Unveiling Barry Manilow's Husband: The Enduring Love Story Of Garry Kief
For decades, Barry Manilow's soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics have captivated millions worldwide, making him one of the most beloved figures in music history. His iconic songs, from "Mandy" to "Copacabana," have become anthems for generations. While his professional life has been an open book, filled with sold-out concerts and platinum albums, his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships, remained largely private for many years. This discretion naturally sparked curiosity among fans, leading many to ask: who is Barry Manilow's husband?
The answer lies in a beautiful, enduring partnership that spans over four decades. Barry Manilow is married to Garry Kief, a man who has not only been his life partner but also a pivotal force in shaping his legendary career. Their journey together is a testament to love, commitment, and the courage to live authentically, even when the world is watching. This article delves into their remarkable story, shedding light on Garry Kief, their relationship, and the moments that led to their public acknowledgment.
Table of Contents
- Barry Manilow: A Brief Biography of the Legendary Crooner
- Early Life and Musical Beginnings
- The First Chapter: Marriage to Susan Deixler
- Garry Kief: The Man Behind the Music
- Garry Kief's Role as Manager and TV Executive
- The Meeting of Two Souls: Barry and Garry's Journey Begins (1978)
- A Love Kept Secret: Why Barry Manilow Guarded His Relationship
- Tying the Knot: The Private Wedding of Barry Manilow and Garry Kief (2014)
- The Public Acknowledgment: Barry Manilow Comes Out (2017)
- A Supportive Fanbase and Unwavering Career
- Family Life: Barry Manilow as a Stepfather to Kirsten Kief
Barry Manilow: A Brief Biography of the Legendary Crooner
Before delving into the details of who is Barry Manilow's husband, it's essential to understand the man himself – the artist who has touched so many lives with his music. Barry Manilow, born Barry Alan Pincus, on June 17, 1943, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, is a true musical phenomenon. His journey from a humble background to global superstardom is a classic rags-to-riches tale.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Barry's early life was marked by challenges. He was the son of Edna Manilow and Harold Kelliher, a truck driver of Irish descent. Interestingly, Barry's mother had his father change his name to Pincus, adopting the surname of a Jewish uncle from the 1800s. His parents divorced when he was a baby, and his mother's family played a significant role in his upbringing. Music became his solace and passion early on. He attended the New York College of Music and the Juilliard School, honing his skills as a pianist and arranger. His career began in earnest working as a musical director and accompanist for Bette Midler, a collaboration that launched both their careers into the stratosphere.
The First Chapter: Marriage to Susan Deixler
While his long-term relationship with Garry Kief is now widely known, many might not be aware that Barry Manilow had a brief marriage earlier in his life. In 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler. This union, however, was short-lived. The duo resolved their marriage in 1966, with "the old songs" singer coming out to the world decades later in 2017. He later annulled the marriage, a decision that paved the way for him to find love again, this time with Garry Kief.
Garry Kief: The Man Behind the Music
To truly answer the question of who is Barry Manilow's husband, we must introduce Garry Kief. Garry is not just Barry's spouse; he is a formidable figure in his own right within the entertainment industry. His professional life is intricately woven with Barry's, making him an indispensable part of the singer's success story. Just like the legendary musician, Garry Kief also pursues a profession in the show business, primarily as a television executive and, most notably, as Barry's long-time manager.
Garry Kief's Role as Manager and TV Executive
Garry Kief is the singer's manager, a position he first undertook sometime after he and Barry met. This role is far more than just administrative; it involves strategic career planning, negotiation, and guiding Barry through the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry. Kief, who is also his manager, has been instrumental in building Barry Manilow's career to the legendary status he enjoys today. Beyond his managerial duties, Garry Kief is also a TV executive, bringing a broad understanding of the entertainment world to their partnership. This dual role underscores his deep involvement in Barry's professional life, making him not just a personal confidant but also a crucial business partner.
The Meeting of Two Souls: Barry and Garry's Journey Begins (1978)
The love story of Barry Manilow and Garry Kief began in 1978. This was a pivotal year, marking the start of a relationship that would quietly blossom into a lifelong commitment. They met at a time when Barry's career was already soaring, and Garry's expertise in the entertainment industry made him a natural fit, both professionally and personally. Their connection was immediate and profound, laying the groundwork for a partnership that would endure for decades, transcending the usual pressures of fame and public scrutiny. Their initial encounter sparked a bond that would see them navigate the highs and lows of show business together, always supporting each other.
