The Things I'd Do For Barry

I make no secret of the fact that I love Barry Manilow.  I think the man has a voice so rich and smooth that the paint could just melt right off the walls.  And oh yes, his songs are JUST FINE for singing at the top of your lungs in the mini-van.  I have taken plenty of guff from my friends for this over the years--somebody, somewhere, decided that my Barry is less than hip, though I'll bet those uninformed souls have never sat through an entire, blissful CD.

My husband is hoping that it's my Barry who will finally get me to go with him to Las Vegas.  Hubs has always desperately wanted to go, as long as I've known him--I have no idea why, because he doesn't gamble and he HATES shows.  I have firmly resisted, because the old-timey Southern Baptist girl deep inside of me is, evidently, alive and well.  What if I choked on a chicken bone in a casino and died right there on the spot?  In all future family lore I would be forever known as the lady who keeled over at the black-jack table.  That just won't do.

As you may know, Barry is in Vegas these days, and my sweet Hubs is not above a little bribery.  "Barry tickets," he sing-songs, whenever the subject of Las Vegas comes up.  "Chicken bone," I sing-song back, but I'm weakening.  Oh yes, I'm weakening.

The reason I have Barry on the brain these days is that I just learned that he has a new Christmas CD.  My Barry!  Singing Christmas songs!  I've heard it, and it's spectacular.  it's called "In the Swing of Christmas", and it's only available at Hallmark Gold Crown stores THIS MONTH.  I wrote them and shamelessly begged suggested they let me give a few away to you.  They graciously agreed, so here's your chance to win a copy of "In the Swing Of Christmas". 

In order to win, you have to leave a comment on this post, and you MUST SAY SOMETHING NICE ABOUT MY BARRY.  And you have to mean it--I have a very acute radar for fake Barry-love, y'all.  I'll leave comments open until Wednesday morning, December 5th and then I'll select three winners. Points may be given for creativity, depending on the mood I'm in when I draw the winners. 

(And you know what?  My friend Melanie says that I'm not going to get any comments on this post.  She really does!  Please prove her wrong, because I will not be able to live with her otherwise.)

THE COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED.  I'LL ANNOUNCE A WINNER THURSDAY MORNING!

Comments

[Tammy]

I love Barry!!He was the big thing to like when I was in high school!!How neat that he has a Christmas CD.The song selection sounds pretty good-All vocals on Silver Bells !!

[Michele]

I really like Barry, and enjoy singing along with his songs. But, my sister.... My sister had her kids singing along at the tops of their voices in the minivan from their very beginnings. They would sing his songs to themselves when ever and where ever the mood struck, and in just the exact order. They were all Manilow head. She has big kids now and misses "The Days." I would LOVE to win and give my sis the new Barry CD for Christmas.

[Lynne]

Love Barry - I already have the new Christmas CD and it's GOOD! I also have tickets to see Barry in Atlanta on January 19!!!

He has a new show on PBS that showed here in Atlanta last night - singing songs of the 70's. One of his better shows. Check your PBS listings!

[Howdy]

I'm not at all afraid to say I enjoy Barry's music! And I agree his music is so singable. We are moving and all my Christmas CD's are packed away in a POD that I won't see for 6 months or more. So I would really Love to have a GREAT Christmas CD to listen to! We moved out of our house last week - we will be in this apartment until the 22nd of Dec. when we will move into a townhouse for 6 months while we house hunt. Not enough time to bother decorating much beyond a table cloth and a wreath. Holiday music really will make all the difference!

[Allison]

I LOVE Barry Manilow!!! I saw him at Madison Square Garden last year. He was amazing. I have been a huge fan since I was about 8 years old. My husband and kids make fun of me too! I don't care. You should go see him in Vegas. It is not just a "concert" That man is an entertainer!!! I would love to have his new CD. I really love Christmas music too! Now I could REALLY annoy my family!

[andrea]

I too LOVE Barry! I listened to him all through high school and had great fun singing in the car with all the girls! We love Barry and that is the truth. I will be going to Hallmark to pick up that CD. What a great gift for my friends. By the way, I love your blog and I drop in every morning with my coffee. Kindest regards!!

[Haether @ Desperately Seeking Sanity]

Oh Barry!

