Barry Manilow Explains Why He Stayed in His Glass Closet for Decades

Barry Manilow News

Here at Gay Pop Buzz, we’ve long been fans unabashed fans of legendary vocalist, Barry Manilow. That’s why we were thrilled in April of 2015 that word leaked out the singer had secretly gotten engaged to his longtime partner, Gerry Kief.

Recently, the 73-year old pop icon gave an exclusive interview to People and shared some of the reasons why he came out of his glass closet after so many years.

“…the couple has stayed together for 39 years, all while remaining mum on his sexuality — an open secret to some in his long-devoted, mostly female fan base, a shock to others — and even stepping out and living with once-rumored love interest Linda Allen during his relationship with Kief.

Manilow admits he’s always been hesitant to discuss the relationship — and to come out publicly, even after he finally married Kief in a clandestine ceremony at their 53-acre Palm Springs estate in April 2014.

In 2015, news of their marriage and Manilow’s sexuality made headlines, something the legend calls “a blessing and a curse.”

Considering his fans, “I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay. So I never did anything,” says Manilow. Turns out, “When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful — strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’ I’m just so grateful for it.”

Manilow truly is a mover and a shaker in the music world. For example, he has 29 albums that have been certified as platinum status with three earning triple platinum status: Barry Manilow Live (1977), Even Now (1978), and Greatest Hits (1978), respectively.

Manilow took to Twitter to share the People interview with fans (aka Fanilows, which here at GPB, we most certainly are!)

.@barrymanilow‘s untold story: How the pop legend struggled with fame, finding love and his sexuality https://t.co/UQyFEV3Qma pic.twitter.com/m83MyoerLS

— People Magazine (@people) April 5, 2017