Barry Manilow did not think ‘Copacabana’ would be a hit

Barry Manilow recalled that at first he didn’t think his most iconic song would become a hit.

During an interview with NBC Newsthe 80-year-old singer explained that you “never” know when a song you write will be successful.

“I just write it, and if I’m lucky, I make a great record out of it. That’s it. That’s all I know,” Manilow said.

Barry Manilow’s History Before his big break, he wrote jingles for major brands.

Manilow was then “asked the name of the song that he didn’t actually include.” [his] It costs money. ”

“‘Copacabana,'” Manilow acknowledged of the 1978 classic, co-written with lyricists Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman.

He continued, “It was fun to write. It was fun to make a great record. That was it.”

Manilow recalled that at the time he and co-producer Ron Dante doubted whether the song would even get airplay.

“It sounded great, but it was a novelty card,” he recalled. “No one was making songs like that. I never thought it would be played on the radio.

“But when there were discotheques, I would take it to the discotheque and have the DJ play it,” Manilow continued. “And everyone ran to the dance floor and started dancing like it was back in the 1940s. They were dipping the girls, and it’s all because, you know, ‘Copa.’ And I said to Ron, maybe something could work out about this.

“And it turned out to be the most popular song in my catalog.”

The song won Manilow his first and only Grammy Award. (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

The song, inspired by New York’s legendary nightclub Copacabana, was included on Manilow’s fifth studio album, Even Now. “Copacabana” became the first certified gold single written or co-written by Manilow, reaching No. 8 on the US Billboard chart.

Manilow won his first and only Grammy Award for “Copacabana,” winning the trophy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1979.

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Following the success of “Copacabana,” Manilow, Sussman, and Feldman produced a musical television film of the same name in 1985, based on the song’s story and lyrics and with additional musical numbers. The trio then produced a stage musical titled “Copacabana”, which premiered in London’s West End and ran for two years.

“Copacabana” toured for 18 months in the UK, and more than 100 musicals were performed around the world.

“Copacabana” was made into a television movie musical in 1985. (Dick Clark Productions/Getty Images)

Manilow recently performed five sold-out concerts during his ongoing residency at Radio City Music Hall. The singer made history with her 42nd show at Radio City Music Hall, setting a record for the most performances by an artist at this iconic venue.

In an interview with NBC News, Manilow said he is still surprised by his success as a musician.

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“I’m so grateful. I’m always surprised every night when there’s an audience,” he told the magazine with a laugh. “I say to Ken, the stage manager, ‘Is anyone here?’ And I mean it.

“Because after all these years, I wouldn’t be surprised if they stopped coming,” Manilow said. “I really don’t think so. They shouldn’t be coming after all these years. And I’m so grateful that they’re still having fun with me.”

Manilow recently set a record for most performances by an artist at Radio City Music Hall. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Manilow explained that he loves the process of making music, even if it doesn’t become a hit like “Copacabana.”

“Sometimes you find out that their opinions will never be heard,” he said. “I just love making music and I love creating. I’m a creator.”

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Manilow continued, “And I’m happiest when I come up with an idea. Even if it never sees the light of day, I love doing it. Especially now, when you want to… There’s a machine that can make sounds like you were in your dreams.”

“So I’m in the studio and I just come up with ideas, and most of the time I throw them away. But for me, that’s the happiest time.”