Funny story about Barry in my life. He was my first concert when I was six years old. My mother had a friend who bailed, so she took me. And a pillow so that I could sit on it to see. Then she promised me a milkshake at McDonald's afterwards if I was good.

During the concert he asked for someone to come and sing with him. I waved my hand frantically (from the nose bleed section) and was devastated when he didn't pick me.

I fell asleep before I could claim my milkshake.

when I was 16, living in Philadelphia, Barry came and my mother and I went. We had the whole lawn practically to ourselves and we sat back there and sang and sang and sang. And again, he didn't pick me to sing with him. This time I was not as upset and I did get my milkshake.

When I was 26 Mom and I traveled to Richmond to see him. (Are you seeing a 10 year pattern here?) Guess who he didn't pick to sing with him? Yeah.. that would be me. But mom and I had a great girls weekend with Barry and promised that we would continue our tradition.

I am kinda hoping that we can go again before I turn 36, but with mom and I living in different states, sometimes it's difficult to get together with out the kids.

But Vegas? Mom's always wanted all the Moore women to go on a trip together. (There are 5 of us) and I'm thinking that this just might be the trip!

[stephanie]

I have to say, he does have a great voice! And I'd much rather have my girls listening to his Christmas music than some others' Christmas albums that are out there! (Okay, I'm not sure where that apostrophe should go - hopefully that won't disqualify me). :)

[Jen M]

I've only recently discovered Barry. I know, I know, I must have grown up under a rock. Cut me a little slack, ok? ;-) I'd love a CD of his to call my very own!!!

[laurie]

Wow, I'd forgotten how wonderful Barry's voice was. I'd love to get his CD free. If I don't I'll have to go to Hallmark, again.

[Elizabeth]

Love that Barry Manilow, but I would not say that his voice takes the paint off the walls... at our house that is an event that takes place after a shamelessly smelly episode initiated by one of the boys I live with.

My Southern Baptist parents loved Vegas. They took my son when he was 8ish and all three still talk about it. Go.

[Jeanette from Texas]

I love Barry too. I have tried to see him 3 times in concert. Once when I was about 16 my Dad drove me to Tulsa early early one cold morning to camp out for tickets. He saw the line wrapping around the convention center when we got there and talked me out of it. He took me to the mall instead. Then as a 30 something young mother, I actually found 3 friends that agreed to go to the concert in Waco. We all found babysitters and drove to Waco. Had a wonderful dinner and went to the concert hall. There was not one car in the parking lot. We went up to the ticket window and the woman there looked at us funny and said "didn't you hear that the concert was cancelled". My husband was home with the kids so we just went to the outlet mall instead. The last time was just a few years ago. I was sitting at my desk at work depressed that I couldn't find anyone to go to the Barry concert in Dallas with me. My boss heard me and said that would be a wonderful present for his wife on her birthday. So they went and had a great time. Wow, I say if your husband will go to the concert with you go to Las Vegas. Not many husbands will go to that concert, take advantage of it. And sneak me along so I can finally see Barry. He has one song that I love and it is not on any of his CD's. I can't remember the title, but I cry everytime I hear it because it is so sweet.

[mimi2six]

I know I can't win the giveaway because I'm your mother, but I wanted to take a stand for Barry! It must be genetic, because I've loved his music for decades. Even back when you were listening to rock music as a teenager, I had a Barry tape I loved and swooned over!

[mimi2six]

I know I can't win the giveaway because I'm your mother, but I wanted to take a stand for Barry! It must be genetic, because I've loved his music for decades. Even back when you were listening to rock music as a teenager, I had a Barry tape I loved and swooned over!

[Heather]

Oh my goodness!! I thought I was the only under 40 who loved Barry! My daughter has been singing "Coco Banana" since she could talk :) We watch him together on Oprah over and over. I figured if I can't find any real life friends who love Barry, I'll just raise one :)

[Fran]

I'll be honest Shannon...I like some Barry but I don't love him. HOWEVER, I have a friend that would do some serious 38 yr old backflips over this CD....so out of the love of friendship, I hope to win for her!

[kellie]

I Grew up listening to Barry, my Mom loved him, and I loved him too.

In high school when everybody was listening to Duran Duran, I would hide my Barry Manilow tapes when my friends would come over.

I agree with you about his voice. But for me it also reminds me of being at home, happy and content.

