Barry Manilow Reflects on Voice Changes Post-cancer Surgery

WHO:

MusicRadar - Barry Manilow, an 82-year-old singer and songwriter.

NPR - Barry Manilow, who is almost 83 years old.

WHAT:

MusicRadar - Manilow underwent surgery for lung cancer, during which a tumor was removed from his lung.

MusicRadar - Manilow stated, “My voice, I don’t know whether it’s coming back.”

NPR - Manilow's voice is described as raspier than fans remember.

NPR - Manilow's new album, "What a Time," is set to be released on June 5.

WHERE:

MusicRadar - Manilow had to cancel a number of shows and his Las Vegas residency due to his surgery.

NPR - Manilow is busy rehabilitating his singing voice in preparation for performances.

WHEN:

MusicRadar - Manilow had surgery in December of the previous year.

NPR - It is noted that recovery from such surgery typically takes about a year.

WHY:

MusicRadar - Manilow's surgery was recommended by doctors to avoid chemotherapy.

MusicRadar - Manilow initially “paid no attention” to his cancer diagnosis because it was “too heavy” for him.

HOW:

NPR - Surgeons had to pass through Manilow's vocal cords to excise a portion of his lung.

NPR - Manilow attempted to write songs in the style of Billie Eilish but found it challenging, stating, “To my ear, I can't find the chorus. I can't find the hook.”

(UPDATED June 3, 2026 23:32 UTC)

Barry Manilow, the 82-year-old singer and songwriter, recently underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his lung, which has left his voice raspier than fans remember. He expressed uncertainty about his vocal recovery, stating, “My voice, I don’t know whether it’s coming back,” while working hard to rehabilitate it ahead of his new album, "What a Time," set for release on June 5. Due to the surgery, he had to cancel several shows and his Las Vegas residency, as doctors recommended the procedure to avoid chemotherapy after he initially struggled to accept his cancer diagnosis.