I'll Take Your Cause...

The 70's CD has practically taken over my office the last week. I've listening to all the songs on it throughout each day, discovering little gems within each song: chord changes, hidden notes from other familiar songs, lyrics I had never listened to before and quite honestly, a newfound respect for the man who recorded them.

There is a recurring theme throughout the songs that hits you like a ton of bricks if you take the time to "listen". And when I did listen, I heard that theme: friendship. The first song that slams that point home is "Bridge Over Troubled Water". The lyrics in this song are inspiring...I'll take your part, when darkness comes, and friends just can't be found...if you need a friend I'm sailing right behind...like a bridge over troubled water....I will ease your mind.

This has been a week of causes for me. I've had to wrestle with some difficult choices, knowing it was the right thing to do. I've had to ask some tough questions and evaluate the depth and commitment I had for a friend. Sometimes standing up for what you believe means taking on the cause of a friend because they have been hurt or feel strongly about the particular cause. Being a true friend means that although you may not completely understand the cause, you can support your friend's right to believe in that cause. I experienced that support this week first hand and gave it myself to someone I care very deeply about. I didnt' particularly understand the cause, but I knew it meant something to them.

So I guess what I'm wanting to say is that being a friend sometimes means you have to take up a cause that you may not agree with, but you know is important to that friend. And doing it for them, standing on their side, taking up their cause, and "cheering them on from the balcony" lets them know that you care.

For my friend who cheers me on and takes up my causes and for that person who took up a cause and caught a ton of flack for it, I am grateful, proud and humbled.

Thanks guys for being my inspiration,
Texas Fanilow

It's been a helluva day...

One of my favorite movies, "Chorus Line" ends with these words, "It's been a helluva day.." And lately that seems to be my comment as I head off to bed. After all the posts on the Bnet, the media comments and quips, the exhausting emails and online conversations, calls from my family to ask me if I heard about the latest conflict with Barry....those are the only words that seemed appropriate.

And then I tuned in to The Colbert Report and Barry...as always...made me remember why I love this man. He made me smile. He made me laugh at all the JUNK that has gone on because he put it all into perspective on that show. "I'll just hang out here for awhile. I got nothing to do I was bumped from The View..." And then Colbert says it all at the end of the skit...MANILOW!!!!!!

I hope we can all get up tomorrow and smile again. Take a deep breath and remember that Barry is still Barry, the 70's CD is still as moving as ever, and as fans of this man we all have the same thing in common...we love the music.

Thanks Barry...it's been a helluva day!
Texas Fanilow

The View

Today has been a red-letter day in the Manilow world. His first appearance of the media blitz on the Today Show, culminating with a Hotline Message announcing he would not be appearing on The View tomorrow due to conflict with one of the hosts, Elisabeth Hasselback.

While the battle rages on the message boards and within the many online groups, I don't wish to add my political views to the already volatial quagmire of opinion. I will say that it only served to dredge up an already sensitive subject in this country, and cause the party lines to once again be drawn again over the war in Iraq. It fueled a fire on the online news boards, with The View calling Barry a "liar" and saying it was their decision to not have him on the show tomorrow.

A wise person once said--"We aren't the divided states of America, we are the United States of America". I respect Barry's right to make the decision he made. I think it's about time all of us in this country learn some tolerance for other people's opinions and try and find some common ground to draw us together.

It's a shame that a friendship (though maybe strained) between Rosie and Elisabeth ended over political beliefs. It's a shame that families are torn apart over these issues. And it's a shame that the message of the 70's CD has now been jaded by the partisan debate that seems to never end in this country.

What the world (and especially America) really needs now is love.
Texas Fanilow

I've Had it Up to Here...

I would like to know where people come off telling other people what Mr. Manilow would or woud not like? What gives them the right to say that he wouldn't like in depth discussion of his songs and the lyrics? And when did they get the privilege of dictating the topics on the Bnet message board? I recall having to stomach a huge dose of leather and flip books and was told to "skip over" the posts. Lately it has been some vague reference to a "moose" of some unknown origin. Let me just say...perhaps they should follow their own advice.

And while I'm at it...what gives people the right to blast other people on their fan club websites and on their group message boards? Whatever happened to "be nice" in the Manilow world. And how can those same people claim relationships with Barry that don't exist and lie and steal from other fans? It baffles my mind.

I think they need a huge dose of the 70's CD...taken with some understanding and some compassion. They would do well to perhaps actually READ some of those posts they are complaining about. And actually take to heart some of the words of the songs Barry just recorded.

