From working as Bette Midler's accompanist in New York's gay bathhouses to Grammy® and Tony® award-winning gold, Barry Manilow had to overcome his share of venom. Derided by critics for his lush songs, Manilow has continued to exude professionalism. Learn how his career has grown and endured.

• Discover how he gained success as a jingle and Broadway songwriter.
• Hear some of the bashing he endured at the hands of critics and contemporaries.

When compared against blaring rock guitars, the string sounds of 1970's Barry Manilow arrangements seem pretty tame. Perhaps that is why he was so notoriously bashed by critics. Also consider that his main audience was middle-class homemakers in the male-dominated popular music realm, and the hatred might be understandable. Nevertheless, through all the barbs and bashes, Manilow has exuded professionalism, changing styles, venues, and collaborators along the way.

Originally Bette Midler's accompanist, Manilow has worked on jingles and stage plays, in addition to his well know pop career. Along the way, he has managed to pick up a Grammy® and a Tony® to add to his string of accomplishments.

Discover how Manilow got his start as a musician, how he endured all the criticism, and how he was voted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. This special portrait looks at his ever-changing, storied career that is still continuing today.