🎹 Barry Manilow Returns With “What A Time” — Because Legends Don’t Actually Retire
Some artists fade away.
Barry Manilow simply reloads.
The timeless pop balladeer has officially announced his 33rd studio album, What A Time, arriving June 5, marking his first collection of mostly new material in nearly 15 years. And yes, the man who soundtracked countless proms, road trips and emotional life moments is still out here writing songs while the rest of us are arguing about playlists.
Primarily produced alongside longtime collaborator Michael Lloyd, the album signals yet another chapter in one of the most enduring careers in pop music history.
🏆 A Career Built On Number One Hits And Loyal Fans
Let’s not pretend we’re talking about a nostalgia act here.
Manilow literally dominated the charts.
He topped the Billboard Hot 100 three times with:
- “Mandy” (1975)
- “I Write the Songs” (1976)
- “Looks Like We Made It” (1977)
Add in timeless staples like “Copacabana (At the Copa)” and you’ve got a catalog that continues to fill arenas decades later.
His legacy also includes:
- Grammy Award winner (1979)
- Two Primetime Emmy Awards (1977, 2006)
- Special Tony Award recipient
- Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee (2002)
- BMI Icon Award honoree
- Multiple American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Vocalist
In short, Barry didn’t just have hits. He built a musical empire on emotional storytelling and larger-than-life stage presence.
☀️ New Music With Classic Manilow Energy
The new single “Sun Shine,” co-written with Gary Barlow of Take That, leans fully into Manilow’s signature retro-pop warmth. Think vintage vinyl vibes, whistling hooks and a reminder that melody still matters.
The album opens with “Once Before I Go,” co-written by Oscar winners Dean Pitchford and the late Peter Allen, and executive-produced by legendary mentor Clive Davis. The track recently reached No. 25 on the Adult Contemporary chart, extending Manilow’s jaw-dropping 51-year history on that chart.
That kind of longevity isn’t nostalgia. It’s dominance with patience.
🎷 Collaborations And Deep Cuts
What A Time features guest appearances including saxophonist Dave Koz on “Look at Me Now” and vocalist Sharon “Muffy” Hendrix on the duet “When Somebody Says Goodbye.”
Manilow also revisits “Another Life,” giving new life to a track that longtime fans will instantly recognize. Most of the album’s songwriting was handled by Manilow himself alongside trusted collaborators like John Bettis and Bruce Sussman — the creative forces behind many of his biggest hits.
💪 Health Challenges, Comeback Spirit And Advertising Fame
The album announcement arrives during a deeply personal period for the singer. After revealing an early-stage lung cancer diagnosis in late 2025, Manilow underwent surgery and recently shared that he’s feeling stronger and ready to return to the stage.
Meanwhile, he’s also being honored with the American Advertising Federation’s President’s Award, recognizing his early career composing iconic jingles for brands like State Farm, Band-Aid, Pepsi and McDonald’s. Yes, the man behind arena ballads also helped write the soundtrack to your childhood commercials. Try un-hearing that.
🎟️ Massive Tour Plans Ahead
Manilow has also announced an extensive 2026–2027 U.S. tour, with dates stretching across major arenas — including Florida stops in Jacksonville, Sunrise, Estero, Tampa and Orlando — alongside his ongoing Las Vegas residency.
Because when your fanbase spans generations, staying busy isn’t optional. It’s expected.
April 13 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena*
April 14 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center*
April 16 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza*
April 17 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena*
April 19 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena*
April 20 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena*
April 22 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center*
April 24 – Greensboro, NC – First Horizon Coliseum*
April 27 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena*
April 29 – Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena*
July 30 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum*
August 1 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena*
August 2 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena*
August 4 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena*
August 5 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center*
August 7 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena*
August 8 – Norfolk, VA – Chartway Arena*
January 15 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena
January 16 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena*
January 17 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena*
January 20 – Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena*
January 21 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center*
📱 Find Live Shows Near You With The Static Live Music Calendar App
While Barry Manilow prepares to hit arenas nationwide, you can discover live music happening right now closer to home.
Download the Static Live Music Calendar App to explore concerts, festivals and local shows across Florida’s East Coast — including Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Flagler Beach. We’re expanding into new cities soon, so staying plugged in now means you’ll never miss the next unforgettable performance.
Music history is still being written. You just need to know where to look.