Shame on all of them for not following the example of the man they say they care about.
Disgusted,
Texas Fanilow

The Love Letter

The long awaited "Greatest Songs of the 70's" has landed in the hands of the lucky fans that attended the recent shows in Philly and Boston. After an emotional concert in Philly, my friends and I popped it into the car stereo to listen to it on our way home. As we heard each song, we found ourselves saying, "that one was good"...."wow, that's even better"..."boy, he sure outdid himself with that one". It was a late night and the mellow tones of the CD were not the best to be listening to while driving. When it was over, we commented how great it was and didn't give it another thought for the rest of the evening.

The next morning we checked out of our motel and headed out to the airport, which was about an hour from where we spent the night. We put the CD back into the car stereo and this time we LISTENED. We listened to the words and him singing the words and cried for one solid hour in the car. Not so much tears of sadness, but tears realizing the message that came through loud and clear. It was a love letter from Barry...pure and simple. He hand-picked every one of the songs and the meanings in each of them pricked our hearts deeply.

When you get your hands...and I say WHEN...on this CD, listen to the words of every one of those songs. Listen to him singing those words. Listen to the message in this "love letter". You will never be the same.

Awe struck.
Texas Fanilow

A Magical Night

I've been thinking the last few days about the Music and Passion show in Philly. It's taken a few days to absorb all that happened and to find the words to describe that magical night. I hope for those of you that didn't get the chance to attend, I'll be able to put it into words. Because for me, it completely overshadowed every other Manilow moment I've had in the last two years.

From the moment he stepped out on stage, I knew it was a different man. His countenance was completely different than it was when I saw him at the end of May. He seemed genuinely happy and not even the best actor in the world could have communicated that outer glow. The expressions on his face when he received the numerous standing ovations and the funny moments with his earpiece made the evening even more priceless.

There were two highlights for me that I will never forget. The first was the full version of Could It Be Magic with a full orchestra. The music, the lyrics, the orchestration, the lights and the moment were nothing short of inspirational. I've rediscovered that song this morning and if you haven't listened to it in awhile, it's worth digging it out of the record archives. The place shook when he finished with applause and he just stood there with his mouth literally hanging open in shock.

The second moment was the encore of the night. After a rather long time of applause following Dancing in the Streets, he walked back out on stage in his signature maroon jacket. He took it off, as if to say, I'm completely open to you guys and I want you to know this is "me", not BARRY MANILOW, but Barry. He tossed it to the band and walked out into the center of the stage and began singing "Old Friends" and then walked onto the platform used for the dance and said, "I wrote this one for you".

Then the moment...he began singing "Forever and a Day". My heart almost stopped as he stood there in front of the microphone with his arms outstretched and his heart open and vulnerable. And when it was over, he walked to the center of the stage, stopped for a moment as if to say, "I don't want to go...", then turned his back and waved backwards as he walked off stage.

It's those moments in life that literally take your breath away. Mine...has hardly returned.

Thanks Barry for that magical night. I hope you know how much we all love you.

Remembering that moment,

Texas Fanilow

One Voice

Just One Voice,
Singing in the darkness,
All it takes is One Voice,
Singing so they hear what's on your mind,
And when you look around you'll find
There's more than

One Voice,
Singing in the darkness,
Joining with your One Voice,
Each and every note another octave,
Hands are joined and fears unlocked,
If only

One Voice
Would start it on its own,
We need just One Voice facing the unknown,
And then that One Voice would never be alone,
It takes that One Voice.

It takes that One Voice.

Just One Voice
Singing in the darkness,
All it takes is One Voice,
Shout it out and let it ring.

Just One Voice,
It takes that One Voice,
And everyone will sing!

It's taken "one voice" to change the tone on the Bnet message board. It's really amazing how just one person can make a difference. A new voice appears on the scene and suddenly the mood and the tone change. And right along with it comes the naysayers and those that would say it's not the place to post positively spiritual messages. I guess it's the place to post silly, mindless chatter. Personally, I prefer the inspirational posts. But then again, I'm a Manilow purest at heart.

Adding my voice to that one voice (joining hands and unlocking fears),
Texas Fanilow

A Message of Hope

With all the talk of Philly and Boston, the CD/DVD release, the DVD releases of the TV specials and the upcoming media blitz, I can't seem to get my head and my heart off of "Harmony". I have been listening and relistening to the five songs that we have from the scores CD and they are among the most inspirational, motivational group of songs I've ever listened to. It's the combination of lyrics and passionate orchestral weaving throughout, and the message of hope that has me coming back again and again. I can't get enough of the way the music and the lyrics fit so perfectly together and how every line gives a resounding message of hope and God's never ending love. Here's some gems...and if you haven't listened in awhile, I mean really listened, sit down with the music and let it speak to you. You will be blessed.

Harmony
Troubles disappear
And what you feel is what you hear
Not what you see!
Yes, first there was
Harmony!

Where You Go
Where you go
I will go
Maybe scared
But together
With you, I'm prepared the rest is destiny
When it starts
Take my hand
And whether it's through hell or to the promised land
God knows where
I'll be there
Where you go

Stars In The Night
Look at the stars
How brilliant they are
How can they be shining now
When hope seems so far?
Look Look how they shine
These cruelest of stars
What promise inspires them?
What faith is it fires them?
Dare we lift our hearts as we lift our eyes
Are we fools to see what hope there is within the skies
Look...there's the light...Stars in the Night.

Every Single Day
Everything you doubt I will fight for
Every single day
Help me work it out, make it right for
Every single day
And this I swear and stake my life upon
If you go or stay I will love you as I do today
And I'll love you every single day from now on.

This is Our Time
This is our time
Maybe it's the last time
Who knows, but at least it's ours
And it won't be the first time
That men picked the worst time
To lift up their eyes to the stars!

In This World
In this world
That's lost all its reason
At last there's a reason
For hope in my heart

First there was Harmony,

Texas Fanilow

The Dance

I've refrained from commenting on this subject. I "lurked" on the Bnet while it was being discussed, or should I say heavily debated. I happen to believe that the Barrynet message board is NOT the place to bicker and fight because it's a public board. I only have one thing to say to everyone that participated--shame on you.

And now it has come to my attention just exactly how people view "the dance" and it makes my blood boil. Here's an email I received from a loyal fan who asked if I would post this on my blog. I concur with her sentiments so I am posting it here for everyone to see:

I have been with Barry for 32 years....watched him give all that he is without thinking twice about it. I want to begin that way because a couple nights ago I was simply looking thru some of the other fan club sites just to see what people had to say...with hopes of possibly finding one to join. I stumbled across one site.....I don't know if I hit it on the wrong day or what, but I was completely horrified by some of the comments that were being made. The behavior of certain so called "fans"..and you all know who you are...was probably the most selfish I've ever witnessed short of the way some reacted last year to Barry cancelling shows because he was in so much pain he couldn't walk. What in the world gives any of you the right to think that Barry owes us anything.......he'd better not take out the dance because we pay good money for those seats and deserve to get something for it.....spoken by a shallow, selfish taker who thinks only of themselves. Before you even start...I do not worship the ground he walks on nor do I think he's perfect....but he's a truely selfless man who has done noting but give for his entire life....he's given up what most of us work for in our lives...the love of a family...just so he can follow his God-given calling....to use his music to touch our lives like no one else has. There are some of us who pay that money because being able to be that close to him and share a special moment or two with him really means something to us. No wonder he has been so guarded towards intreaction with the fans...and when he does let that guard down and give us a glimpse of himself...look what he gets in return. I, for on, am embarrassed by your behavior....you have no idea what it really means to be a fan....to support someone no matter what....to give of yourself rather than exhibit that "take..take...take..gimmie..gimmie" mentality. I just hope that he can see past you people and continue to let those of us who appreciate what he gives us continue to enjoy it. Will some of you take offense to what I've written...I have no doubt...and I hope you do. Take a good long look in the mirror...do you see what Barry sees....all he sees is what you do on
these boards and on your local fan club websites......think about it.

Speechless for once in my life...

Thanking God I am grateful and humbled by Barry's sacrifice,
Texas Fanilow

Those Rare Moments...

We rarely have those once in a lifetime moments. Those moments when everything is perfect, and all seems right. And when they happen, they take our breath away because God has smiled on us and given us a glimpse of heaven.

Today, for me, was one of those moments. And, as usually happens, there was a lyric from one of Barry's songs that clinched it for me. "Whatever I know I learned from you...Whatever I do you taught me to do...Whatever I am you taught me to be."

I wonder if Barry knows how powerful his music is in our lives? I wonder if he knows that for every moment of joy and pain, he is there? I wonder if he ever wonders if his music makes a difference in this world, if it moves those that hear it? I wonder if he knows the depth of gratitude that I have for the sacrifice he has made to bring us this lifeline of hope?

I hope and pray he does...

Forever grateful to God and to Barry, Texas Fanilow

P.S. Thank you God for sending the person that "saw" the real me and "picked up the check" today...