Barry Mann (born Barry Imberman; February 9, 1939) is an American songwriter and musician, and part of a successful songwriting partnership with his wife, Cynthia Weil. He has written or co-written 53 hits in the UK and 98 in the US.

Early life

Mann was born to a Jewish family in

Brooklyn Brooklyn () is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Kings County, in the U.S. state of New York. Kings County is the most populous county in the State of New York, and the second-most densely populated county in the United States, be ...

New York City New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the List of United States cities by population, most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the L ...

, United States. He was born two days before fellow songwriter Gerry Goffin.

Career

His first successful song as a writer was "She Say (Oom Dooby Doom)", a Top 20 chart-scoring song composed for the band The Diamonds in 1959. Mann co-wrote the song with Mike Anthony (Michael Logiudice). In 1961, Mann had his greatest success to that point with " I Love How You Love Me", written with Larry Kolber and a no. 5 scoring single for the band

The Paris Sisters The Paris Sisters were a 1960s American girl group from San Francisco, California, United States, best known for their work with producer Phil Spector. Career The group consisted of lead singer Priscilla Paris (January 4, 1941 – March 5, 2 ...

(seven years later, Bobby Vinton's version would reach the Top 10). The same year, Mann himself reached the Top 40 as a performer with a novelty song co-written with Gerry Goffin, " Who Put the Bomp", which

parodied A parody, also known as a spoof, a satire, a send-up, a take-off, a lampoon, a play on (something), or a caricature, is a creative work designed to imitate, comment on, and/or mock its subject by means of satiric or ironic imitation. Often its sub ...

the nonsense words of the then-popular

doo-wop Doo-wop (also spelled doowop and doo wop) is a genre of rhythm and blues music that originated in African-American communities during the 1940s, mainly in the large cities of the United States, including New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chica ...

genre. Despite his success as a singer, Mann chose to channel his creativity into songwriting, forming a prolific partnership with Weil, a lyricist he met while both were staff songwriters at Don Kirshner and Al Nevin's company

Aldon Music Aldon Music was a New York-based music publishing company, founded by Don Kirshner and Al Nevins in 1958. Aldon is regarded as having played a significant role in shaping the Brill Building Sound in the late 1950s and 1960s. History Nevins was ...

, whose offices were located in Manhattan, near the composing-and-publishing factory the Brill Building. Mann and Weil, who married in 1961, developed some songs intended to be socially conscious, with successes such as "

Uptown Uptown may refer to: Neighborhoods or regions in several cities United States * Uptown, entertainment district east of Downtown and Midtown Albuquerque, New Mexico * Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina * Uptown, area surrounding the University of Ci ...

" by The Crystals, "

We Gotta Get out of This Place "We Gotta Get Out of This Place", occasionally written "We've Gotta Get Out of This Place", is a rock song written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and recorded as a 1965 hit single by the Animals. It has become an iconic song of its type and was ...

" by the Animals, "Magic Town" by

The Vogues The Vogues are an American vocal rock and roll group from Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. The original lineup consisted of Bill Burkette (lead baritone), Don Miller (baritone), Hugh Geyer (first tenor), and Chuck Blasko ...

, and "Kicks" by Paul Revere & the Raiders. Mann and Weil were disturbed when "Only In America", a song they had written with the team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and conceived originally for and recorded by the Drifters as a protest against racial prejudice, was re-worked by Leiber and Stoller into an uncontroversial success for Jay & The Americans. , Mann's song catalog lists 635 songs. He has received 56 popular music, country, and Rhythm & Blues awards from Broadcast Music Inc., and 46 Millionaire Awards for radio performances numbering more than one million plays. The song "

You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin is a song by Phil Spector, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, first recorded in 1964 by the American vocal duo the Righteous Brothers, whose version was also produced by Spector and is cited by some music critics as ...

", co-written with Weil and

Phil Spector Harvey Phillip Spector (born Harvey Philip Spector; December 26, 1939January 16, 2021) was an American record producer and songwriter, best known for his innovative recording practices and entrepreneurship in the 1960s, followed decades later by ...

, was the most played song of the 20th century, with more than 14 million plays. Mann has composed songs for movies, most notably " Somewhere Out There", co-written with Weil and James Horner, for the 1986 animated movie '' An American Tail''.

Linda Ronstadt Linda Maria Ronstadt (born July 15, 1946) is a retired American singer who performed and recorded in diverse genres including rock, country, light opera, the Great American Songbook, and Latin. She has earned 11 Grammy Awards, three American ...

and James Ingram performed the song as a duet during the movie's closing credits; their version was released as a single, which scored No. 2 on the Billboard chart and became a "gold"-scoring record. "Somewhere Out There" would win two 1987

Grammy Award The Grammy Awards (stylized as GRAMMY), or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize "outstanding" achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most pr ...

s, as Song of the Year and Best Song Written for a Motion Picture or Television. "Somewhere Out There" was also nominated for a 1986 Oscar as best song, but lost to " Take My Breath Away" from ''Top Gun'' (a film that featured the Weil-penned "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" in a key scene). Mann's other movie work includes the scores for '' I Never Sang for My Father'' and '' Muppet Treasure Island'', and songs for ''

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation ''National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'' is a 1989 American Christmas film, Christmas comedy film and the third installment in National Lampoon (magazine), ''National Lampoon'' magazine's National Lampoon's Vacation (film series), ''Vacation'' f ...

'' and '' Oliver & Company''. CaroleBayerSagerCaroleKingCynthiaWeilBarryMannHWOFDec2012

Mann co-wrote, with Dan Hill, the song " Sometimes When We Touch," which scored No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. In 1987, Mann and Weil were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2011, they received the Johnny Mercer Award, the greatest honor from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Mann and Weil were named among the 2010 recipients of Ahmet Ertegun Award from the

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF), sometimes simply referred to as the Rock Hall, is a museum and hall of fame located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States, on the shore of Lake Erie. The museum documents the history of rock music and ...

. Mann and Weil now operate a publishing company named Dyad Music.

Personal life

Mann married Cynthia Weil in August 1961. They have one daughter, Jenn. They reside in

Beverly Hills, California Beverly Hills is a city located in Los Angeles County, California. A notable and historic suburb of Greater Los Angeles, it is in a wealthy area immediately southwest of the Hollywood Hills, approximately northwest of downtown Los Angeles. ...

Songs written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil

*"Absolutely Green" – Dom DeLuise (written for Cynthia Weil for ''

A Troll in Central Park ''A Troll in Central Park'' (released in some countries as ''Stanley's Magic Garden'') is a 1994 American animated musical fantasy comedy film co-directed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman. The film stars the voice talents of Dom DeLuise, Cloris Leach ...

'' *"Angelica" - Scott Walker *"Another Goodbye" –

Donna Fargo Donna may refer to the short form of the honorific ''nobildonna'', the female form of Don (honorific) in Italian. People * Donna (given name); includes name origin and list of people and characters with the name * Roberto Di Donna (born 1968), ...

(co-written with Scott English) *"Black Butterfly" – Deniece Williams *"

Blame It on the Bossa Nova "Blame It on the Bossa Nova" is a song written by Cynthia Weil (lyrics) and Barry Mann which was a 1963 hit single for Eydie Gormé, reaching number 7 on the Hot 100 in ''Billboard'' in March 1963. The song also peaked at number 32 in the UK, wh ...

" – Eydie Gorme *" Bless You" - Tony Orlando *"Brown Eyed Woman" – Bill Medley *"Christmas Vacation" – film title song *"Coldest Night of the Year" – Twice As Much featuring

Vashti Bunyan Vashti Bunyan (born Jennifer Vashti Bunyan, 1945) is an English singer-songwriter. Beginning her career in the mid-1960s, she released her debut album, '' Just Another Diamond Day'', in 1970. The album sold very few copies and Bunyan, discourag ...

. *" Don't Know Much" – Aaron Neville and

(written with

Tom Snow Thomas Righter Snow (born 1947 in Princeton, New Jersey) is an American songwriter. Biography Snow has written songs for Gayle McCormick "(Even a Fool Would Let Go" with Kerry Chater – a song covered by a number of artists including Kenny ...

) *" Don't Make My Baby Blue" –

Frankie Laine Frankie Laine (born Francesco Paolo LoVecchio; March 30, 1913 – February 6, 2007) was an American singer, songwriter, and actor whose career spanned nearly 75 years, from his first concerts in 1930 with a marathon dance company to his final ...

The Shadows The Shadows (originally known as the Drifters) were an English instrumental rock group, who dominated the British popular music charts in the late 1950s and early 1960s, in the pre- Beatles era. They served as the backing band for Cliff Richard ...

, The Move *"Good Time Living" – Three Dog Night *"Heart" – Kenny Chandler, Wayne Newton *" Here You Come Again" –

Dolly Parton Dolly Rebecca Parton (born January 19, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman, known primarily for her work in country music. After achieving success as a songwriter for others, Parton made her album ...

He's Sure the Boy I Love "He's Sure the Boy I Love" is a 1962 single by The Crystals. The song was originally recorded by The Blossoms but credited to The Crystals. On the ''Billboard'' charts in 1963, "He's Sure the Boy I Love" peaked at #11 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 ...

" – The Crystals *"

How Can I Tell Her It's Over "How Can I Tell Her It's Over" is a song written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and performed by Andy Williams. The song reached number 17 on the adult contemporary chart and number 109 on the Billboard Hot 100 The ''Billboard'' Hot 10 ...

" –

Andy Williams Howard Andrew Williams (December 3, 1927 – September 25, 2012) was an American singer. He recorded 43 albums in his career, of which 15 have been gold certified and three platinum certified. He was also nominated for six Grammy Awards. He hos ...

Hungry Hunger is a sensation that motivates the consumption of food. The sensation of hunger typically manifests after only a few hours without eating and is generally considered to be unpleasant. Satiety occurs between 5 and 20 minutes after eating. T ...

" – Paul Revere & the Raiders *"

I Just Can't Help Believing "I Just Can't Help Believing" is a song written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The song was most successful after it was recorded by B. J. Thomas and released as a single in 1970. It went to No. 9 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 singles chart an ...

" – B. J. Thomas,

Elvis Presley Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), or simply Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the " King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. His ener ...

*"I'm a Survivor" - Jon English *"

I'm Gonna Be Strong "I'm Gonna Be Strong" is a song written by the songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. It was first recorded by Frankie Laine in 1963 and released as a single on Columbia Records. However, the song did not become a major hit until 1964, wh ...

" –

Gene Pitney Gene Francis Alan Pitney (February 17, 1940 – April 5, 2006) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Pitney charted 16 top-40 hits in the United States, four in the top ten. In the United Kingdom, he had 22 top-40 hit singles, inclu ...

; Cyndi Lauper *" It's Getting Better" –

Cass Elliot Ellen Naomi Cohen (September 19, 1941 – July 29, 1974), known professionally as Mama Cass and later on as Cass Elliot, was an American singer and voice actress. She was a member of the singing group the Mamas & the Papas. After the group brok ...

*"It's Not Easy" – Normie Rowe, Will-O-Bees, Colin Blunstone (as Neil MacArthur) *"

I Will Come to You "I Will Come to You" is a song by American pop rock band Hanson. It was released on November 10, 1997, as the third single from the band's debut album, '' Middle of Nowhere'' (1997). "I Will Come to You" reached number five on the UK Singles Char ...

" –

Hanson Hanson or Hansson may refer to: People * Hanson (surname) * Hansson (surname) * Hanson (wrestler), ringname of an American professional wrestler Musical groups * Hanson (band), an American pop rock band * Hanson (UK band), an English rock ...

*"Just a Little Lovin' (Early in the Morning)" – Sarah Vaughan, Dusty Springfield, Carmen McRae, Billy Eckstine, Bobby Vinton, Shelby Lynne *" Just Once" – James Ingram with Quincy Jones *" Kicks" – Paul Revere & the Raiders *" Looking Through the Eyes of Love" –

, Marlena Shaw,

The Fortunes The Fortunes are an English harmony beat group. Formed in Birmingham, the Fortunes first came to prominence and international acclaim in 1965, when "You've Got Your Troubles" broke into the US, Canadian, and UK Top 10s. Afterwards, they had ...

, The Partridge Family *"Love Her" - The Everly Brothers, The Walker Brothers *"Love Led Us Here" – John Berry,

Helen Darling Helen Marie Darling (born August 29, 1978) is an American former professional basketball player, who played most recently for the San Antonio Silver Stars of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). In her WNBA career, Darling has mo ...

*"Magic Town" –

*" Make Your Own Kind of Music" – "Mama" Cass Elliot *" Never Gonna Let You Go" – Sérgio Mendes *" New World Coming" -

Mama Cass Mama(s) or Mamma or Momma may refer to: Roles *Mother, a female parent * Mama-san, in Japan and East Asia, a woman in a position of authority *Mamas, a name for female associates of the Hells Angels Places * Mama, Russia, an urban-type settlemen ...

*"None of Us Are Free" (Mann, Weil, Brenda Russell) –

Ray Charles Ray Charles Robinson Sr. (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential singers in history, and was often referred to by contemporaries as "The Ge ...

