Sometimes, one creative team lays down the perfect foundation for another set of brilliant minds to add an exceptional twist. One of the strongest examples of this remains “Mandy” as sung by Barry Manilow, but that is just one part of thie track’s remarkable story.
Before there was “Mandy” performed by Manilow, there was “Brandy,” written by Scott English and Richard Kerr. On top of having multiple hands shaping it, this song is also quite the globetrotter; the first recording was done all the way in New Zealand in 1972 by an artist named Bunny Walters. Two years later, we’d finally get the Manilow version that really put Mandy, Brandy—whoever they may be—on the map.
“Brandy” transformed into “Mandy” in time to be sung by Barry Manilow
Even the early origin stories of “Brandy” are as sensational as the rest of its journey to Manilow. Composer English enjoyed swift triumph when “Brandy” was released, with the song reaching number 12 in the UK Singles Chart. In the U.S., it made it to the Hot 100, but stayed near the bottom. But don’t worry, it’s time as an international hit was fast approaching.
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But first, a local reporter wanted to know more about this regional sensation, and so-called up English way before decent folk would be awake, all to ask about the inspiration behind the song.
Irritated, English fibbed and said Brandy was his dog. This wasn’t the case but the story stuck around as a kind of urban myth for years to come. On the contrary, it ended up rooted in his own life, with the face in the window belonging to his father.
The international hit wasn’t a favorite for everyone at first
One early detractor of “Brandy” reimagined to “Mandy” by Manilow was none other than English himself. This came from some discontent with his original, meticulously-composed vision getting altered by Manilow, who took out part of a verse and turned it into a bridge.
“In the beginning, I hated it,” admitted English, especially with how “real poppy” it made hte song sound.
Later, however, English ended up quite fond of it for a very relatable reason. The change of opinion happened around when the “checks started coming in.” That’s when English told Manilow, “I ended up loving you buying me houses.”
Others were on board with that sentiment too, minus the property acquisition. Manilow’s rendition brought it to U.S. listeners and beyond. His first gold single, “Mandy” ended up also being Manilow’s very first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, if you’ve never realized how happy “Mandy” made you, be sure to relive the upbeat fun and put off getting caught up in a world of uphill climbing, if just for a while.
