Mandy

The Zoo Crew is spinning Barry Manilow's classic hit "Mandy" from the album Barry Manilow II, and the Zoo Freaks are loving every moment of this nostalgic tune. Interestingly, "Mandy" wasn't originally titled as such; it was a cover of a 1971 song called "Brandy" by Scott English and Richard Kerr. Manilow, initially reluctant to record a cover, was persuaded by producer Clive Davis, who believed it could be a hit. To avoid confusion with the 1972 Looking Glass hit "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)," the title was changed to "Mandy" during the recording session on August 20, 1974. The song became Manilow’s first #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 on January 18, 1975, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Scott English, the original songwriter, admitted he initially disliked Manilow’s version but grew to appreciate it when royalties started rolling in.

Another piece of trivia comes from a misconception about the song’s inspiration. Despite rumors that "Mandy" was about Manilow’s dog, he clarified in interviews that it wasn’t, though he did have a beagle named Bagel, and his fans are affectionately called "Beagle Bagels." In a 2003 interview, Manilow shared that the song’s emotional depth resonated with audiences, leading to its frequent use in TV shows, including a Family Guy episode where Manilow humorously re-titled it "Quagmire" for a character. The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its 50th anniversary celebration, as noted in a January 18, 2025, post on X, where Manilow reflected on how "Mandy" captured hearts globally and solidified its place in music history.

Barry Manilow, born Barry Alan Pincus on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, began his musical journey in a working-class neighborhood. His early love for jazz and Broadway show tunes came from his stepfather’s record collection, steering him away from rock ‘n’ roll. Manilow studied at the New York College of Music and later at Juilliard, honing his skills as a musician. In the 1960s, he found early success writing jingles for companies like McDonald’s ("You Deserve a Break Today") and State Farm, a hustle that paid off financially. His big break came when he became Bette Midler’s pianist at New York’s Continental Baths, a gay club, eventually becoming her musical director and co-producer for her Grammy-winning debut album. This exposure led to a solo deal with Bell Records, and after a lackluster debut album in 1973, "Mandy" from Barry Manilow II catapulted him to stardom.

Fans can connect with Barry Manilow through his official website, where they can find concert updates and exclusive content. His Facebook page, with over 4.6 million followers, shares tour announcements and nostalgic posts. On Instagram, Manilow posts behind-the-scenes glimpses and fan interactions, while his X account keeps followers updated with career milestones, like the 50th anniversary of "Mandy." For dedicated Zoo Freaks, fan communities thrive online, including the Barry Manilow International Fan Club on Facebook, where fans share concert experiences and memorabilia. Another fan site, Manilow.com, offers a space for fans to discuss his music and legacy, keeping the spirit of his romantic ballads alive.