Also, I love Barry as an adult because he wrote almost almost all the jingles for commercials and catchy TV songs that we grew up with as a kid, so not only does he sound good but he is the author of many-a-tune! Amazing!

Thanks for being honest about your Manilow Love, You are nto alone!

[michelle]

I love Barry!!! He is a classic singer!! Cant wait to see if I win!! Thanks for doing this!!!

[Mich]

Shannon,

You would enjoy Vegas - I promise! I said almost the exact same thing to my husband and I was wrong. Now I love it and plan our yearly trip out to the Disney World for Grown-ups! Just think Barry is calling your name...Shannon, Shannon come see me!

[Melissa]

I have loved Barry Manilow's songs for almost 30 years when a friend gave me one of his albums for my 12th birthday. That rich voice...those singable touching lyrics...and how could I not love his song "Could It Be Magic" where he sings of his Sweet Melissa...

[julie@thedailycastle]

Even Now I Can't Smile Without You. It Could Be Magic to hear That One Voice. I would Read 'Em and Weep listening to the Old Songs. It's A Miracle when This One's For You. I'm Ready To Take A Chance Again.

True Barry fans will understand.

[Jeni @ Allen Family Circus]

I grew up with Barry, and I'm a closet fan. (I really, really hope my parents don't read your blog, or the game is up.) Barry is great for driving or for housecleaning. Seriously.

[Gretchen]

Wow some of these comments are long- it took me forever to scroll through them!!! I LOVE Christmas music - I even break my husband's rule of waiting until the day after Thanksgiving =) and I'm raising 4 little girls who aid me in my rule-breaking. I'm not a huge Barry fan but I do think he has a great voice and him singing Christmas music - now that's real Christmas music!

[Queen B]

I love Barry. I even kind of got my husband to like him. He'd deny it, though. I am dying to get a new dog and name her Lola, because she'll be a showgirl. Really, that is true. I've got her picked out and everything.

[Staci at Writing and Living]

I have taken flack for years for my love of Barry Manilow. If I have time I can fine a link to at least one post on my blog where I've mentioned my love of Barry Manilow.

I was the only girl in my dorm in 1991 who had both a Neil Diamond and Barry Manilow cassette tape that she listened to regularly.

When you're fifteen, there is nothing better than "Weekend in New England" to play over and over when you feel you've left the love of your life behind at summer camp. Even though I am a Midwestern girl and have never been to New England or a long rocky beach. Some things are universal.

[TracyMichele]

I'm a closet Barry fan. :) Here is something your readers might not know.. Barry wrote the music to the "Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is there" jingle! So each time I hear that commercial, I get a butterflies thinking of Barry. Oh, and coincindently (or not) we have State Farm Insurance. :)

[Alesha]

My first big crush in high school - like the "maybe he could be the one" crush - didn't work out so well. Barry is the only thing that got me through it. I just kept picturing the one that "got away" pining away many years hence when he heard "Even Now" in the elevator!

Eventually, I gave up on that crush. I decided to let "Ready to Take a Chance Again" be my theme instead! Only with a different guy! And, miracle of miracles, HE ended up being "the one"!!!

Thanks, Barry!

Alesha

[Summer]

In all honesty, I'm not a Barry fan but I would love to win this for my momma who is through and through.

[Scratchin' the Surface]

Shannon, I already have the CD, bought from Hallmark a few weeks back, but if I actually win one I'll send it on to someone who needs a bit of smoozy Christmas cheer. I saw Barry in concert at Redrocks Amphtheater, Colorado at least 25 years ago and he was an absolute delight.

[Tammy]

Hi. My name is Tammy and I like Barry too. I had the good luck to see Barry perform at the Evergreen State Fair in 1999. My sister won a radio contest, where she got to sit in "box seats" containing a nice leather love seat. After the show, the loveseat was delivered to her house. While it was quite fun to kick the mayor out of what she thought was her seat, watching Barry was even better. The man knows how to entertain a crowd, that's for sure. And he's a musical genius. He can sing, he entertains all ages, and he seems like a nice person. Thanks for giving me the chance to express it.

[Jessica]

I need to be educated in the music of Barry Manilow...this sheltered girl recognizes his face but not his voice. Help me! I have a feeling this needs to be rectified!!!

[Jenn]

I am also a fanalow! Keep singing sista. "Turn the radio up!" He "write(s) the songs that make the whole world sing." (Myself included!)

