Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow's recordings no longer top the charts the way they did throughout the 1970s but he still commands a large, loyal following. A low-key, honestly humble man who can transform into a dynamic performer, Manilow's ability to marry classic pop and Swing with Soft Rock while respecting each form is commendable. Manilow's fall in the pop charts made him take more artistic chances, and while he doesn't always succeed, his choices are never expected. Manilow started out as a behind-the-scenes jingle writer and one of his best moves was to pen a number of melodies to newly discovered Johnny Mercer songs. A true gentleman, he had jazz singer Nancy Wilson record them and the tune "When October Comes" (which Barry crooned on his album 2:00 AM Paradise Cafe) in 1984.