This month, the top adult contemporary artist of all time will leave his home stage at Paris Las Vegas to call on Atlantic City. Barry Manilow is back in town, playing for one night only with the New York Pops.

For 30 years, Manilow has set the standard for success in pop music. From the early hits—“Mandy,” “Copacabana”—to anthems like “I Write the Songs,” the star has more than justified the confidence of Frank Sinatra, who anointed him his successor in the 1970s.

Along with his success has come a reputation for being “uncool.” But if loving Barry isn’t cool, neither is Bob Dylan, who once called the lanky singer-songwriter “an inspiration.”

Casino Connection recently asked Manilow about his enduring influence, and his upcoming AC show.

Your CD, Greatest Love Songs of All Time, includes a baker’s dozen of the greats. Was it tough to choose just 13?
The cream rises to the top. I studied the Encyclopedia of Popular Music in America and listed the titles that seemed to fit. I’m a big fan of classic pop songwriting, so choosing the songs was really a great experience. I sent my list to Clive Davis, he did some editing, and off we went.

I tried singing and arranging both “I’ve Got A Crush On You” and “Embraceable You,” but I couldn’t make them sound fresh, maybe because these two have been sung so many times.
   
You’ve made a series of “Greatest” albums—songs of the ’50s, ’60s, etc. Are the ’90s next?
None of us ever considered doing songs from the ’90s. The songs that were becoming hits then were so far away from the style of music I can do: there was a lot of R&B, rap and hip-hop, and maybe one or two melodic/lyrical songs like “My Heart Will Go On.” It’s not enough to make up an entire CD.

There are talented composers out there, and I think they’re capable of writing great melodies and lyrics, but I think the market won’t allow those kinds of songs to be heard. Really too bad.

Your voice seems to have improved over the years, a la Tony Bennett. 
Thank you. I’m a lucky guy. I haven’t changed very many of the keys I sing in, so I’m singing in the same high keys I made the records in 30 years ago. Amazing to me and to my band.
 
On a rainy Sunday, what CD are you most likely to listen to? 
I don’t listen to the pop radio. Never have. My favorite Sunday morning music is always classical or soft (true!) jazz. Not the pretend-jazz they call “smooth.”

Of your own songs, what's your personal favorite?
My favorites are always little-known album cuts. Out of the hits, my favorite would be “Could It Be Magic.”

Do you try to fit all your hits into your stage show? 
During our show at Paris Las Vegas, there is a set amount of songs. Many of them are hits. For our one night in Atlantic City, I’ll try to incorporate as many of the hits as I can. The thought of being accompanied by the New York Pops thrills me. Can’t wait.

Barry Manilow will appear at Boardwalk Hall August 14. Tickets are $65, $155 and $225.

By Casino Connection Staff