Barry Manilow at 81: Writing Music for an Astronaut in Space?
On July 14, 2025, the music and science worlds were taken by surprise when Barry Manilow’s longtime manager confirmed a remarkable development: the 81-year-old music legend is currently working on a special musical project—intended for an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.
While it may sound like science fiction, the news is very real. According to sources close to Manilow, the project began quietly in early 2025 after a private outreach from NASA and the European Space Agency. They were reportedly seeking a uniquely emotional and human musical piece to accompany an upcoming deep space message—part of a collaborative international mission aimed at highlighting the emotional and cultural aspects of long-term space travel.
Manilow, known for iconic hits like “Mandy” and “Copacabana,” was intrigued by the challenge. Despite slowing down his public appearances in recent years, he’s never stopped composing in private. Friends say the idea of writing music that would be heard beyond Earth inspired a creative spark in him that hadn’t been seen in decades.
This unique collaboration involves astronaut Commander Elise Tanaka, who has been living aboard the ISS since May 2025. She reportedly requested that music be part of her daily schedule as a mental wellness tool. After hearing about the potential project with Manilow, she agreed to record spoken messages and observations from orbit, which Barry is now using as inspiration for his composition.
What makes this even more astonishing is that part of the music may be broadcast back to Earth as part of a new NASA educational initiative called “Voices from the Void,” which aims to blend art and science to deepen public interest in space exploration.
In a brief statement, Manilow’s manager shared, “Barry is thrilled to be working on something so meaningful. This is more than just music—it’s history, heart, and humanity reaching beyond our atmosphere.”
Although full details of the composition are still under wraps, sources indicate that the piece will be both orchestral and lyrical, blending Manilow’s signature melodies with ambient space sounds recorded from the station. The music is expected to premiere later this year via a special broadcast that will link space and Earth in real time.
Whether or not this becomes the first true “interstellar ballad,” one thing is certain: at 81, Barry Manilow has once again proven that music knows no limits—not even the sky.