Barry Manilow, the renowned singer-songwriter, is celebrating a significant achievement with his latest single “Once Before I Go,” which has secured a place in the Top 10 of the Adult Contemporary chart. This accomplishment comes at a time when the 82-year-old artist is navigating a health challenge linked to a cancerous spot discovered on his lung.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/barry-manilow-2-030326-781d5462921241719a2cdb1194d6ea87.jpg)
In a heartfelt video shared across his social media platforms, Manilow expressed both excitement and gratitude to his fans. The legendary performer voiced his appreciation for their support during what he described as a difficult period. “It’s been a long ride and since I have no patience, it’s been agony,” he stated, explaining how eager he is to return to the stage. He reassured followers that he is on the mend, crediting his resilience to the care provided by his doctors, as well as the love of his friends and family.
The news of his health issues first surfaced in December when Manilow announced that medical professionals had discovered the cancerous spot. Fortunately, he shared that there was no indication of it spreading and that he would avoid chemotherapy or radiation treatments. However, these revelations have led to the postponement of several performances, including a recent schedule shift affecting shows until mid-March.
Reflecting on his current physical condition, Manilow mentioned his commitment to fitness, revealing he has been working out on a treadmill three times each day. Despite his efforts, he admitted that he still struggles to perform more than a handful of songs in succession. “Barry, you won’t be ready to do a 90-minute show,” was the advice given to him by his doctor, indicating that while he is in good shape given the circumstances, his lungs still require time to heal.
As he marked the release of “Once Before I Go,” Manilow took a moment to also promote his upcoming album titled “What a Time,” giving fans a glimpse into what they can expect. He conveyed a sense of optimism for the future, stating, “So here’s to another century of making music together, my friends. All my love and gratitude.”
This new single marks an impressive milestone in Manilow’s storied career, which has now spanned six decades. He revealed that the chart success of “Once Before I Go” brought him immense joy, particularly given the challenges he has faced. “In fact, it’s great news,” he enthused, highlighting that a song released at this stage in his life has resonated with audiences while playfully acknowledging, “I’m 100 years old with a Top 10 single.”
Manilow has long expressed admiration for “Once Before I Go,” which was originally performed by Hugh Jackman in the musical The Boy From Oz. In conversations with fans and media, he recounted how Clive Davis, an influential figure in the music industry, encouraged him to take on the song. “I’ve always loved it, but I was too young to be able to sing it truthfully,” he shared, reflecting on the growth he has experienced as an artist over the decades.
As fans await his return to live performances, many have taken to social media to share their well-wishes, reflecting the warmth and loyalty that Manilow has cultivated throughout his extensive career. His ability to connect with audiences, both through his music and his personal updates, continues to keep his legacy alive and thriving.
Looking ahead, Barry Manilow’s passion for music and his eagerness to perform again shine brightly despite the hurdles he currently faces. His enduring spirit and dedication to his craft resonate strongly, fostering hope not just for his recovery but for the continued joy he brings to his fans around the world.