BARRY MANILOW

The First Television Specials

$39.98 DVD

 Barry Manilow, who has sold more than 75 million records and is one of contemporary music's most enduring superstars, was already a chart-topping singer and songwriter when he launched a series of television specials in 1977. The hour-long variety programs were a hit with viewing audiences, who tuned in by the millions. Now, for the first time, Rhino - in association with STILETTO New Media - gathers five of those specials for a 5-DVD boxed set containing shows that originally aired between 1977 and 1988. 

 Together, the shows total approximately five hours of classic television. Sound and color has been digitally restored throughout, and all audio has been digitally restored from the original 2” master tapes. Audio tracks are presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound as well as Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo and PCM Stereo. 

 In a write-up of a January 2007 concert by the Brooklyn-born artist at Madison Square Garden, the New York Times said, “Thirty-four years after the release of his debut album, Mr. Manilow remains one of the most popular singers in America.” Rolling Stone Magazine has dubbed him "The Showman of Our Generation." The television specials enclosed in this unprecedented box are a testament to this lasting charisma and musical passion, which has made Manilow a legend: They are:
 

• The First Barry Manilow Special (1977 / ABC)
 
• The Second Barry Manilow Special (1978 / ABC)
 
• The Third Barry Manilow Special (1979 / ABC)
 
• One Voice (1980 / ABC)
 
• Barry Manilow: Big Fun On Swing Street (1988 / CBS)

 The first boxed set to spotlight these beloved programs, THE FIRST TELEVISION SPECIALS follows the triple-platinum success of Barry Manilow: Music And Passion, released last year by Rhino. The vintage TV shows spotlight Manilow's remarkable range as a musician, entertainer and creative force. 

 The box opens with The First Barry Manilow Special, a 1977 Emmy® Award winner for "Outstanding Music Special." Manilow and his back-up group, Lady Flash, deliver sensational live versions of the classic tracks "It's A Miracle" and "Mandy," among other selections. Highlights also include guest star Penny Marshall and Manilow swinging together on "Bandstand Boogie,” “New York City Rhythm" (filmed on location in NYC) and Manilow's first produced performance of "I Write The Songs."  

 The Second Barry Manilow Special was taped at the historic Pantages Theater in Hollywood and featured Ray Charles as a special guest. Nominated for four Emmys, the program features memorable debut performances of "Daybreak," "Can't Smile Without You," "Looks Like We Made It," and Manilow's GRAMMY®-winning song "Copacabana (At The Copa)," complete with nightclub showgirls.  

 The Third Barry Manilow Special which earned an Emmy for "Outstanding Achievement in Choreography," features the late John Denver as Barry's guest - they perform an Everly Brothers medley together. The show also spotlights Manilow paying tribute to the movie musicals of the 1940's for "I Write The Songs," and wraps with performances of "Even Now" and "Somewhere In The Night" at his trademark white grand piano.  

 One Voice, his fourth special in as many years, features Dionne Warwick as special guest. It opens with Manilow doing "Who's Been Sleepin' In My Bed" before tap dancing his way through "I Don't Wanna Walk Without You" and "Sunday Father." The show closes with Manilow leading a youth choir as they sing "One Voice."  

 BARRY MANILOW: THE FIRST TELEVISION SPECIALS closes with 1988's Barry Manilow: Big Fun On Swing Street. Combining the great sounds of big bands, hot jazz and Latin rhythms, the program features an array of guests including Kid Creole and The Coconuts, jazz greats Carmen McRae and Gerry Mulligan and singers Diane Schuur and Phyllis Hyman. Highlights include performances of "Dancin' Fool," "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," "Hey Mambo" and "When October Goes."  

 [Color +/- 300 minutes] 

Selection # 334908

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