I’m delighted Ms. Barbara Cook is one of this year’s ‘Kennedy Center’ honorees!
Her beautiful voice has brought to life countless songs in her vast career beginning in the 1950’s when she starred on Broadway in Candide and the Music Man for which she received a Tony award.
But what does Barbara have to do with Barry Manilow?
As is the case with many performers, I’ve first came to appreciate Ms. Cook in hearing her duet with Barry Manilow on “Look to the Rainbow” (from ‘Finian’s Rainbow’) which can be heard on his “Showstoppers” album.
She also lends her voice to the soundtrack of the Don Bluth animated feature film “Thumbelina” which Barry Manilow along with Jack Feldman and Bruce Sussman wrote the original music for.
One of my favorite Manilow songs, “Let Me Be Your Wings”, happens to be featured in the movie. Again Barbara and Barry blend their fantastic talents in a gorgeous duet.
Congratulations to Barbara Cook on this tremendous honor!