Barry Manilow is reflecting on how he famously launched his career by playing piano at a gay bathhouse in New York City. During the 1960s, Manilow had made a living writing, performing, and producing music and jingles. He has either written and/or voiced the famous jingles for Band-Aids, McDonald’s, Pepsi, and State Farm commercials, among others. In 1971 Manilow was hired by Bette Midler to be the musical director of her outlandish stage show at the Continental Baths, a former gay bathhouse. He admitted the venue was also known to be a sex club, and men frequently watched performances, including ‘The Divine Miss M’, in the cabaret either completely nude or with just a towel. Manilow said he got paid 75 bucks. #Queer Up Gay Culture