Barry Mann

Barry Mann (born Barry Imberman; February 9, 1939) is an American songwriter, musician, and record producer renowned for his contributions to pop, rock, and R&B music during the Brill Building era and beyond. Best known for his long-term creative partnership with his late wife and longtime collaborator lyricist Cynthia Weil, whom he married in 1961, Mann co-wrote iconic hits such as "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" for the Righteous Brothers, which became the most played song in radio history, as well as "On Broadway" for the Drifters and "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" for the Animals. His work spans over six decades, encompassing more than 800 registered compositions with Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), and collaborations across genres including country and film scores.

Born in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family, Mann discovered his musical talent early, beginning piano lessons at age 11 after demonstrating an aptitude for the instrument. He initially pursued architecture but abandoned it in 1958 to focus on songwriting, signing with Don Kirshner's Aldon Music in the famed Brill Building, a hub for New York songwriters. Mann's early success came as a teenager with the novelty hit "She Say (Oom Dooby Doom)" in 1959, followed by his own recording career, highlighted by the self-penned Top 10 single "Who Put the Bomp (In the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp)" in 1961, which showcased his skills as both writer and performer.

He was raised in a Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, part of the same cultural milieu that produced other prominent songwriters like Neil Sedaka, Carole King, and Mort Shuman.

Barry Mann was born Barry Imberman on February 9, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, into a Jewish family with musical inclinations. His mother played piano, and his brother pursued classical music, while relatives on her side included professional musicians such as a cousin who served as lead violinist in the New York Philharmonic. Growing up in the Brighton Beach neighborhood, Mann was exposed to a vibrant musical environment through family gatherings and visits to friends who performed on instruments like violin, piano, and cello. He drew early inspiration from radio broadcasts, particularly Martin Block's Make Believe Ballroom on WABC, where he enjoyed artists like Frankie Laine—favorites including "That Lucky Old Sun" and "Mule Train"—as well as doo-wop groups and emerging rock 'n' roll acts like Elvis Presley.