5 Shocking Revelations About Garry Kief: The Power Behind Barry Manilow's 40-Year Empire

Garry Kief is one of the most powerful, yet intensely private, figures in the entertainment industry, operating for decades as the strategic force behind the legendary career of his husband, Barry Manilow. As of December 2025, Kief continues to serve as Manilow's longtime manager, a professional partnership that has seamlessly interwoven with a clandestine romantic relationship that spanned nearly 40 years before going public. His influence extends far beyond managing the "Copacabana" singer, encompassing a significant executive role as the CEO of a major production company and a growing list of Broadway credits, making him a true industry mogul.

The story of Garry Kief is not just a footnote in Barry Manilow’s biography; it is a tale of a shrewd business executive and producer who navigated the complex waters of celebrity, privacy, and a demanding career while maintaining a powerful, decades-long personal bond. He has been instrumental in shaping Manilow's public image and financial success, all while keeping his own life remarkably out of the spotlight until their marriage was revealed.

Garry Kief: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Garry Kief, whose full name is Garry Clayton Kief, is an American entertainment executive, producer, and talent manager. He is best known as the husband and manager of iconic singer-songwriter Barry Manilow.

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• Full Name: Garry Clayton Kief
• Date of Birth: August 31, 1948 (Note: Some sources suggest March 18, 1952, but the 1948 date is more commonly cited in detailed biographies.)
• Place of Birth: Houston, Texas, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Education: Holds a Bachelor's Degree (1966–1970)
• Primary Occupation: Talent Manager, Entertainment Executive, Producer
• Key Roles: President and CEO of Stiletto Entertainment Group, President of Barry Manilow Productions, Manager for Barry Manilow
• Spouse: Barry Manilow (m. 2014)
• Previous Marriage: Married to Jane (m. 1971)
• Relationship Start: Met Barry Manilow in 1978
• Notable Producer Credits: *Barry Manilow’s A Very Barry Christmas* (2023), *Harmony* (Broadway Musical), *Extreme Cougar Wives* (2013)
• Current Status: Actively managing Barry Manilow’s career and overseeing Stiletto Entertainment operations.

1. The 40-Year Secret: How Kief and Manilow Protected Their Relationship

The core of Garry Kief’s public narrative is his enduring relationship with Barry Manilow. The two men met in 1978, a pivotal year that marked the beginning of both their personal and professional partnership. Kief quickly took on the role of Manilow’s manager, a position he has held ever since.

For nearly four decades, their romantic relationship remained a closely guarded secret, known only to a tight circle of friends and family. This intense need for privacy was driven by the cultural climate of the time and the fear that a public revelation could have derailed Manilow’s skyrocketing career, which was heavily reliant on a broad, family-friendly fan base.

Manilow later confessed that Kief was the anchor that "saved his life" during the height of his fame, providing a stable, loving environment away from the pressures of the music business. This clandestine existence allowed the couple to build a solid foundation of trust and mutual support that ultimately withstood the test of time and public scrutiny.

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The Quiet Palm Springs Wedding

In a move that surprised the entertainment world, Garry Kief and Barry Manilow quietly married in a private ceremony at their Palm Springs, California, home in April 2014. The news of their union did not break until a year later, in 2015, confirming the long-standing rumors and solidifying their commitment. The small, intimate affair underscored their preference for privacy, even as they entered a new, legally recognized chapter of their lives.

2. The Executive Powerhouse: Stiletto Entertainment Group

While Kief is primarily known as a manager, his professional influence is most concretely demonstrated through his executive leadership at Stiletto Entertainment Group. Kief serves as the President and CEO of this major production and management company, which is based in Inglewood, CA.

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Stiletto Entertainment is not solely dedicated to Manilow's projects. Under Kief's guidance, the company has managed and produced content for a diverse roster of artists and projects, showcasing Kief's broad business acumen. This role positions him as a significant figure in the wider entertainment industry, overseeing everything from live concert production to television specials and theatrical ventures.

The Producer with Over 21 Credits

Kief’s professional portfolio includes more than 21 producer and executive producer credits, demonstrating his hands-on involvement in creative projects. His work includes producing eight Barry Manilow television specials, dating back to 1988.

In recent years, Kief has been a key producer on the Broadway musical Harmony, a collaboration between Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman. The musical, which tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, a German vocal group from the 1920s, has been a major focus, with Kief working alongside other notable producers like Ken Davenport and Sandi Moran. This venture highlights Kief's commitment to expanding his production scope into the prestigious world of Broadway theatre.

3. The Financial Standing: What We Know About Garry Kief’s Net Worth

As a highly successful entertainment executive and the manager of a multi-million-selling artist, the question of Garry Kief’s personal wealth is a common point of curiosity. However, true to his private nature, Kief's specific net worth is not publicly disclosed.

Despite the lack of a definitive figure, his financial standing is undoubtedly substantial, inferred from his high-level executive positions and the couple’s lifestyle. As the CEO of Stiletto Entertainment and President of Barry Manilow Productions, Kief commands a significant income from management fees, production profits, and executive compensation.

The couple is known to own lavish properties, including their primary residence in Palm Springs, California, which is a testament to their combined financial success. While Barry Manilow's individual net worth is widely reported in the hundreds of millions, Garry Kief’s integral role as the financial and strategic mastermind behind that empire ensures his own significant wealth and financial security.

Garry Kief’s Lasting Impact

Garry Kief’s legacy is defined by his quiet strength and unwavering loyalty. He provided Barry Manilow with the personal and professional stability needed to sustain a four-decade career in a notoriously volatile industry. His transition from a private partner to a publicly acknowledged husband and his continued role as a powerful entertainment executive solidifies him as a true behind-the-scenes titan. Kief’s influence on the music and theatrical world, particularly through projects like *Harmony* and his leadership at Stiletto Entertainment, ensures that his impact will be felt for years to come.