Female fans not buying Manilow gay claims

Barry Manilow has protected his privacy throughout his career. Photo / AP

Perhaps his most ardent fans were dazzled by his pink satin outfits and hip-swivelling stage moves, but Barry Manilow has surprised some of his female admirers by reportedly marrying his long-time manager, Garry Kief, in a ceremony at his home in California.

The Copacabana singer, 71, who has not publicly addressed his sexuality, wed at his Palm Springs home last year, the National Enquirer reported. Sources said 20 to 30 friends were asked to a "luncheon", which ended up being a surprise ceremony between the crooner and Kief, 66.

It is reported that the couple did not sign any official paperwork but are both wearing a wedding band and are "committed to each other".

They have reportedly been together for more than 30 years, although the Brooklyn singer, famed for romantic anthems such as Could It Be Magic and Can't Smile Without You, has not publicly spoken of their relationship.

People quoted a source close to the entertainer, who said: "They have a great relationship. Garry has always been there for Barry."

Manilow was previously married to Susan Deixler, his high-school sweetheart. But the union, which took place in 1964, was annulled after a year. Manilow chose to focus on his music career which eventually took off after his 1975 breakthrough hit, Mandy.

The star, who jokingly refers to himself as a "sex god" in his live shows, may have concluded that publicly declaring his sexuality, even by filing the wedding paperwork, could disappoint his millions of female fans.

However, Manilow is currently embarking upon what he calls a farewell tour, which ends in June, in Brooklyn, and has been relaxed about wearing his wedding ring in public. A source told People: "He's at a point where he's got his career and personal life in a great place and he really doesn't care what people think."

Some Fanilows refused to accept the news. One wrote on his website: "Barry would not marry a man and that is definite - he loves ladies."

But, most concluded on social media that the revelation was not altogether surprising.

Manilow was discovered by Bette Midler, who hired him in 1971 to accompany her on the piano, and the duo performed at gay bathhouses.

He was one of first stars to commit to helping the late Elizabeth Taylor in her campaigns to raise money and awareness for HIV/Aids research, and his charity work has been widely praised. Asked about his reluctance to disclose his personal life in 2012, Manilow said: "I am a private guy. You can only come into my world if I invite you in."

- Independent