For Barry Manilow, it all started when he decided to pursue his dream of being part of the entertainment industry. He got involved with music ever since his mother Edna and his stepfather Willie Murphy bought him a piano for $800, which took them five years to pay off. It turned out it was money well invested, as Barry would eventually make a name for himself and a career which spans decades.

Before entering the New York College of Music, Barry enrolled at the City College of New York. Later, he attended the Juilliard School, studying musical theater, and moved on to work as a log clerk at CBS.