The soft rock and pop artist is finally opening up about why he waited so long to share the news with his fans.
Soft rock singer Barry Manilow, 80, appeared as a guest on a recent episode of Who is talking to Chris Wallace? in max.
The Grammy winner opened up about his life and career and shared why, after 39 years together, he decided to come out to his partner Garry Kief in 2017 at the age of 73.
Photo credit: PEOPLE// MARTIN SCHOELLER
During the peak of his career, the “Mandy” singer thought it would have been “disappointing” for fans if they found out he was a gay man. However, Manilow now shares that there was more to it than that.
“Well, in the ’70s, you know, no [come out]“Manilow told the veteran journalist. “It wasn’t the same as today. Now being gay is no big deal. But in the ’70s, he would have ended a career.”
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The singer-songwriter continued: “The public was not prepared for anyone to come out. And, frankly, it was too personal. Anyway, I just didn’t want to talk about my personal life. I never did that. I was happy talking about music. But talking about my personal life made me a little afraid. So I never did.”
Wallace then asked if Manilow ever felt like he had to hide who he was. It was then that the famous singer responded that he “never thought about that.”
“Honestly, Chris, it was a non-event,” the “Ships” singer said. “And when we dated, it was… I think everyone knew that Garry and I were a couple all those years.”
Manilow and her husband, Kief, crossed paths in 1978 and soon after, Kief took on the role of the “Can’t Smile Without You” singer’s manager. They married in 2014 and Manilow credits Kief with saving her life.
“Garry actually saved my life, because when my career blew up, like I said, it was crazy, and coming back to an empty hotel room, you could get into a lot of trouble if you’re alone night after night.” Manilow said. “But I met Garry just when everything was blowing up and I didn’t have to go back to those empty hotel rooms. He had someone to cry with or celebrate with.”
Credit: REX FEATURES
Manilow and Kief, like any couple, have had their fair share of challenges over the years. Manilow said People in a 2017 interview that things got a little complicated when Kief attended one of his concerts. The singer’s fame added strain to their relationship.
Afterwards the singer said: “I got in the car with him and [the fans] They were rocking the car,” Manilow recalls. “He was like, ‘I can’t handle this. It’s not for me.’ I’m glad he stayed.”
Nearly four decades later, the couple is happier than ever.
“Thank God we’re still together,” Manilow says, “and we’re in good shape, too.”
Please suggest hope that Barry Manilow and Garry Kief have many more happy years together.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn