Barry Manilow - Copacabana (Live from The 1978 BBC Special)

Barry Manilow performs "Copacabana" live, taken from the 1978 BBC special.
The year is 1978. In the US, Barry Manilow is on top of the pop charts.
Even Now featuring the hit singles “Even Now", “Can’t Smile Without You”, “Copacabana", and “Somewhere In The Night” is released.
The Second Barry Manilow Special airs on ABC. Barry Manilow In Concert is released as the first big musical special on HBO.
Across the pond in the UK, however, Barry is still a relative unknown. But the buzz is growing.
He’s booked for his first shows in the UK…two nights at the London Palladium. Those two nights sell out and four more nights are added. Those four nights sell out.
British impresario Robert Patterson and his young assistant, Andrew Miller decide to roll the dice.
They call the BBC.
They book Manilow at the Royal Albert Hall and turn his concert into a two part TV special.
So begins a beautiful love affair between Manilow and his British fans.
Head to www.manilowtv.com for the full archive of Barry Manilow live performances!
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LYRICS:
[Verse 1]
Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl
With yellow feathers in her hair
And a dress cut down to there
She would merengue and do the cha-cha
And while she tried to be a star
Tony always tended bar
[Pre-Chorus 1]
Across the crowded floor
They worked from eight 'til four
They were young and they had each other
Who could ask for more?
[Chorus]
At the Copa, Copacabana (Copa, Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana (Here)
At the Copa, Copacabana (Copacabana)
Music and passion were always the fashion
At the Copa, they fell in love
(Copa, Copacabana)
[Verse 2]
His name was Rico, he wore a diamond
He was escorted to his chair
He saw Lola dancing there
And when she finished, he called her over
But Rico went a bit too far
Tony sailed across the bar
[Pre-Chorus 2]
And then the punches flew
And chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gunshot
But just who shot who?
[Chorus]
At the Copa, Copacabana (Copa, Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana (Here)
At the Copa, Copacabana (Copacabana)
Music and passion were always the fashion
At the Copa, she lost her love
(Copa, Copacabana)
[Bridge]
(Copa, Copacabana)
(Copacabana)
(Music and passion)
(Always in fashion)
[Verse 3]
Her name is Lola, she was a showgirl
But that was thirty years ago
When they used to have a show
Now it's a disco, but not for Lola
Still in the dress she used to wear
Faded feathers in her hair
[Pre-Chorus 3]
She sits there so refined
And drinks herself half-blind
She lost her youth and she lost her Tony
Now she's lost her mind
[Chorus]
At the Copa, Copacabana (Copa, Copacabana)
The hottest spot north of Havana (Here)
At the Copa, Copacabana (Copacabana)
Music and passion were always the fashion
At the Copa, don't fall in love
(Copa, Copacabana) Don't fall in love
(Copacabana, Copacabana)
[Outro]
(Copa, Copacabana)
(Copacabana, Copacabana)...
#BarryManilow #FanilowFriday

[@ClarkMcK-fj7fm]

Who’s listening in 2024? I’ve always loved this guy.

[@Hiplcx]

👋🏼

[@DenisBubuOfficial]

[@marylaplaca35]

I will always listen to Barry ❤. Saw him in concert 4 times.

[@KevinWRay]

As far as live shows Barry has no competition, he is the best!

[@musikofi9]

I still do

[@danmerais6298]

Barry: This is a very sad story Also Barry: *does his funnest performance of all time

[@karenshurley4793]

No one today compares to Barry Manilow - a showman’s showman. 👏👏👏👏💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻🕺

[@charlespayne3960]

L j

[@patrickryan9093]

I agree Karen! In my opinion what made Barry and Freddie Mercury the great performers they were, were a lack of personal "boundaries". ❤️🥰😊

[@TheWiseMonkey8888]

My Mom likes Mr. Mannilow... it's most likely a good sign...

[@ardghes]

Love him, forever! 💋💙💯

[@luiscristianfloresgarcia8319]

I would say Sir Rod Stewart

[@Dan-nt2yb]

Even the inexplicable haters would have to admit that this man ALWAYS gave his all and his fans got their money’s worth.👍🏾⭐️

[@jjphoenix4055]

lots of tasteless idiots out there hating high quality.

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry......This by far is your best story song. Still don't understand why you thought it would not be a HIT. I think this song is the most recognized one across the world. I love Lady Flash and all the other performers that were needed to put this glamorous show together and it is absolutely perfect. I used to watch this one 3 times a night. I know all the words, gestures ,dances and singing for the whole song. I love you Barry.......You are THE BEST.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Dancing Queen BB 1965

[@djnicksedits5525]

That intro speech with a little bit of comedy is gold. Especially the "all the great stuff in life" bit got me.

