Barry Manilow, Copacabana (At the Copa) | Throwback Vibez

In the seventh edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Copacabana (At the Copa)” by Barry Manilow.

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”C” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]an you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20^th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the seventh edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Copacabana (At the Copa)” performed by Barry Manilow. [/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

[nx_pullquote]“Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl / With yellow feathers in her hair / And a dress cut down to there.”[/nx_pullquote] Remember, Lola – she is key! And so, begins a Grammy-winning classic by the one-and-only Barry Manilow (Barry Alan Pincus, b. 1943)!  A theatrical performer, including performing and composing for Broadway, Mr. Manilow often faced speculation regarding his sexuality.  Yes, he was indeed gay, but wouldn’t come out until 2017, at the age of 73, for fear of hurting his career. That is unfortunate that had to be the case, considering his immense musical talent is what should have always mattered, regardless of sexuality.  Anyway, Manilow experienced an incredibly successful musical career. His nearly six-minute song, “Copacabana (At the Copa)”, ranks among his most renowned. The eighth track from his 1978 album, Even Now, peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1978.  Manilow penned “Copacabana” with Bruce Sussman (b. 1949) and Jack Feldman (b. 1940). Manilow produced it with Ron Dante (b. 1945).

“Copacabana (At the Copa)” is stunning from the jump. The sickening percussive groove is an instant catalyst for foot-tapping. The rhythm is inescapable! “Copa” features a marvelous arrangement and orchestration with articulated, biting horns and dramatic, lush strings.  The rhythm section is tight throughout, intact with rhythmic guitar and a prominent bass line.  Fittingly, “Copacabana” is a mix between pop, disco, Latin, and Broadway, with its jazzy, showtune-ish vibes. Add to the musicianship an adventurous harmonic progression and key modulations. Of course, the star of the show is Barry Manilow, who gives a strong vocal performance. Although he is commanding, and you can feel his stage presence while performing, it also sounds as if he doesn’t break a sweat.  He’s cool as ice! 

“His name was Rico, he wore a diamond,” Manilow sings in the second verse, and continues, “He was escorted to his chair / He saw Lola dancing there.” Lola, of course, first appeared in the first verse, excerpted earlier! Lyrically, the songwriting tells a compelling, tragic story (“She lost her youth and she lost her Tony”) inspired by both Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as the famous Copacabana nightclub in New York City. The chorus is the crème de la crème:

“At the Copa, Copacabana (Copa, Copacabana)

The hottest spot north of Havana (Here)

At the Copa, Copacabana (Copacabana)

Music and passion were always the fashion

At the Copa, she lost her love

(Copa, Copacabana).” 

Beyond loss love and life, and Manilow’s fine pipes, background vocals play a crucial role.  Not only do they support Manilow, but often take on the melody throughout this infectious pop record (“Copa, Copacabana / Copacabana / Music and passion / Always in fashion”). All told, “Copacabana (At the Copa)” is a blast.  This theatrical ‘70s record is timeless and totally unforgettable! Barry Manilow, you did your big one on this one, NO CAP!