Barry Manilow's Surprising First Instrument and Other Wild Facts

From his early accordion lessons to a chance meeting with Bob Dylan, there's a lot you may not know about the pop icon.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Barry Manilow, the smooth-voiced pop star behind hits like "Mandy" and "Copacabana," has had a long and fascinating career. While he's best known for his piano-driven pop songs, Manilow actually started out learning a different instrument as a child - the accordion. He also had an early gig as the musical director for Bette Midler at the iconic Continental Baths in New York City, wrote some of the most memorable jingles of the 1970s, and even had a chance encounter with Bob Dylan that left him puzzled. Despite his decades of success, there are still plenty of wild facts about Barry Manilow that the average fan may not know.

Why it matters

Barry Manilow has remained a beloved and successful entertainer for over 50 years, with a career spanning hit songs, Broadway musicals, and even television themes. Exploring the lesser-known details of his life and career provides insight into how Manilow became the iconic performer he is today, from his humble beginnings learning the accordion to his encounters with other music legends. These stories give fans a deeper appreciation for Manilow's multifaceted talents and journey to stardom.

The details

Manilow's first instrument was not the piano, but the accordion, which he began learning as a child in Brooklyn. While he initially disliked the "squeaky, old-fashioned instrument," it proved to be a gateway to his true passion - the piano. In his 20s, Manilow became the musical director for Bette Midler, accompanying her risque act at the famous Continental Baths in New York City, where they attracted a following of A-list fans. Manilow also found great success writing jingles for TV commercials in the early 1970s, including the iconic "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there" jingle, for which he was paid only $500. Despite his own success as a performer, Manilow's signature song "I Write the Songs" was actually written by Beach Boys member Bruce Johnston.

  • Manilow began taking accordion lessons as a child in Brooklyn.
  • In his 20s, Manilow became the musical director for Bette Midler's act at the Continental Baths in New York City.
  • Manilow wrote the "State Farm is there" jingle in the early 1970s.

The players

Barry Manilow

A legendary pop singer-songwriter known for hits like "Mandy" and "Copacabana."

Bette Midler

An acclaimed singer and actress who performed under the moniker "Bathhouse Betty" at the Continental Baths, with Manilow as her musical director.

Bruce Johnston

A member of the Beach Boys who wrote Manilow's signature song "I Write the Songs."

Bob Dylan

The iconic singer-songwriter who unexpectedly praised Manilow's work during a Passover Seder.

State Farm

The insurance company for which Manilow wrote the memorable "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there" jingle.

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What they’re saying

“Don't stop what you're doing, man. We're all inspired by you.”

— Bob Dylan (Vanity Fair)

“I love the time of the season. And everybody thinks about giving and receiving, and I love the whole feel of this time of the year.”

— Barry Manilow (NPR)

The takeaway

Barry Manilow's career is filled with unexpected twists and turns, from his humble beginnings learning the accordion to his chance encounters with music legends like Bob Dylan. These little-known facts about the pop icon's life and work showcase the breadth of his talents and the unique path he's taken to become one of the most successful and beloved entertainers of his generation.