[@martagrandilla9186]

👍 Yeah

[@marilynfosseen1541]

He's so funny.

[@anibalnn903]

Lastima que no se inglés, no entendí nada😂

[@chasing_dragons]

Concert footage of any band, singer, or act is precious. This song always makes me sad some how. It pulls me back to the late 70s and early 80's when my parents had youth. They were in their early 30's and life was so much more simple.

[@spow1064]

Me too, for similar reasons. Mum and Dad would be early 40's. Everything seemed so glitzy and wonderful as a child back then x

[@stephenprice3478]

Lovely 😂❤

[@isaisabel8086]

I agree with you. The life was more simple and we were really happy. But the músic is so poweful that we come back to this time. My best wishes from Spain!

[@tonyh4513]

While I agree we have hope that there are far better times for us in the next life. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

[@LauraSommer]

Was 13

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry....This is the best story song ever written and performed by many people like Lady Flash and your band and of course, YOU. I know the whole thing by heart, all the words, the dances, the moves, I must have played this video 100 times. Thanks Barry.......................Love you all..............Great job !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Betsy Basile

[@charleshoh2831]

He’s awesome! Who’s listening in 2022? No music today compares to this.

[@mariahelenadasilvahelena6354]

eu ouvindo em 2022 adoro

[@paquimiranda9205]

Yo

[@paquimiranda9205]

Su nombre es Lola.....

[@cleuzaxavier2796]

Barry Manilow ... Maravilhoso! Sempre❤️🇧🇷🎧🎶👏👏👏👏

[@isaisabel8086]

I am listening this eternal músic. I am 59 and I go on dancing and amusing with this kind of músic, the ours. Forever!!!

[@wymanspace4173]

A song that never fails to bring a smile on my face, visualizing his entire repertoire of dancing and costumes changes. And the story! I love it. Thank you Barry.

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry...The best story song ever written and performed and you thought it was just going to be a little fun song. Well, I think everyone in the world knows this song and you. Love you Barry and Lady Flash................................Great job................................Love to you and everyone involved with this song...................The Dancing Queen BB 1965

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry.... This by far is the most recognized song in the WHOLE WORLD. You really with your friends got your career going higher on the Billboards. Love it and you////////////////////BB

[@hemiolaguy]

Actually, "Happy Birthday to You" is recognized and sung in more countries than any Manilow song.

[@WarmToothpaste]

​@@hemiolaguy "erm.. acktually ☝️🤓" -you

[@hyperion3145]

​@@WarmToothpaste I mean, they're not wrong. I can think of a few songs more recognizable everywhere than this.

[@XLockdownDG]

Amazing…Who’s here in 2024?????

[@c.morales755]

Me lol

[@c.morales755]

Me lol

[@c.morales755]

😊

[@ledawolff7996]

Eu 😊

[@-very_c0co148]

Hereee! I love this song so muchh

[@CoasterMan13Official]

I just love how he's painting a picture. It's like you just close the eyes, you can see everything in the story.

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry....I always come back to this original video as I must have played it 100 times back in 1978. It is the best story song, ever and ever. Love ya....................Betsy B.

[@Felix-fy7ki]

A song that would have fit in a James Bond movie of those days!

[@edgetaker]

Don't know when this aired on the BBC in 1978, but this was exactly the same way he performed it at the Ravinia Festival outside of Chicago in July, 1978. We went to the second night of 2 sold out shows, and had to stand in line at the box office one cold & rainy May morning to get tickets. It was well worth it..one of the best concerts I've ever attended (along with his performance at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago in January 1977)!

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry... I still know all the words and all the moves you and Lady Flash make in this original. You also dance with all 3 of them and I know how to do those too. It is the greatest story song ever and I really don't know why it wouldn't be. Love it and you and the girls and the band and everyone who had a part in this one....................The Dancing Queen BB 1965

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

This one is the biggest winner ever, Barry. The performances were perfect and I loved Lady Flash...............Love all of you......................Betsy B

[@dansullivan4046]

His music is timeless and priceless. Nothing compares, not then, and not now.

[@tonyh4513]

My goodness. What a great showman, what a great song.

[@simon_says_gs]

A TRUE CLASS ACT 🎶🎬 💃 🕺🎹🎶 GENUINE TIMELESS ENTERTAINER .!!