[Valerie]

I will start out by admitting that I am not a Barry fan, but I am not entering this for myself (though a good Christmas CD might win me over to the dark side). My *husband* is a HUGE Barry fan. How huge? Huge enough to take *my mother* to the Barry Manilow concert when it was in town and my dad and I refused to go. That's some big Barry love.

[Julie]

A fellow Fanilow! I had no idea. I have been a Barry fan for more years than I care to admit. (Let's just say since I was in junior high and leave out any dates.) My husband always made fun of me until he went with me to a concert here in town. OK, he still makes fun of me, but now he appreciates Barry for the showman that he is. I have many of his albums. Yes, albums. I was so excited years ago when he had the song "Oh, Julie". I would love to add this Christmas cd to my collection.

[Lisa@Take90West]

I think you might need to find some new friendalows who appreciate a man who can sing! (Singa and people can actually understand the lyrics, too!)
My girlfriends and I love him! He is fun to sing along and we even went to see a Barry Manilow impersonator in concert until the real deal comes to our town. And you are welcome to come with us when he does.

[Jane]

Well, I am from Jersey so Bruce trumps Barry in my must have music category, BUT what world with this be without Mandy?

Also, I forget what awards show it was with Barry and Dick Clark where Dick Clark was having some trouble and Barry helped him out. The very next day Barry had some surgery and he talked about taking his statue into the operating room. What a down to earth mega star!

As for Vegas Go! I too do not gamble and I can not afford the shows, but the hotels are so amazing! We stayed at Madalay Bay for some crazy price-$200 for three days- I think. We had such a great time eating at wonderful restaurants and looking at all the lights. Because Vegas looks so different than any other place, it is a great escape to forget the daily stuff for a day or two.

[Jean]

I'm 30 and I go "Coco" for Barry.
That was my lame attempt at being creative for Barry.

[Elizamus]

I have always loved Barry. When I was 16, my brother got me the "Barry Manilow Live" album. He hid it in our house and I had to find it. It was in the fireplace wrapped in plastic. Years later I saw him in concert with a fellow Mani-loony. Barry sent a guy out in the audience to take song requests. My friend swooned into my lap in an effort to grab the buy. Sadly we did not get picked. And when they had the PBS special a few years ago I sat there and sang along. If frightened my husband who would not go to the Barry show with me in Vegas. I am jealous!

[Karen]

We've been to 2 different Barry concerts... gosh, I've been listening to him since "I Write the Songs." Hmm, Vegas isn't really all that far from here..... wonder if I could find a couple of other ladies to make a weekend of it?

Can't pick a favorite song or CD, but really loved his "2 AM Paradise Cafe"... Oh, and "Jump Shout Boogie" was so much fun to sing along with!

[karissa]

Some Berry music is the perfect music for the holidays.

[Deb - Mom of 3 Girls]

I love Barry Manilow! His LIVE album (yes, on vinyl) was the first record album that I ever owned and I still love to listen to my copy on cassette tape (and I'd love to find it on CD one of these days). I know the words to pretty much every song on that album and some of my best memories of growing up are from dancing around our living room with my brother and our babysitter to Barry's songs. I so want his Christmas album! :)

[Shannon]

FREE BARRY MANILOW!!!

Be still me heart. I absolutely love his older Christmas cd...man, I could sing that at the top of my voice in the car. If you put the volume up loud enough, you can't even hear the kids complain about him!

Love me some Barry :)

[Cris]

First, Barry can sing baby!
Second, here's the story... My in-laws and my aunt & uncle in-law (did I just make that up?)just came back from Vegas and they went to his show. Now these people are Cuban. Granted they have been in this country for close to 40 years, they know who Barry is and the aunt-in-law can even sing his songs. They had a blast! All of them commented on what a great showman he is.Go to Vegas...see the show... enjoy the show...make hubs promise to post a good girl gave it all up for Barry if chicken bone happens...hope I win! But either way you gave me a nice idea for a Christmas gift for them.

[Charlotte]

All I have to say is ...I'll meet you at the Copa Cabana. :)

[Jennifer]

I LOVE Barry! I don't care who knows about it!

I had all of his albums when I was a little girl.

My best friend Mary Pat and I made up a very cool dance to his great song VSM. Do you remember that one? It is all of his jingles put together for a fun song.

