The Journey of 'Copacabana': Barry Manilow's Hit and Its Real Locations
The iconic song 'Copacabana' is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Originally set in the Copacabana night club where Lola works as a showgirl, the song was a hit upon its release in 1978 on Barry Manilow's fifth studio album, Even Now.
Background and Inspiration
According to the song, the Copacabana is north of Havana. However, the real-life inspiration behind the song is a bit more complex. A 'real' location for the song could either be the Copacabana Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, where Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman first discussed the idea of writing a song called 'Copacabana.' Alternatively, it could be the Copacabana night club in New York City, where Barry Manilow suggested that Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman write the words, while Barry Manilow took care of the music.
Timeline and Verses
The story within the song spans several decades. It is set in the Copacabana night club where Lola works as a showgirl. Her sweetheart, Tony, is a bartender at the club. One fateful night, a customer named Rico takes a fancy to Lola but Tony intervenes, leading to a brawl between the two. Rico shoots and kills Tony. Thirty years later, the club has been transformed into a disco. Despite the changes, Lola still wears her showgirl attire, drinking herself half-blind and lamenting the loss of her youth, her sanity, and Tony.
Album and Recording
'Copacabana' was released in 1978 as part of Barry Manilow's fifth studio album, 'Even Now.' Over the years, the song has gained immense popularity, and Barry Manilow has revisited it multiple times. In 2008, he recorded an acoustic version of the song for his album 'The Greatest Songs of the Seventies.' In this version, the timeline of the song was changed. Now, the events of the first two verses happen in sequence instead of being separated by a decade or more.
Conclusion and Legacy
The song 'Copacabana' has become an enduring piece of music, evoking memories of love, loss, and the passage of time. It remains a favorite among fans of Barry Manilow and a beloved hit in the world of pop music. The real locations associated with the song add an intriguing layer to the story, giving listeners a glimpse into the creative process behind this beloved tune.
Keywords: Copacabana, Barry Manilow, Night Club