[@mandymanilow65]

😉🙂😏😘😘😘😘😘😘❤💓💔💕💖💗💙💝💞💟💟❣💌💌💌💝💝💝

[@mandymanilow65]

So un fire so hot and.sweeheart as alwais and when says debra.dont.touch me there so funny oh boy you.Re alwais the best Not comparisson what an uní que musician arrsnger composer showman and many good and beautiful things and sure his sense of humor oh boy thanks for be alwais yourself blessings and much love

[@queenmicale9686]

OMG WHAT A SHOWMAN. !!!!. The greatest. Love him. He does it all. Bravo. BARRY. U got what it takes. No singers can do this today. !!!. The best music ever. .🥰😇💝💯👏👏👏👏👏

[@a91170]

What a beautiful, clear voice. Like there's no effort at all.

[@scottcornelius7441]

The audio quality is fantastic

[@claragreiner3592]

Barry is the best!!!!

[@lanefaurot]

I treasure your music…all of it…even more than I did as a young teenager. Thank you for influencing my entire life’s direction 💕

[@cicidbourbon5261]

And so he did mine too!!!!... love Barry 4 ever!!!

Barry Manilow will be in fashion forever. Really Amazing!!!!

[@rjmcallister1888]

1978: Club DJ's (like me) played the hell out of this in the States, all but forcing Arista to release it as a single. Better than 40 years on, all one has to do is play the first bars of this and you know what it is. The shirt remains outrageous. Ah, sweet Lorraine.

[@user-cs2vc7is2h]

Barry..Singer, writer. producer, director and now a fabulous dancer!

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry..... Still the best story song in the world and the original is my favorite. Love all of you that are in this performance............Betsy J. Basile

[@moow950]

What a showman!!!! Barry Manilow was fantastic here!

[@johnholmes8173]

He's Definitely a Showman!❤

[@virtualreality512]

Fantastic music dancing and style. Barry is sooo cool, smooth and mellow. First heard his songs, music back in the 70's loved it then and still enjoy it to this day!

[@candyjerkins6844]

My favorite singer FOREVER❣

[@bobbychan8506]

Laughter and tears watching my favourite singer for over 45 years! 😍😍😍

[@shadowrealm221]

First time watching this. He's a real showman. This caught me off guard. I fucking love this

[@donnalowe9334]

Best dresses ever! And the jacket belongs in the Smithsonian it is so well known and loved - so Latinist dancing costume. The energy, humor and charm..wow! Thank you. Much love ..

[@drakehonest2]

Hey how are you doing today?😊

[@christinalloyd7920]

Nothing like feel good music! 💯Thank you for sending me off to work feeling great after listening to this💓💓💓

[@monicamercedesramirezrios4270]

I love you, I love you, my dear Barry!

[@charlessmith263]

I know this song so much. At one time, it was the most-wanted "samba-disco" numbers of the disco era. Reminds me a bit about the theme song for the TV show "Vegas." I think the song was inspired by him being exposed to stories of the Italian mafia where there is at least one incident of violence by way of the gun....... The rest was history. And Copacabana became the biggest hit--my two bits--of Barry Manilow's career! Let's samba-disco down on the floor!!!

[@annabeckwith]

Timeless!!! And you're GREAT Barry!!!🤩🤩🤩💖💖💖

[@rdogg222]

Pride of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

[@kazbah747]

Yes I was there. The tickets were free so I rocked up. I guess they wanted to fill the seats, but it was a good concert.

[@lemonbalm1143]

A pleasant and perfect teamwork with Flash Lady! He was busy on stage, talking, singing, changing clothes, and dancing.

[@dianarosenstein6404]

The first time I saw you was at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh PA on November 23rd, 1981 and it was" Barry Manilow in the Round" and I thought it was awesome with that stage going around in a circle so that everyone at the arena could enjoy you! The concert was fabulous with all of your songs that you performed and I have a lot of your vinyl albums from back when and every now and then I play them! I will always treasure your music!

[@teresacollins7763]

I saw George Michael like that, in the round.SPECTACULAR! I would live to see Mr. Manilow like that.

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry..............I always go back to this one as it is so much fun and talent and outfits. Love this one and you, Barry.................................Betsy Basile

[@allialias]

Had this show on video cassette! Watched over and over. LOVE the Harlettes!!! This is the most Happiness a human can tolerate 🤗.

[@elsagranados670]

BARRY MANILOW...SIEMPRE MARAVILLOSO. LOVE BARRY!!!

[@mariacha4550]

Fantastyczna,cudowna. Uwielbiam tą piosenkę. Pozdrawiam z Polski

[@lilyryan3526]

Love this song!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@b-b-c-c-b2738]

That's the genuine entertainer!

