Las Vegas Weekly

February 26, 2009 · 6:32 AM

Good news for Fanilows: Barry Manilow’s back at the Hilton for fifth year

By Robin Leach

Barry Manilow.

Photo: Ira Sternberg

Congratulations to singer Barry Manilow, who has made the Las Vegas Hilton his home since Feb. 23, 2005. He returns tonight to kick off his fifth year in the legendary theater there that once hosted Elvis Presley.

The long-term engagement with the Hilton began four years ago with his production Manilow: Music and Passion. His new show Ultimate Manilow: The Hits debuted last July. Barry has performed for more than three decades and in that time has produced more than 50 best-selling albums. The Hits is packed with chart-topping numbers spanning a spectacular career, and Barry is thrilling fans with his showmanship.

“Barry Manilow’s talent and catalog of hits make him an exceptional entertainer who has no peer,” said Rudy Prieto, CEO and general manager of the Las Vegas Hilton. “While many performers rest on their laurels, Barry continues to show that his creativity never stops.”

I go back with Barry when he was giving piano lessons in his apartment in New York City and helping would-be singers with their material. Then he landed the infamous gig as backup player for Bette Midler in the gay Continental baths at the Ansonia Hotel on the west side of Manhattan.

My good friend Ron Dante, who will be appearing at the Cannery here soon, became his record producer from 1975 to 1985 -- and the rest, as they say, is history with “I Write the Songs,” “Mandy” and “Copacabana.” Recently, Barry released albums of the hits from the 1960s and ’70s and returned to a touring schedule.

Barry commutes with a private plane flight between his Palm Springs home and the Hilton when he’s appearing here. He’s currently working on two record projects from his California home: One is a rock ’n’ roll album collection, which is a longtime goal for him.

The Ultimate Bar has been installed at the Hilton Theater and is decorated with many of Barry’s gold and platinum records from his personal collection and great career photos. Outside the theater is the Manilow Store, which features that infamous Copacabana jacket and dozens of his themed products.

Hilton officials tell me that his show still sells out nightly and attracts his legendary Fanilows from as far away as England and Australia!

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