Barry Manilow is still proving music and passion are always in fashion 40 years into his blockbuster career. Now, Barry is returning to where it all began, his hometown of New York City, with his new play, “Manilow on Broadway.”

“I’m a New York guy and Broadway was where I started.” -Barry Manilow

am loving me some Barry Manilow on @katiecouric show! #Mandy still gets to me! #guiltypleasure #fanilow

— paula price (@paulaprice4) January 23, 2013

Before becoming one of the most successful artists of all-time, Barry Manilow was just a ordinary kid growing up in Brooklyn. What was life like for him as a little boy and when did he discover he had an extraordinary talent?

“Music was coming out of my ears.” -Barry Manilow

@katieshow #barrymanilow “I made it through the rain” got me through the deepest parts of my divorce in the 80s. Best hit of all time!

— Marcia Hestand (@mlhes45) January 23, 2013

In 1973, Barry Manilow put out his first album. But to his dismay, it didn’t do well. Then, he teamed up with Clive Davis in 1974 and shot up to the top of the charts – a place he has remained for three decades.

“I never thought, ‘Oh my God I am a big star.’” -Barry Manilow

@katieshow Thank you so much for bringing @barrymanilow to your show. How does he look as young as he did in the 70s? Manilow ROCKS!!

— Denise Ray (@lovelymsdenise) January 23, 2013

Not only has Barry Manilow’s music been a gift to us all, he has also been incredibly generous, changing the lives of thousands of children through the Manilow Music Project, which supports arts education across the country.

“They’re actually shutting down music and arts classes, which is just killing me.” -Barry Manilow

“@katieshow @katiecouric @barrymanilowLove the show and wow thanks to Barry Manilow for helping all of those kids with his generosity.

— BeverlyF (@BevFTweets) January 23, 2013

Barry Manilow has so many hits under his belt, it’s hard to count. When he’s not singing, writing or recording his own music, who is he listening to on his iPod?

“I’m crazy about Lady Gaga, I think she’s the real deal.” -Barry Manilow

Watching Barry Manilow on @katieshow make me remember the days when I used to jam in my basement to him!

— Perfectly Imperfect (@JAMi4EVA) January 23, 2013