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry..... I always liked that "Star" necklace you wore in the 70's. This is by far your very best story song. Everyone in the world knows this song. Love you...............Betsy

[@joanstarke6798]

LOVE. TO HEAR BARRY LAUGH‼️. ❤️❤️

[@helenasilva7820]

Sua voz é inconfundível Barry, você é demais. Ontem, hoje e sempre. Parabéns.

[@marthaelbagonzalez1469]

Eres maravilloso Barry Manilow, de regalo mi hijo y nuera me llevaron a las Vegas al concierto del 10 6 2023 , inolvidable noche , Dios te conserve con mucha salud y vida, tu música nos hace felices a miles que sabemos lo que es escucharla y la letra de cada una .❤

[@mariajesusvilelafernandez2938]

Todo un profesional Con una voz increíble Cantando Copacabana Icónica canción El tiempo pasa Y a mí me hace sentirme Muy feliz Es una canción maravillosa 🇪🇸 España 🇪🇸 MÍA

[@mandymanilow65]

Me toó from spain bit note obsesed justo so proud of him and his roots lest go sweeheart Barry you got still so sweet and humble so talented and on fire as alwais much love and take care yourself. Your band and bacuckups family blessings

[@sergiorodrigocolligongora]

Esta cancion nunca pasara de moda

[@GeointelCL]

Great show ever! 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻🕺 Barry Manilow the more friendliest and funniest singer of 70s and 80s. His early life in 60s, before being a pop singer, as employee of CBS, pianist and arranger of other artists in New York deserve a Movie or a Netflix serie.🎥 He wrote an autobiography: "Sweet Life: Adventures on the Way to Paradise" McGraw-Hill

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Greatest story song even and I have heard many in my 76 years. But, no one can be even close to you in talent and performance. Love you Barry always.........Betsy

[@gloriafry2584]

Love story songs too, this is an awesome production of Copa Barry, with lots of fun bits too. Dancing in those big dresses must have been difficult, your Copa jacket looks really heavy, I've seen it displayed at the Manilow Store in Las Vegas. Love the ending, looks like you all have so much fun with this one 💕🕺🎶💃🎶

[@soraia2616]

Não me canso de assistir esta maravilhosa apresentação ! Barry, você é DEMAIS ! 🇧🇷🤩

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry and Lady Flash...........Love this original Copacabana and all of your performances. Listened to many other version, but this one is still the best. That white outfit he wears is great and I have seen this many times in prior years while Barry was building his career big time.....................Love you all~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Dancing Queen BB 1965

[@goonerbeau]

Released as a single at the suggestion of Kinks frontman Ray Davies, Copacabana turned the Latin and big band-infused disco minted by Dr Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band into something so wildly camp it made the sound’s originators sound like Lynyrd Skynyrd: the saga of Lola, Tony and Rico plays out to screams, melodramatic backing vocals and film-soundtrack strings

[@nindyhunt]

2024 and still loving this song

[@tkmiller_author]

BRILLIANT 👏🌹👏🌹👏🌹

[@BetsyBasile]

Best ever Story Song~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Love it, you, the band, Lady Flash and all the others involved in this fabulous production..........Love .....Betsy

[@thelastroseofsummer2817]

That any woman thought Barry Manilow was straight after watching performances like this....they must really have had a log in their eye.

[@kathytarver2133]

Who cares? Gay or straight? He’s a showman and a fabulous artist!!

[@keithmerscheim1924]

Barry you got it then in 78 and still at the end of 2023 and beyond.

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry...The original here is still the best version of this most FAVORITE STORY Song. Love you and Lady Flash and all the performers, the band. All were perfect.............Betsy Basile

[@jasonbeard4713]

This was a VERY pleasant gift I just saw. Been a Barry Man-iac since 197(8)? Love the Live album, One Voice, Sunrise. Man oh MAN-ILOW!!!! You are a KING!!!!

[@jasonwilliams6005]

Doesn't get any better than Barry.

