Barry Manilow's First Marriage: A Brief Look into the Singer's Past
Barry Manilow, the renowned singer-songwriter, is known for his romantic ballads and captivating performances. While many are familiar with his long-term partnership and marriage to Garry Kief, it's interesting to note that Manilow had previously been married to his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler, in the 1960s.
Barry and Susan first met while attending Eastern District High School in Brooklyn. They continued their relationship even after graduation, and Barry fondly described Susan as an adorable and vivacious woman with a radiant smile that lit up the room. In his memoir, "Sweet Life: Adventures on the Way to Paradise," Barry reminisces about Susan, referring to her as the "perfect wife."
However, despite their deep connection, the young couple's marriage was short-lived. Just a year after their wedding in 1964, Barry made the difficult decision to annul their marriage. In his memoir, he revealed that he wasn't ready to settle down at that point in his life. Instead, he longed to pursue his passion for music and embark on what he called a "wondrous musical adventure."
Barry's friends had expressed concerns about the haste with which he entered into marriage with Susan. Nevertheless, the couple tied the knot in a small ceremony in the judge's chambers at City Hall. Sadly, their love story took a different path, leading to their separation and eventual annulment in 1965.
Since then, Barry Manilow has found lasting love and happiness with his current partner and manager, Garry Kief. The couple has been together for almost a decade, with their tenth anniversary approaching next year.
While Barry's first marriage may have been short-lived, it played a significant role in shaping his journey as a musician and ultimately led him to the fulfilling partnership he enjoys today. As fans continue to be captivated by his timeless music and charismatic performances, it's worth remembering the unique chapters that have contributed to the story of Barry Manilow's life.