A Love Kept Secret: Why Barry Manilow Guarded His Relationship
For many years, the relationship between Barry Manilow and Garry Kief, along with Barry's sexual orientation, remained a closely guarded secret. This discretion was not born out of shame but rather a pragmatic concern for Barry's career. Manilow had not revealed his sexuality because he worried it would hurt his career, as he mostly had female fans. In an era less accepting of LGBTQ+ relationships, especially in mainstream entertainment, the fear of alienating a significant portion of his fanbase was a very real concern. The music industry, particularly for artists with a strong romantic appeal, often placed immense pressure on performers to maintain a certain image. Barry's decision to keep his personal life private was a strategic one, aimed at protecting his livelihood and the connection he had with his fans. However, their relationship and Barry's sexual orientation were a secret until the marriage became public in 2015, signaling a shift in both their personal comfort and societal acceptance.
Tying the Knot: The Private Wedding of Barry Manilow and Garry Kief (2014)
After being together for so many years, Barry Manilow and Garry Kief finally got married in April 2014. This private ceremony was a quiet affirmation of their deep commitment to each other, a culmination of over three decades of shared life, love, and professional partnership. The wedding itself was kept under wraps, reflecting their long-standing preference for privacy. It wasn't until the marriage became public in 2015 that the world learned about their union. This revelation, though years in the making, was a significant moment, confirming what many close to them already knew: that Garry Kief was, indeed, Barry Manilow's husband, and had been for a long time. The news brought a wave of warmth and support from fans who had always admired Barry's dedication and talent.
The Public Acknowledgment: Barry Manilow Comes Out (2017)
While their marriage became public in 2015, it was in April 2017 that Barry Manilow openly acknowledged his homosexuality in a public interview with People magazine. This was a monumental moment, not just for Barry and Garry, but for many fans and the LGBTQ+ community. At the age of 80, Barry Manilow, Garry’s husband, bravely shared his truth with the world. He opened up for the first time about coming out, finding love, and surviving showbiz for 50 years. This candid conversation, exclusively published in People, provided a deeper understanding of his journey and the reasons behind his decades of privacy. His decision to speak out was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, showcasing a significant shift in public perception and acceptance.
A Supportive Fanbase and Unwavering Career
One of Barry Manilow's primary concerns about revealing his sexuality was the potential impact on his career, especially given his predominantly female fanbase. He worried it would hurt his career. However, when he opened up, most of his fan base was very supportive, and his career never slowed down. This outpouring of love and acceptance was a testament to the strong bond he had built with his fans over the years, a bond based on his music and genuine connection, rather than his personal life choices. His success has generated interest in his personal life, with fans keeping tabs on his love life, and their support only grew stronger when he chose to live authentically. This demonstrated that true artistry and genuine connection transcend perceived boundaries, proving that love is indeed love, regardless of who is Barry Manilow's husband.
Family Life: Barry Manilow as a Stepfather to Kirsten Kief
Beyond their professional and romantic partnership, Barry Manilow and Garry Kief share a family life that includes Garry's daughter, Kirsten Kief. Performer Barry Manilow is the proud stepfather of his husband’s daughter, Kirsten Kief. This aspect of their relationship highlights the depth of their commitment, extending beyond just the two of them to embrace a broader family unit. Performer Barry Manilow was “ready to take a chance” on becoming a stepdad to Kirsten Kief when he and Garry formalized their relationship. This willingness to embrace the role of a stepfather further illustrates the loving and supportive environment they have built together. An adorable image of Garry Kief and his husband Barry Manilow (source: People) often captures moments of their shared life, including family events, underscoring the warmth and stability of their home.
Conclusion
The journey of Barry Manilow and Garry Kief is a beautiful narrative of enduring love, quiet strength, and eventual public triumph. From their meeting in 1978 to their private marriage in 2014, and finally to Barry's heartfelt public acknowledgment in 2017, their story is a testament to a bond that has withstood the test of time and the glare of the spotlight. Garry Kief is not just Barry Manilow's husband; he is his manager, his confidant, his partner in life and in business, and a beloved member of their family. Their relationship serves as an inspiring example of how love, commitment, and authenticity can lead to profound happiness and continued success. It's a reminder that true connections flourish when nurtured with care and celebrated with courage.
We hope this deep dive into Barry Manilow's personal life has provided you with valuable insights into his enduring relationship with Garry Kief. What are your thoughts on their inspiring love story? Share your comments below! If you enjoyed this article, feel free to share it with others, and explore more fascinating stories about iconic figures on our site.
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