BARRY MANILOW �.Shrinking Dilemma

While his publicists continue to deny claims that he is seriously ill, world acclaimed crooner, BARRY MANILOW who has for well over four decades thrilled the hearts of music lovers, especially fans the roman-tic genre with such hits as �Mandy� (US # 1 �Jan/UK # 11 � Mar. �75), �I Write the Songs� (Grammy for �Song of the Year� � Feb. 19, �77), �Looks Like We Made It� (US # 1 � July �77), �Can�t Smile Without You� (US # 3 / UK # 43 � May �78), �Copacabana� (US # 8 / UK # 42 � Aug. �78), �Some Where in the Night� (US # 9 � Feb. �79) .. amongst others, he; physically; continues to shrink at a very significant pace and appearance.

Despite his glaring physical decline, the 65 year old (born: Barry Alan Pinkins on June �46, in Brooklyn, New York) whose current weight stands at a meager 7 stones � i.e: approxim-ately 100 pounds � faces a hectic schedule. He is, at this time, rehearsing for his new show in Last Vegas, recording a new contemporary love ballad album, recording an original rock album, putting together an arena show; besides taking time off enjoying the beach.

The now-lanky 6� 1� tall singer, noted for his spiky blond hair and his famous nose can be described as nothing short of being �skinny�.

It is reported that, due to his steady loss of weight, he is having trouble walking.