Barry Manilow, the legendary singer-songwriter, is gearing up to unveil his latest musical offering, "What a Time," on June 5th. This marks his first album featuring almost entirely new compositions in close to fifteen years, a significant return for the artist. The announcement comes after a period of health recovery that saw the postponement of his much-anticipated farewell tour, highlighting his dedication to his craft despite personal challenges.
Barry Manilow's Resilient Return with "What a Time"
In a triumphant musical comeback, the acclaimed Barry Manilow is poised to release his 33rd studio album, "What a Time," on June 5th, 2026. This forthcoming 13-track collection represents his first album of predominantly original material since 2011's "15 Minutes." Collaboratively produced by Manilow himself alongside his long-term creative partner Michael Lloyd, the album boasts an impressive roster of contributors including the esteemed Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, innovative producer Dave Cobb, and his trusted co-writers Bruce Sussman and Adrienne Anderson. The first single, "Sun Shine," co-written with Gary Barlow and co-produced by David Benson and Greg Bartheld, has already given fans a taste of what's to come. The album commences with the emotionally charged track "Once Before I Go," a love song executive-produced by Clive Davis and penned by Dean Pitchford and Peter Allen. Further adding to its allure, the album features a captivating duet with Sharon "Muffy" Hendrix and a guest appearance by the saxophonist Dave Koz. This exciting release follows Manilow's recent health recovery, during which he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous lung spot, leading to the rescheduling of his 2026 farewell tour. He is now set to commence his tour on April 13th, 2026, at the UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his audience.
Manilow's journey, from health setbacks to a renewed creative output, offers a powerful message about perseverance and passion. His ability to produce new music and resume touring after facing personal challenges is truly inspiring. It reminds us that dedication to one's art can provide strength and purpose, enriching not only the artist but also their devoted fanbase.