For decades, fans believed they knew the man behind some of the most beloved love songs ever written. His music filled concert halls, dominated radio stations, and became the soundtrack to countless romances. Yet while audiences embraced the image of the charming entertainer, Barry Manilow quietly protected a deeply personal part of his life. Only in his seventies did the legendary performer finally speak openly about the relationship he had kept private for almost forty years, surprising many while inspiring countless others with his honesty.
Long before worldwide fame arrived, Manilow’s journey began with a simple piano purchased through years of sacrifice by his mother and stepfather. The instrument became the foundation of a career that would eventually make him one of pop music’s most recognizable voices. Determined to succeed, he studied music in New York before continuing his education at the prestigious Juilliard School. During the day he worked ordinary jobs to support himself, but every spare moment was devoted to composing, arranging, and refining the musical style that would later captivate millions.
Like many young artists, his early adulthood was filled with uncertainty. At twenty-one, he married his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler, hoping to build a conventional life. The marriage lasted only a short time, ending after two years. Looking back, Manilow has openly admitted that he simply wasn’t prepared for marriage. His attention was focused almost entirely on music, performing night after night while searching for creative success rather than domestic stability. Only years later would he fully understand why that traditional path never truly felt like his own.
Before becoming an international star, Manilow sharpened his songwriting skills in an unexpected place: television and radio advertising. Writing memorable commercial jingles for major companies taught him how to create melodies that listeners could remember after hearing them only once. Those lessons proved invaluable when he transitioned into recording pop music. By the time his debut album arrived in 1973, he had already mastered the art of writing unforgettable hooks. The success of “Mandy” in 1974 launched him onto the global stage and established him as one of the decade’s biggest recording artists.
Success came quickly after that breakthrough. His devoted fans—affectionately known as “Fanilows”—helped turn album after album into commercial triumphs. Hits such as “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” and “Copacabana” cemented his place among pop music’s biggest stars. At one point, several of his albums occupied the bestseller charts simultaneously, an achievement few artists have matched. Behind the applause, however, Manilow carried a deeply personal secret that remained hidden from the public eye.
During the 1970s and 1980s, many entertainers believed revealing their sexual orientation could permanently damage their careers. The entertainment industry often demanded carefully controlled public images, leaving little room for personal openness. Manilow chose to focus attention on his music while keeping his private life almost entirely separate from his public identity. Fans admired the performer, but very few knew anything about the person waiting behind the curtain after the concerts ended.
That person shared his life with Garry Kief, whom Manilow met in 1978. Their relationship quickly developed into a lasting partnership built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. Beyond being Manilow’s life partner, Kief also became an essential part of his professional success, eventually serving as president of Barry Manilow Productions. Together they balanced the demands of international fame with the privacy they both valued, creating a relationship that quietly endured while much of Hollywood’s high-profile romances came and went.
After spending decades together, the couple privately married in 2014 during an intimate ceremony at their Palm Springs home attended only by close friends and family. Even then, they chose not to publicly discuss their marriage for several years. When Manilow eventually shared the truth with the world, he admitted feeling uncertain about how longtime fans might react. Instead of criticism, however, he received overwhelming support, with many expressing happiness that he had finally reached a point in life where he felt comfortable living openly.
According to Manilow, the foundation of their relationship has always been mutual respect and clearly defined roles. While Garry focused on managing the business side of their lives, Barry devoted himself to performing and creating music. Their partnership thrived because each trusted the other’s strengths rather than competing for control. Together they also helped raise Garry’s daughter, Kristen, building a stable family life away from the constant spotlight that surrounded Manilow’s career.
Looking back, Manilow hopes his story encourages others to embrace authenticity in their own lives. He understands why he remained private for so many years, given the attitudes of earlier decades, but believes society has changed significantly. Today he wants younger generations to know that success and personal happiness do not have to exist separately. His life demonstrates that it is possible to protect one’s privacy, build an extraordinary career, and eventually share the truth on one’s own terms. Beyond the timeless songs and sold-out concerts, Barry Manilow’s lasting legacy is also one of resilience, love, and the courage to finally live openly after decades of silence.