LISTENING IN: Barry’s back! And still writing the songs

Barry Manilow recently made a triumphant return a stage in Las Vegas performing three sold-out shows July 9-11 at the legendary International Theater. His performances were notable as the singer had announced in December that he would be postponing performances to undergo surgery after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

His return week marked an emotional milestone for both the performer and the generations of fans who have followed his extraordinary career and audiences welcomed the music icon back with thunderous applause, standing ovations and heartfelt admiration.   

“It was great returning to the International Theater stage at Westgate Las Vegas,” said Barry Manilow. “This is my home away from home.”

Manilow holds the record for the most performances in the storied history of the International Theater, further cementing his place as one of the most influential entertainers ever to perform in Las Vegas. In 2024, he made history by signing the first-ever lifetime residency agreement with Westgate Las Vegas.

Since launching Manilow: Las Vegas – The Hits Come Home! at Westgate in 2018, Manilow has performed for hundreds of thousands of fans while earning numerous accolades, including USA TODAY’s “Best Las Vegas Show,” the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Best Resident Performer, and induction into the Las Vegas Magazine Hall of Fame with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

He, of course, performed such timeless hits, including “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “I Write the Songs.”

Manilow released his 33rd studio album What A Time earlier this summer, marking his first nearly all-original LP since 2011’s 15 Minutes and his residency at Westgate will continues with thrice weekly shows at least until Christmas.

Here’s Barry on the Graham Norton show.

Lyrics

I’ve been alive forever
And I wrote the very first song
I put the words and the melodies together
I am music
And I write the songs

I write the songs that make the whole world sing
I write the songs of love and special things
I write the songs that make the young girls cry
I write the songs, I write the songs

My home lies deep within you
And I’ve got my own place in your soul
Now when I look out through your eyes
I’m young again, even tho’ I’m very old

I write the songs that make the whole world sing
I write the songs of love and special things
I write the songs that make the young girls cry
I write the songs, I write the songs

Oh, my music makes you dance and gives you spirit to take a chance
And I wrote some rock ‘n roll so you can move
Music fills your heart, well that’s a real fine place to start
It’s from me, it’s for you
It’s from you, it’s for me
It’s a worldwide symphony

I write the songs that make the whole world sing
I write the songs of love and special things
I write the songs that make the young girls cry
I write the songs, I write the songs

I write the songs that make the whole world sing
I write the songs of love and special things
I write the songs that make the young girls cry
I write the songs, I write the songs

I am music and I write the songs

Check out our ‘Listening In’ archive at https://travelindustrytoday.com/infocus-listening-in/

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