Barry Manilow, the iconic songwriter and performer, is set to release his 33rd studio album, What a Time, on June 5, marking his first collection of predominantly new material in almost 15 years. This highly anticipated release signifies a significant moment for the veteran artist, whose career has spanned decades and garnered numerous accolades. The album promises a fresh body of work, offering fans a glimpse into Manilow’s continued creative output.
What a Time is primarily produced by Manilow himself, alongside his longtime collaborator Michael Lloyd. This marks a return to original compositions for Manilow, with his last primarily original studio album, 15 Minutes, released in 2011. That album achieved considerable success, becoming his 15th to reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart. Manilow’s initial foray into the top 10 of Billboard’s flagship albums chart dates back to February 1975 with Barry Manilow II.
The lead single from What a Time, "Sun Shine," has already been released, offering a vibrant and optimistic preview of the album’s sound. The track evokes the signature melodic style that fans have come to associate with Manilow, even drawing comparisons to his 1977 hit "Daybreak." The single features a distinct retro feel, complete with a whistling interlude and the evocative sound of a vinyl record’s needle drop. Penned by Manilow and Gary Barlow of Take That, "Sun Shine" was produced by Manilow, David Benson, and Greg Bartheld. The accompanying music video, directed by Lás Sambugaro, focuses on a young couple preparing for their day, rather than featuring Manilow himself.
Another significant track from the album is "Once Before I Go," which was co-written by the esteemed Oscar winners Dean Pitchford and the late Peter Allen. This song also holds a special connection to Manilow’s career, having been executive-produced by his longtime mentor, Clive Davis. "Once Before I Go" has already made an impact on the charts, reaching No. 25 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart in February, further extending Manilow’s remarkable chart presence. He first appeared on both the Adult Contemporary and Billboard Hot 100 charts in November 1974 with his breakthrough hit "Mandy." The music video for "Once Before I Go" was filmed at the Westgate Las Vegas, the venue that has hosted Manilow’s long-running and record-breaking residency.
The album also includes a re-recorded version of "Another Life," a poignant ballad that Manilow previously included on his 1991 box set, The Complete Collection and Then Some…. What a Time features two notable guest artists. Saxophonist Dave Koz lends his talents to the track "Look at Me Now," while vocalist Sharon "Muffy" Hendrix joins Manilow for a duet on "When Somebody Says Goodbye."
A testament to Manilow’s enduring songwriting prowess, he penned or co-wrote all but two of the 13 tracks on What a Time. His songwriting collaborations on this album span a rich history of musical partnerships. He reunited with John Bettis, who has contributed to numerous Manilow albums since 1979’s One Voice (including the song "Where Are They Now"). Manilow also collaborated with Bruce Sussman and Enoch Anderson, who co-wrote some of Manilow’s most celebrated hits, including "Copacabana (At the Copa)" and "I Made It Through the Rain," his most recent top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, Manilow partnered with Adrienne Anderson, with whom he co-wrote "Could It Be Magic," a song from his 1973 debut album that achieved top 10 status in 1975.
The production of What a Time showcases a blend of seasoned collaborators and acclaimed producers. Manilow and Michael Lloyd co-produced nine of the 13 tracks, often with additional collaborators. David Benson, Greg Bartheld, and Manilow are credited with producing "Sun Shine" and "Don’t Trouble the Water." The album also features production contributions from Grammy-winning artists Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Dave Cobb, bringing their distinct production styles to the project.
The album is being released under Manilow’s own STILETTO Entertainment label and distributed by The Orchard. STILETTO Entertainment has previously released three of Manilow’s last five studio albums, underscoring his commitment to independent artistic control.
This album announcement arrives at a significant juncture in Manilow’s life, marked by both personal health challenges and continued professional recognition. In late December 2025, Manilow revealed his diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer, for which he successfully underwent surgery. He has since expressed optimism about his recovery, stating in March, "But I am getting stronger and I have great doctors and wonderful friends and family, but I am so looking forward to getting back on stage."
Adding to the wave of accolades, Manilow is scheduled to receive the American Advertising Federation’s President’s Award at the Advertising Hall of Fame induction ceremony in April. This honor celebrates his early career achievements in advertising, where he composed and performed memorable jingles for iconic brands such as State Farm, Band-Aid, KFC, Pepsi, and McDonald’s. His medley of these jingles, titled "Very Strange Medley," was featured on his 1977 live album Barry Manilow/Live, which topped the Billboard 200. His contributions to advertising were previously acknowledged with an honorary Clio Award in 2009.
Manilow’s extensive list of honors includes induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002 and the BMI Icon Award. His television work has earned him two Primetime Emmys (1977, 2006), a Grammy Award (1979), and a special Tony Award (1977). He also contributed an Oscar-nominated song, "Ready to Take a Chance Again," for the film Foul Play and performed it at the Academy Awards ceremony in 1979. His impressive collection of awards also includes three consecutive American Music Awards for favorite pop/rock male vocalist.
Tracklist for What a Time
- Once Before I Go (Dean Pitchford, Peter Allen)
- Sun Shine (Barry Manilow, Gary Barlow)
- Look at Me Now (feat. Dave Koz) (Barry Manilow)
- When Somebody Says Goodbye (feat. Sharon "Muffy" Hendrix) (Barry Manilow)
- Another Life (Barry Manilow)
- Coming of Age (Barry Manilow, Adrienne Anderson)
- Sweet William (Barry Manilow, John Bettis)
- Everything’s Gonna Be Alright (Barry Manilow, Bruce Sussman, Enoch Anderson)
- I Want to Be Your Santa Claus (Barry Manilow, John Bettis)
- Don’t Trouble the Water (Barry Manilow, Bruce Sussman, Enoch Anderson)
- Now I’m All Grown Up (Barry Manilow)
- It’s a Miracle (Barry Manilow, John Bettis)
- Where Do I Go From Here (Barry Manilow, Bruce Sussman, Enoch Anderson)
Barry Manilow Announces Extensive 2026-27 U.S. Tour Dates
In addition to the album release, Barry Manilow has unveiled a comprehensive schedule of U.S. tour dates running from April 13, 2026, through January 21, 2027. This extensive tour will encompass numerous cities across the country, offering fans ample opportunities to experience his live performances. The announced dates do not include the 45 performances that are part of his ongoing residency at the International Theater at Westgate Las Vegas. For a complete listing of all upcoming tour dates and residency information, fans are encouraged to visit Manilow’s official website. The tour is being billed as "The Last Concerts," suggesting a potential farewell tour, though specific details about the nature of these performances are still emerging.
Manilow’s residency at the Westgate Las Vegas has been a landmark event, drawing significant crowds and cementing his status as a captivating live performer. His ability to connect with audiences night after night has been a hallmark of his enduring career. The upcoming tour dates are expected to be highly sought after, reflecting the continued demand for his music and stage presence. Fans eager to secure tickets are advised to monitor official ticketing platforms and Manilow’s website for presale information and general on-sale dates.