Even today when Mary Pat and I are together we start belting out the start of the song and can do some of the dance. My kids and husband have almost disowned me.

I love that you are having this giveaway!!

[Cori]

I grew up listening to Barry, Barbra and Neil. I love to listen to the man sing about writing the songs that make the whole world sing. Oh yeah, baby, you've got to love some Barry and I'm not talking White!

[Anne]

I think some Barry Christmas music would be the perfect setting for my Christmas baking. Can't you see it now: listening, humming, stirring, mixing, singing out loud!

What a great giveaway!

[Tricia]

I am totally willing to take all the guff that all 4 of my kids and my dh will give me if I play me some Barry Christmas music.

I LIVE to embarrass my teens so please, please I hope I win. I can pick up all their friends in the 12 passenger van to ferry them all to their latest social event, (something I do with alarming regularity) and play some BERRY CHRISTMAS MUSIC! Oh, my kids, they will love me.

[Anne]

We love Barry too. I love the Hallmark commercial, did you notice the woman in the commercial speaks to her little girl named 'Mandy' ? :)

[Anne-Marie]

I've enjoyed Barry Manilow since I was a youngster. Our sixth grade choir sang "I Write The Songs" at a big program, and I recall learning the fine art of aerobic dance in ninth grade PE to the sound of Copa Cabana, this in a junior high school in Las Vegas. It was quite exciting when my Dad went to work in an architectural firm where one of the young women also sang back up vocals for Barry Manilow. I got an autographed photo of another singer she worked for, but never managed the coveted Barry autograph. Alas! Still, I enjoyed his music and revelled in being acquainted with someone who actually knew him.

As for a visit to Vegas, don't stress over the chicken bone in the casino phobia. You've heard the motto, what happens in Vegas? They'll keep that chicken bone quiet! And you could always make the 60 mile trek out our direction to meet the goat, the pig, the ducks, and have some fresh chicken at our little "ranch"...well, our flock's a little down right now, so it might have to be store bought!

[Jamie]

When I was in 6th grade, one of my friends LOVED Barry, and I made fun of her.
Fast forward several years and guess whose husband made her very happy by taking her to see Barry for her birthday. I was very easy to buy for for holidays and birthdays for a few years, since a Barry CD was always available.
I saw the commercial for this CD last night for the first time- I died at the end, it was so funny.
I love, love, love my Barry and even have his music playing on my blog.

[Macy]

A story:
When I was 13 years old, I went to my very first concert. It was Barry Manilow. I was in heaven. I've been singing his songs since I was 4 years old. The time in the concert came for "Can't Smile Without You." He invited a member of the audience to come onstage and sing with him. I started jumping up and down, praying I would get picked. I knew the words, I could sing the key changes, I even knew the background vocals. Surely he would see me. Then, he was looking at me, pointing my direction, my heart stopped for a moment - and then he picked the woman right in front of me. My bitter disappointment became more intense when this woman couldn't carry a tune in a bucket and didn't even know the words. I've been upset about it for a very long time. Ever since, I have had a recurring dream that Barry did pick me and his manager just happened to be backstage and he was so amazed with my singing that he offered me a record deal and I became famous. I'm still hopeful I'll get to sing with him someday.

I'm sure a copy of his new Christmas CD can help me deal with some of the remaining pain. His recording of "Jingle Bells" with Expose is one of the first Christmas songs I turn on every year. Thanks for the giveaway Shannon! I really enjoy reading your blog.

[Laura]

Barry is so hip. Didn't he come out on Dancing with the stars one year? Anyway, I really liked him in the 80's while growing up and still like him now.

[chilihead]

Y'all are a bunch of suck-ups. ;) LOL

I'm glad I was wrong and you're getting fake comments. ;) ROFLOL

I'm VEEEEERRRRY happy for you and Barry. ;) Bwahahahaha!

[Haden]

My mom thinks I am crazy for thinking this, but I think Barry looks like rod stewart. Is that weird?

[Susan]

I love Barry, and I'm shameless about it! His deep, smooth voice has been one of my faves for years.

