. Opening President Clinton's inauguration ceremony
5. Performing at Radio City Music Hall
6. Performing at Carnegie Hall
7. Performing at Madison Square Garden
8. Performing at the London Palladium
9. Meeting and singing for Prince Charles and Princess Diana
10. Meeting and singing for Queen Elizabeth
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Barry,
With this great journey that you have been on can you now say that you are
content with where your
success has taken you in life? Also too, please share some advice with me and
others like me, who dream really BIG but are not sure if the risk is worth
the gamble? Seeking advice from a pro...
Kourtnee
Hi Kourtnee,
Great questions. You're going to go far.
The way to make your dreams come true is to focus on them
constantly. Picture yourself like a laser beam directed at what you desire
and then bring that dream into your reality.
My success has amazed and humbled me, but it has not surprised me. I always
felt that I would be okay. I always saw myself making music and living a happy
life. You can do it too. Imagine it, focus on it and bring IT TO you.
By the way, there's a great book called "Creative Visualization" that
you might like.
Good luck,
Barry
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Hi,
You say "don't give up your dreams." My friend has tried to pursue
her dream profession, but she has had no luck in the past finding a job. After
a period of homelessness, she got a steady, well-paying job not
related to her dream. She quit that job to pursue her dream again and is heading
back down the road to homelessness. My instinct is to tell her to face reality
and get a J-O-B. But your words keep coming back to me. When is it time to
give up a dream?
Concerned,
Linda
Dear Linda,
You sound like a wonderful and concerned friend.
In my opinion, it is never time to give up going for your dreams. Your dear
friend has to experience her life as she creates it. When she asks you for
your advice, you might suggest that she keep her paying job and pursue her
dream in her free time. Otherwise, my friend, you must offer her your love,
support and friendship. The rest is up to her.
All my best,
Barry
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How do you keep singing all of these wonderful love songs and
others with as much passion and feeling today as you did 20 years ago?
Love,
Kris
Dear Barry,
When you are singing an emotional song where does your mind go? Is it on singing
the song, the audience, or do you go into another zone?
Gayle
Hi Barry,
My mom, sister and I attend your concerts whenever you are in our area!! One
of our favorite songs is "Somewhere Down the Road." You put so
much feeling into it when you sing it. Do you think of particular people
from your past when you sing particular songs? Is that how so much feeling
goes into every song, each and every night?
Thanks!
Mary Ellen
Dear Mary Ellen, Gayle and Kris,
I'm very glad that people like you can tell how passionate I am about each
song I sing. But it's not easy.
In fact, it is the most difficult part of my performing. Finding the truth
in songs I've sung for 30 years is quite a challenge. Truth and beauty are
my motto before I go onstage each night.
I spend the entire day of a
performance, giving notes to the band, the crew and the staff and
creating the show for that night. Then I spend the rest of the day inventing
different scenarios for each song.
I learned this technique from the great actress and teacher Nina Foch.
On those occasions when I cannot find the truth in a song, I do not perform
it.
Once again, I thank all of the folks who have felt my total commitment to my
music.
Barry
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Hi Barry
I am 24 years old and grew up listening to your music. Why is it that your
album, "Manilow" on
RCA is not issued on CD? I think it is one of your best albums! I am even thinking
about playing "Its All Behind Us Now" at my wedding.
Kent
Hi Kent,
I agree!! I love that CD. I don't have any idea why it isn't available on CD
in the U.S. RCA seems to be releasing CDs of everything. Maybe one of these
days that one will be released too. And by the way,
congratulations!
Thanks.
Barry
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Hey Barry,
I just saw you in Dallas and had such an incredible time. How did you change
clothes so fast underneath that stage?
Amy
Hi Amy,
Gary Marthaler, my terrific dresser, and I have choreographed my quick changes
as dancers would. Although it nearly gives me a heart attack, he strips
me down and dresses me within one minute!
By the way the second change of clothes during that tour was really wild. I
wore two full outfits for the first six songs of the second act! Two pair of
pants (those leather ones underneath my suit pants), two shirts, two belts
and two pair of socks! Ah, show biz!
Barry
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Barry
What's different about the music industry now than it was when you had your
first hit and has it affected your music?
Kate Hi Kate,
It seems that the biggest change in the music business is how fast the latest
sensations are forgotten. The latest crop of performers barely last one or
two CDs and then they're gone. I blame it all on the mediocrity of what songwriting
has become. It makes me angry and sad. Too bad.
Barry
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After reading your recent answers to some questions in the BarryGram,
I was interested in what you had to say regarding how we choose
what we have in life. I agree with this so much. You said you have
read much on life for the last 20 years. What have you read? You
seem so
enlightened!! Take care!
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
I've read so many self-help and spiritual books, I think I've supported the
Bodhi Tree bookstore! Books like “Conversations With God,” “A
Course In Miracles,” “Ram Das” books, books by the spectacular
Dalai Lama, Marianne Williamson, Joseph Cambell, William Edelen, Edgar Cayce,
Emanual, Lazaris, Ramtha, Michael, Krishnamurti, Seth Speaks, Gary Zukov, Madame
Blavatsky and many, many more have made my life better.
Barry
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Barry,
When you went through tough times and were at your lowest point, how were you
able to pull yourself through?
Gina
Dear Gina,
Whenever I've felt low the only way that helps me out of my blues is to give.
Not just money (although that's nice too), but joy, inspiration,comfort,
laughter and security to others who need those things. It immediately
makes me feel better and I lose my blues.
Give to others what you want for yourself and you'll see how much better you'll
feel.
Barry
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