Sitting on the grand stage structure on The Third Barry Manilow Special, Barry was joined by one of the other big stars of the 70s to perform a duet the audience would never forget. John Denver, folk and country music legend, had decided to join him, and together they were going to perform a medley of songs by a musical duo who had influenced their own sound: The Everly Brothers. Music Man readers will love seeing how much the artists enjoyed paying tribute to some of their own musical heroes.
The Everly Brothers’ impressive harmonies had an enormous influence on artists from this era. Despite Barry and John being best known for their strong solo voices, when they come together in harmony, it is clear that they also absorbed the sounds of the Everlys enough to emulate them to an impressive standard. Listeners couldn’t believe how natural they sounded when they sang together, one online viewer commenting, “These guys harmonize like they’ve been singing together for decades!”
I was astonished by how perfectly the pair’s voices suited each other. I felt that, if they had wanted to, they could have become the next iconic musical duo. It was clear how easy they found the performance too, seeming entirely relaxed as they navigated their way through The Everly Brothers’ biggest hits. As they swayed along, it was wonderful to see how much they enjoyed singing together too, their joyful energy infectious as the audience members couldn’t seem to stop smiling either.
While this duet took 70s TV viewers by storm, Music Man readers who are fans of the pair may be more familiar with another duet by the two that was recorded in a completely unusual way. In 2014, Barry Manilow decided he wanted to record a CD of virtual duets with artists who had passed away but still provided inspiration to him. One of these was a duet of John Denver’s song ‘Sunshine On My Shoulders.’ It’s very moving to see Barry sing the song alone, with only a recording of John joining him.
After John’s tragic death in 1997, there were no more opportunities for fans to see him collaborate with his peers and fellow musicians. That’s why Barry’s virtual duet is such a gift, allowing us to imagine what might have happened if there had been more time. It is also why their rare duet on The Third Barry Manilow Special has become such a treasured piece of music history. Many fans are sure to be more than grateful that we at least have this recording of these talented artists collaborating so that we can remember just how impressive their combined talent truly was.
Barry Manilow and John Denver’s Everly Brothers medley remains a joyful highlight of The Third Barry Manilow Special — a touching tribute that underlines how artists honour their influences. To discover more about the performance, the singers and The Everly Brothers’ legacy, check the useful links to find out more below this paragraph.