[Karen in Iowa]

YES! I love Barry, too! I've been a fan since he first came on the scene in the 70's(showing my age!) and I finally got to one of his concerts 10 years ago. My friend and I had waited to get our tickets and as luck would have it, we ended up in the very top row of the theatre where you need binoculars! But this turned out to be lucky for us because our seats were right in front of some spotlights and they had to move us! We ended up with floor seats just a few feet from the stage! It's a night I'll always remember!

[Kim]

When I was 14yrs old we drove from Ontario, Canada (my home), to Florida to visit Disney Land - we didn't have MP3 players or iPods in those days (about 25 yrs ago). I had a small cassette player that just played music - no headphones - we listened/I sang to Coppa Cabana ALL the way there. Did I mention the drive was about a week long? That tape went missing once we arrived though - I wonder why?

Music and fashion were all the passion at the Copa, Copa Cabaaaaana! Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl......I forget the rest.....Copa, Copa Cabaaaaaana!

Love Barry - you should go!

[Krista]

Barry's "This One's For You" album was the first one I chose when my Mom let me join a record club in the 70s and get 12 albums for one cent!!! I eventually ordered them all. I LOVE BARRY. I knew my husband was the man for me when, on our first date, I looked in his glove compartment at his tapes, and he had BARRY in there!!! We have seen Barry in person twice. You should go to Vegas. You will not be sorry. Just bring a bunch of SlimFast shakes or something, so there's no choking hazard.

[witchypoo]

Barry has great hair.

[Kathy]

I'll join all the rest of the Barry Fans! He is one in a million, isn't he? I'm so old that I can remember singing his songs way back when. He's been on my list of favs ever since!

[floorplan]

Barry is SOOOO singable : )

I will never forget, as a starry-eyed teen, running out to the car during New Year's Eve Countdown service at church, checking in with Casey Kasom (spelling, PLEASE) to see where "Mandy" landed on the 100 countdown. AND WHEN IT WAS ANNOUNCED AS NUMBER 1, I was right there, sitting in the dark, cold car singing along at the top of my voice.

I'll take that free CD : )

[Cindy]

I have such mixed emotions about this post... I want you to go to Vegas because it is so fun even without gambling!! The hotels and casinos are just so amazing! And the food... oh, the food. And I want you to have your amazing dream-come-true concert. And I love giveaways and anything free.

But here's where the emotions are muddled...

Barry Manilow? REALLY? R-E-A-L-L-Y?

The fact that you can admit your sickness is the most impressive thing here.

I do love Mandy, though. And maybe a couple others. But I wouldn't post it for the whole world to see. Nope.

[Wendylicious]

I used to make fun of "Fanilows", having never heard any of his music, just going along with what society told me was cool.

Until I heard "Copacabana". OMG! I am not a total Fanilow myself. I have tons of his music on my MP3 player!

PS...Vegas is fun. I don't gamble either and I love it. Go for the people watching, if nothing else. (and the pizza at that little place over in New York, New York!)

[Princess Leia]

So when I was a freshman in high school (1990), we (our marching band) marched in the Macy's T-day Parade. We're weren't just any old band in the parade though - no, we were the band that brought in Santa Clause! Since the artist that immediately preceeds Santa is something of a big deal too, we were told in advance who it would be. When my mom asked who it was, all I could remember was that it was "some guy named Barry." (Don't hate me, I was young!)

I have been teased mercilessly about that incident ever since.

Honestly, I'm not a _huge_ fan of his (although I agree that he's got a _great_ voice and some kicky songs)...but we've got a friend who "squees" over him like you do. I'd love to be able to give this to her!

[Tyna Begley]

Ha! Melanie is so wrong! I love Barry! And I loved your visual about the paint melting off the walls - soooo true! Sigh...

[dallimomma]

I wish there were a way to post this anonymously and still win, such is my history with Barry Manilow. Think back to the days of 8-track tapes and basement rec rooms. I can't go into any more detail since not enough time has passed for my parents to find my 'true confessions' funny yet, but suffice it to say, Barry's smooth love songs were the backdrop for some romantic interludes on more than one occasion. Not that the Christmas album would be the same way; I don't even have a basement rec room any more!

[chrissy]

My husband sang back up for Barry once when we were in college. It's his claim to fame. Meanwhile I had a college roommate who was completely obsessed with Barry and was insanely jealous that I was dating one of his backup singers. Ha! Anyway, if I win the CD I'll send it to her for Christmas, and she'll love me forever.