Lynyrd Skynyrd Lynyrd Skynyrd ( ) is an American rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida. The group originally formed as My Backyard in 1964 and comprised Ronnie Van Zant (lead vocalist), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom ...

, Solomon Burke *" On Broadway" –

The Drifters The Drifters are several American doo-wop and R&B/ soul vocal groups. They were originally formed as a backing group for Clyde McPhatter, formerly the lead tenor of Billy Ward and his Dominoes in 1953. The second group of Drifters, formed i ...

, George Benson (written with

Jerry Leiber Lyricist Jerome Leiber (April 25, 1933 – August 22, 2011) and composer Michael Stoller (born March 13, 1933) were American songwriting and record producing partners. They found success as the writers of such Crossover music, crossover hit songs ...

and

Mike Stoller Lyricist Jerome Leiber (April 25, 1933 – August 22, 2011) and composer Michael Stoller (born March 13, 1933) were American songwriting and record producing partners. They found success as the writers of such crossover hit songs as " Hound Dog" ( ...

) *" Once Upon a Time in New York City" – (written with Howard Ashman for Oliver and Company) *"Only in America" – Jay and the Americans *"Proud" – Johnny Crawford *" Rock and Roll Lullaby" – B. J. Thomas *"Saturday Night at the Movies" –

*" Shades of Gray" and " Love is Only Sleeping" – The Monkees *" Shape of Things to Come" – Max Frost and the Troopers *"She's Over Me" –

Teddy Pendergrass Theodore DeReese Pendergrass (March 26, 1950 – January 13, 2010) was an American soul and R&B singer-songwriter. He was born in Kingstree, South Carolina. Pendergrass spent most of his life in the Philadelphia area, and initially rose to musi ...

*"Something Better" – Marianne Faithfull (written with Gerry Goffin) *" Somewhere Out There" – Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram (written with James Horner for the animated film '' An American Tail'') – a double

winner. *"Sweet Sorrow" – Conway Twitty *"Teenage Has-Been" - Barry Mann, (written with Gerry Goffin) *"Too Many Mondays" – Barry Mann,

Wicked Lester Wicked Lester was a rock band based in New York City. Two notable members were bassist Gene Klein and rhythm guitarist Stanley Eisen. Originally formed in 1970 as Rainbow, the band changed its name to Wicked Lester in 1971 to avoid confusion with ...

(unreleased) *"

" – The Crystals *" Walking in the Rain" – The Ronettes, The Walker Brothers, Jay and the Americans, The Partridge Family (written with

) *"

" – The Animals *"

We're Over "We're Over" is a song written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, and recorded by American country music artist Johnny Rodriguez. It was released in September 1974 as the first single from his album ''Songs About Ladies and Love''. The song peaked ...

" – Johnny Rodriguez *"Whatever You Imagine" -

Wendy Moten Wendy Moten (born November 22, 1964) is an American jazz singer from Tennessee. Born in Memphis and based in Nashville, Moten has had a successful career in music, including several major-label solo records, some international hit songs, and a ...

(written with James Horner for the live-action/animated film ''

The Pagemaster ''The Pagemaster'' is a 1994 American live-action/animated fantasy adventure film starring Macaulay Culkin, Christopher Lloyd, Whoopi Goldberg, Patrick Stewart, Leonard Nimoy, Frank Welker, Ed Begley Jr., and Mel Harris. The film was produced b ...

'') *" Where have you been (all my life)" - Arthur Alexander also played by Gene Vincent,

The Beatles The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatles, most influential band of al ...

and by Gerry and the Pacemakers *"

Who Put the Bomp (in the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp) "Who Put the Bomp (in the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp)" is a doo-wop style novelty song from 1961 by the American songwriter Barry Mann, who wrote it with Gerry Goffin. It was originally released as a single on the ABC-Paramount label (10237). Lyrics In t ...

- Barry Mann (written with Gerry Goffin) *"A World of Our Own" – Closing theme song from '' Return to the Blue Lagoon'' – Surface *" (You're My) Soul and Inspiration" – The Righteous Brothers *"

" – The Righteous Brothers (written with

) Awards * Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media * Grammy Award for Song of the Year *

Academy Award for Best Original Song The Academy Award for Best Original Song is one of the awards given annually to people working in the motion picture industry by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). It is presented to the ''songwriters'' who have composed ...

References

External links

Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil Official website
* {{DEFAULTSORT:Mann, Barry 1939 births Living people People from Beverly Hills, California Songwriters from New York (state) Musicians from Brooklyn Grammy Award winners Jewish American songwriters Songwriters from California 21st-century American Jews