By Cara Jepsen
One fan told how Manilow got her through breast cancer and depression. Another was considering suicide after a series of setbacks. Then she read his book Sweet Life and received a box set of his music for Christmas. “Nancy listened to every word of every song, and miraculously nearly every song sounded like it was meant for her alone,” Strunk writes. Nancy wrote Manilow a 25-page letter, which was never answered. Another woman said that seeing him in concert “was honestly and truly the first time in almost a year I had been glad I was alive….I have kidded with my friends through the years that although I don’t attend church anymore, I do belong to the Church of Barry, and that is enough!”
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Manilow no longer sings his “Very Strange Medley” live, but his jingles came in loud and clear on the speakers in the lobby of the Rosemont Theatre during his engagement there last week. Sales were brisk for Barry Manilow mugs ($15), polo shirts ($40), faux backstage passes ($15), and concert cushions–Mani-pads?–featuring his backside and the words “The Best Seat in the House” ($20).
We were hoping Manilow would choose one of us to go onstage for his 1978 hit “Can’t Smile Without You.” Strunk devotes an entire chapter to this phenomenon: at each show he picks one lucky girl, usually waving a sign, who gets to hold hands, dance, and sing with her idol. For the finale, Manilow sits behind her on the piano, straddling her between his legs–what Strunk calls “that famous moment relished by all CSWY gals.” Then she’s sent away with a hug, a kiss, and a signed videotape.
It seems to be enough to tide over his fans. They continue to name their daughters and pets Mandy and to find hidden meanings in his music. “He really gives the fans something they can hold on to and something they can believe in, which is another reason they follow him as opposed to anybody else,” says Strunk. “He makes them feel good about themselves.”