[Jenny]

Like you I take a lot of flack for being a Barry Fan. However I stand by that man beautiful smooth sound.

BTW - I broke down and went to Vegas in October this year. Lots to do other than gamble. Interesting city and I am glad i went to see it. And yes - I can confirm - Barry is there!!!

[Emily C]

I was first introduced to Barry a few years ago when I ran errands for a family in Wheaton, IL. I got to drive around their sleek, gold Lexus with heated, leather seats and a lovely sun roof (for those few sunny days a Chicago winter when a sun roof makes the world feel warm), and while I drove I would press "play" and, indubitably, magical notes would spring forth from Barry M. He saw me through many errands then and accompanies me on my errand-running these days. And even though I'm now in a gray Taurus, Barry makes me feel just as rich.

[Katie]

i think deep down inside everyone has a little love for barry manilow.

[sam]

My mom is a huge Barry Manilow fan. I cannot say that I care about him in the same way you and she do but I will say that I can sing along to most of his tunes and have looked at that CD in the Hallmark store quite a few times. Oh, I pretend I am thinking of getting it for her but I think I am seriously thinking of getting it for myself.

[Karen]

I can't believe I found a kindred soul. I have been a fan of Barry Manilow for as long as I can remember. My cousins and I put on shows every summer in our grandparents basement. The highlight of the show was Cocacabana, of course. I always got stuck playing Tony since I was the youngest. (Those were the days when we thought that "her dress cut down there" meant she had a really long dress on!) Oh those blissful days in my grandparents basement listening to those Barry albums (oh yes, with the coin on the arm of the record player so it wouldn't skip)! Today, I, too, belt out Barry in the minivan. I look forward to the day when my three girls join in with me. "Her name was Lola!"

[Laura]

Oh I wish I had an amazing love story to interject here about hubs and I getting our groove on over some lovely sultry Barry Manilow music but alas we have no such story....but it's never too late right?

Vegas is awesome, I loved it!!!

[Geevz]

Who said Barry wasn't cool? When I was in the ever so awkward middle school years we had a small obsession with "Just can't get enough of your love baby." And I would have to say Christmas and Barry just go together. I would love the CD.

[Robin in New Jersey]

I used to like Barry. I even went to a couple concerts in the late 70's early 80's. I am not a CD buyer, which the husband likes, because it saves some money so he can buy more CD's for himself! Anyway, I digress...I say used to like because when Barry made the comments about not appearing on the View because he thought Elizabeth was dangerous because of her religious views, I decided I couldn't like him anymore. :( Sorry to disappoint...

[~liz]

barry manilow was my first "secular" cassette tape. i think i was 8 or 9, and my grammy gave it to me for christmas. i used to dance to "mandy" and "i made it through the rain" and even pretended he was singing to me. ah yes, i'm a secret fan of the manilow man. :)
~liz

[pippi]

I love Barry, too. Have since my teens. Much to hubby's dismay as he LOATHES Barry. But I agree that singing Barry at the top of my lungs is theraputic. Besides, he started out with Bette, and I want to grow up to be Bette!!

[Mommy Bee]

i will fess up and admit i was probably the only one in college that owned barry's boxed set. it amazes me that anyone can deny that smooth voice! he's a great singer.

[bohgirl]

I used to have a teacher that looked like Barry Mainlow... but ... um, .... it wasn't a guy!

[Kathy]

I love Barry and have seen him in concert. Although his recent plastic surgery makes him a little scary to look at.

[Emily C]

The one thing I've noticed is he's so personable and friendly and charming whenever I see him on daytime TV shows. Everybody loves Barry--I've just never managed to get any of his music. Probably because I'm a cheapskate.

(And Vegas has AMAZING shopping! You don't know what you're missing! Go! Go!)

[JustRandi]

I've taken plenty of "Barry Guff" in my time! I saw that commercial last night for the Christmas CD and almost swooned!
You should definitely GO. You don't have to be anywhere near the blackjack tables!

[JustRandi]

I've taken plenty of "Barry Guff" in my time! I saw that commercial last night for the Christmas CD and almost swooned!
You should definitely GO. You don't have to be anywhere near the blackjack tables!

[Christy]

My VERY FIRST Album was Barry Manilow! I was 4 or 5 years old when I won a copy of his "Greatest Hits: VOl. 1". I think that I won it playing darts (my dad probably won it for me). It is also the album for which I learned to work the record player!

