Singer Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis

PALM DESERT – Singer-songwriter Barry Manilow, who just concluded a string of five concerts at McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert that benefited numerous organizations throughout the Coachella Valley, revealed Monday he has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

In a statement posted to social media, Manilow said an MRI “discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early. That’s the good news.

“The bad news is that now that the Christmas `A Gift of Love’ concerts are over, I’m going into surgery to have the spot removed. The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis.”

Manilow’s “A Gift of Love VII” concerts were held Dec. 16-17 and Friday through Sunday at McCallum Theatre. The concerts raised money for 25 Coachella Valley charities, including Animal Samaritans, Boo2Bullying, Dap Health, Guide Dogs of the Desert, Lifestream Blood Bank, Manilow Music Project, Martha’s Village and Kitchen, McCallum Theatre and Oswit Land Trust.

“We just finished five great Christmas concerts at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert,” Manilow said. “This marks the seventh time we have done these charity concerts and raised millions for nonprofit organizations throughout the Coachella Valley.”

Manilow, 82, won a Grammy Award for his hit “Copacabana (At the Copa)” and has been nominated 15 times throughout his career. His other songs include “Mandy,” “`I Write the Songs,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Weekend in New England.” (CNS)

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