BARRY MANILOW - MANILOW HONOURED WITH FRIARS CLUB ACCOLADE

MANILOW HONOURED WITH FRIARS CLUB ACCOLADE

BARRY MANILOW has been inducted into New York's legendary Friars Club - following in the footsteps of FRANK SINATRA, BILLY CRYSTAL and WHOOPI GOLDBERG.
The Copacabana singer, 65, was honoured on Saturday (14Feb09) by the private club - formerly the Press Agents' Association - which is known for paying mocking tributes, known as 'roasts', to its members.
But Manilow, who was recognised for his chart-topping career, admitted he was relieved he had avoided being made fun of by his famous peers.
Accepting the honour, he told the crowd: "Thank you so much for not roasting me. I've been roasted every day since 'Mandy' came out. As I get older, I realise what my music has meant to people. It's overwhelming. Thank you for this."