Barry Manilow Insists Company Owes Him $1.5 Million in Royalties Lawsuit

Having sold over 85 million albums throughout his career, Barry Manilow gained stardom thanks to hit songs like “Could It Be Magic”, “Mandy”, and “Can’t Smile Without You.” Other than gaining awards for his contributions to music, the singer also received praise from icons like Frank Sinatra, who declared “He’s next” when discussing Manilow. But while thrilled over what he accomplished in music, the singer recently filed a lawsuit against Hipgnosis Songs Fund as he suggested the company refused to grant him bonuses. 

According to the lawsuit, Hipgnosis decided to cut Manilow a check for $7.5 million for the royalties of his songs. Although not a small sum, the singer claimed that the payment included more than just the initial check. He added that Hipgnosis agreed to send two more bonuses in the amount of $750,000 each. The checks would be cut if Manilow’s catalog reached certain milestones. And each year, the catalog exceeded expectations.

With Manilow taking the company to court, the lawsuit suggested, “It is unclear if Defendant is just willfully violating the MCAA or if alternately it lacks the resources to make good on its contractual commitments.”

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Barry Manilow Discussed How Times Were Different In The 70s

While sharing his voice with fans, Manilow kept his personal life a secret for many years. Although eventually marrying his manager Garry Kief, the singer kept his sexuality a secret. Appearing on Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?, Manilow explained how times were different in the 1970s. “Well, in the ’70s, you know, you didn’t [come out]. It wasn’t the same as it is today. Now being gay is no big deal. But back in the ’70s, it would have killed a career.” 

Although wanting to protect his career, Manilow explained how he loved to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. “Frankly, it was just too personal. I just didn’t want to talk about my personal life anyway. I never did that. I was happy talking about music. But talking about my personal life was just kind of creepy to me. So I never did.”

Eventually sharing his love with the world, Manilow joked, “When we came out, it was—I think everybody knew that Garry and I were a couple all those years.”

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)