[@davidhennen7045]

It takes continuous singing like twice a week to keep the range going otherwise you lose it but practice can bring you back to speed so don't give up, get to work!🌹🌹😍😍🌹🌹😍😍🌍🌍

[@cleuzaxavier2796]

Sempre pensei que essa musica, Barry Manilow havia composto quando esteve aqui no Brasil/Rio de Janeiro...COPACABANA! Enganei-me ...Mas quem nunca??? Venha ao Brasil novamente, Barry Manilow! Nós te amamos❤✨🇧🇷

[@telmanardes7438]

Não, não,NÃO VENHA Barry!😆😆😆😆

[@karelgeminis]

Hotel Copacabana …Havana Cuba

[@paulocost6113]

​@@karelgeminis, VTC , Cuba nem bar tem, naquela merda de país

[@carlosGhetti]

BARRY WHAIT FEZ UMA LINDA CANÇÃO EM HOMENAGEM AO RIO DE JANEIRO

[@rayinpau.s.a.6351]

I have been a Barry Manilow Fan since the early 70's . I also enjoyed his songs he did in TV Commercials .

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Hi Barry and Lady Flash.....The BEST story song ever written and performed. I have watched so many versions you have done and I like them all, but you can't top this one, not even you, Barry..............................Love you always....................Betsy Blue-Eyes

[@gigilamoroso1504]

What a queen!

[@sanedcab1Mexico]

That song and that special program always makes me remember my childhood. I didn't understand English, but I just loved Barry! Thanks for sharing!

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Copacabana could be one of the most recognized song across the world. The greatest story song ever, Barry. I know this whole performance, all the words, all the performances, all the dance etc etc. Love you and your friends for doing this one.....................Love all of you............The Dancing Queen BA 1965-my freshman year in college................Betsy

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Still the best story song written , played and performed ever. I just love it and all the different versions, but not even Barry can top the original, as everyone knows this particular version. Thank you Barry and Friends for writing this one that will go down in History~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Dancing Queen BA 1965

[@kathynemec4288]

Happy Valentine's Day to you Barry. Enjoy the day with your loved one. ❤💚❤

[@jodydoss590]

I have been a fan of yours since 1974! I still love your music! God bless you Barry!

[@dawnblue4377]

Saw the musical Copa. I loved that ending. Nope not going to spoil it for you.

[@RandomGuy-gp4qz]

Can I get a video link

[@joanstarke6798]

LOVE HEARING BARRY TALK…SUCHN A SENSE OF HUMOR‼️. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jjphoenix4055]

The BEST!

[@karengilbert9016]

Lovely sweet music . Keep singing

[@user-cs2vc7is2h]

Gets my toes a-tapping. it does. This one to I listen to at least 2 times a day. It is one of the all time best ones you and LadyFlash do together. As always, Love., Betsy

[@fountbrooks2997]

What a showman !

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry......This is still by far the greatest story song you ever did, even though you thought it would never be a hit, but it is probably one of the most recognized song of yours, all over the world. I love it and I love you~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Dancing Queen BB 1965

[@chrissyt2520]

Fantastic voice and full of humor😀👍

[@lancelessard2491]

This is now longer ago than the story of Lola was for them back then. "That was 30 years ago when they used to have a show." But this is now over 40 years ago. Hard to believe.

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Barry... I saw an interview on video and I still can't figure out why you said, this song should have never been a hit. I think it is probably a song that is recognized around the world even by maybe people that weren't your fans, but I can do this one by heart. All the words, the moves, the dances. I have probably watched this one at least 100 times........Betsy B.

[@armaguro]

The best Barry's show. 1978

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Glamorous show girls with feathers, fabulous band and of course, you, Barry. The greatest story song ever.............................Love all of you.......................Betsy

[@bumper1730]

Always a great showman!

[@dawnmeier6768]

Barry Manilow takes me back to the 70s and the 80s. Miss him!!!!!!

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

Best story song ever and so is the performance. I would love to know how long it took to put this all together, but I know you don't read our comments, but it is the BEST STORY SONG ever written and performed. Love you all..................Betsy B

[@BetsyBasile]

Barry... I saw the picture of you winning the Grammy for this song on the Barry-Gram. How really good looking were you that night and this is the all-time best story song. Thank you so much for writing it. A favorite of all.............Love ya..............Betsy

[@Chezbungus]

How many fime can you watch this video, love the dedication 😮

[@BetsyBasile]

@@Chezbungus .I listen to Barry's videos for 3 hours every single night. Been following him since 1974. I am only a couple years younger than Barry. Don't you like that I do this? BB

[@user-ko9sf9kx6o]

We never get enough of this story song that EVERYONE knows. It is sung, performed, danced and so many other perfect things including your band. Barry...There will never be another song like this, ever...................Love you all.........................The Dancing Queen 1965 freshman in college.......................................Betsy Basile

[@BettyGoodman-hd4wr]

Wish I was the one dancing with barry manilow

[@BetsyBasile]

Barry...What can anyone say except it is the best of the best and gets us really going. I know all the steps, words, dances gestures and every thing that takes place here..........Betsy