GRAMMY, TONY and EMMY Award-winning music icon Barry Manilow has announced the return of the Manilow Music Teacher Award, a national initiative recognizing outstanding music educators across the country. The program coincides with Manilow’s farewell performances in nine U.S. cities - including North Charleston - this January. These dates will mark his final concerts in each market, offering one last opportunity to celebrate a career that has helped define popular music for more than five decades.
Created through the Manilow Music Project — a program of the Manilow Fund — the award honors educators whose passion and dedication bring music to life for their students. In each tour market, the teacher receiving the most online votes will be recognized live onstage during Manilow’s concert and will receive a total of $10,000: a $5,000 cash award and $5,000 in “Manilow Bucks” for classroom instrument purchases.
Nominees for the upcoming Manilow Music Teacher Award were announced today. Voting is open through Dec. 15, with winners to be announced later in the month. The link for the Charleston-area nominees is available here: on.barrymanilow.com/trk/mmpcharleston
“While Barry continues his extraordinary career with arena shows this spring and summer, he has chosen to share the spotlight with those he believes truly deserve it: music educators,” said Matt Parrish, president of the Manilow Fund.
In addition to celebrating each Manilow Music Teacher Award winner during the upcoming shows, audiences can expect an evening of Manilow’s greatest hits, including “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).” Each performance is expected to serve as a final celebration with one of music’s most enduring performers. For tour dates, tickets and VIP packages, visit barrymanilow.com.
Manilow recently released a music video for his new single “Once Before I Go" (see below), which is climbing the charts. In the video, he portrays a character who sacrifices a traditional family life to pursue a dream of performing. Filmed at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino — home to Manilow’s record-setting residency — the video is directed by Jamie Thraves.
With a career spanning more than 50 years, Manilow is one of the most celebrated entertainers in history. Named the No. 1 Adult Contemporary Artist of all time by Billboard and R&R, he has sold more than 85 million albums, released over 40 records, and produced 51 Top 40 singles, including 13 No. 1 hits and 28 Top 10 singles. A Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, he has earned GRAMMY, TONY and EMMY Awards, as well as the BMI Icon Award.