While I am not a "Fanilow" I do enjoy his music. I'm also impressed he can still shake his booty after a hip replacement!!

[Frazzmom]

We are closet Barry fans out in Silicon Valley- my kids can belt Copacabana with
the best of them! My hubby and I have kicked around the idea of going to Vegas to see Barry as well, but again we don't gamble so we haven't quite decided what else we would do there... But from what I've seen on PBS- his shows are amazing! It might be worth the trip just for the show...

[Kendra]

My good friend Debby is a huge Barry fan and her husband took her to see the show in vegas 2 months ago. She said it was GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!!! So you must go and not eat any chicken on the bone.

I love me some Barry, too-especially his Christmas stuff. And I like that my kids are still too young to cough and roll their eyes when I belt it out in the car.

I'm in, Thanks!

[Chris]

Oh my!

I just "Can't Smile Without Him!"

Ahhh.....

[Magi]

Barry's a big hit with my sisters and me. We always sang along on car trips as teenagers. I saw Barry live at a Tonight show taping when Jay was in NYC years ago. One sister was with me. My other sister is the biggest Barry freak of us all. She's flown to Vegas multiple times just to see him or Rick Springfield.

[Piper]

I remember the days with Barry when I was growing up! What a voice! I'd love to win his CD! Hubby makes fun of me, but I'll still play it loud!

[pam]

Oh how I loved the Barry of old. Who can forget Mandy!!

Being the avid collector of Christmas music that I am, no collection would be complete without a Barry CD. So count me in, sista!! I'd love it : )

[Amanda]

Haha, Oh Barry! I grew as "Mandy", so my mean older brother & sister always told me Barry wrote that song just for me. I believed them until just recently. ha!
Hope you get to see him in Vegas. It's actually a fun place to see, at least once.

Thanks for the giveaway!!

[Kelly S.]

There is NO SHAME in loving Barry. I have loved Barry for 25 years at least. I saw him in concert my senior year in high school (1984). I remember putting Barry cassettes in on a Friday night and being all dramatic over boyfriends who broke up with me, or loved another....OH MANDY YOU CAME AND YOU GAVE WITHOUT TAKING.......

Barry is forever cool in my book.
Kelly S.

[Melody]

Do you remember when Arsenio had the whole month-long build up to the date when Barry would be on his late night show? And then on the BIG NIGHT, Arsenio just sat there next to the piano requesting song after song? People say they hate Barry, but I'll bet everybody over the age of 30 can sing "Mandy", "I Write the Songs", and "Copacabana" by heart!

And yes, I have Barry on my MP3 player!

[Susan]

When I was waiting for baby #3 my husband suggested the name Lola. I could not even think about it as an option because we all know "Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl". I sang that song everytime he brought the name up. I even had the two other kids singing it. I have always gotten grief for my love of all the old Barry hits.

[Dawn]

I am right there with you, girl. I love me some Barry too. I used to listen to his eight tracks in my parents custom van while we all drove hours and hours to our vacation destination. My sister and I do a mean impression of "Can't Smile Without You."

Every January, we have to go to Vegas for a convention. We do not gamble either or see shows. AND have not yet seen Barry live. We will be there Jan 13-17 of 2008. You and Hubs should meet us there and we can croon together.

About your chicken bone...last Jan, I was pregnant with a due date of March 14. I refused to go to Vegas with my Hubs because I was afraid I might go into early labor and give birth right there in sin city. I could not bear the thought of my son's birth certificate saying Place of Birth: Las Vegas, Nevada. Perish the thought!

[ann]

I really appreciate a man who has been famous for so long and I can't remember a scandal to go with him. How refreshing.

[ValleyGirl]

You know, I think I can honestly say I've never even heard Barry Manilow sing!! Maybe that admission immediately disqualifies me, but I thought maybe you'd take pity on me and send me my first taste of it!!

[Michelle]

I'm with you, sister. I've loved him since I was a kid and proclaim it proudly, along with my love of John Denver and Neil Diamond. (I am mocked for all three.) I have a theory that everyone secretly likes Barry (how could they not?) but aren't secure enough in themselves to admit it. What I don't get is who decided that he's uncool and why is everyone else following along??

[Dona]

Oh be still my heart! I heart Barry!