It's sad, really. And a little unfair.

He once wrote the songs that made the whole world sing. Now he sings the songs that make the whole world cringe.

Despite a lifetime of accolades, Barry Manilow just can't get any love (or smile without you). It's just not cool to love him.

I was a closet Barry listener until recently when I decided it made no sense to keep it secret. Like what you like, I said to myself, and don't apologize for it.

I came to that conclusion during a recent workout, Barry belting "Read 'Em and Weep" through my ear buds.

What would the other gym rats think if they knew the sweat of my brow came courtesy of a little Manilow mojo? Despite his good company in my iPod - Beyonce, the Eagles, Kanye West, Casting Crowns, Maroon 5, Snoop Dogg and scores of other talented musicians - I would be judged for my Barry "indiscretions."

There's a whole lotta haters out there, in spite of Barry's accomplishments. In today's crop of one-hit wonders, a trophy collection like Mr. Manilow's - multiple Emmys, Grammys and American Music awards - is almost unheard of.

Eastern Michigan University even bestows an annual Barry Manilow scholarship to a deserving music or dance student. Can Maroon 5 or Snoop Dogg claim that? (No offense, Dogg. We're tight, right?)

Seriously. What's a guy gotta do around here to get a little love?

Maybe Barry's cool quotient would rise with a weapons or drug conviction. You know, something that might boost his street cred.

Alas, the multiplatinum singer's biggest crime is he's a big ol' softie. What's so wrong with that?

There are other closet "Fanilows" out there who consider the "giant among entertainers," as billed by Rolling Stone, a guilty pleasure. A pleasure is guilty only when it involves breaking the law or some sacred vow. No reason to feel bad for liking the chart-topping crooner of "Mandy."

As the proud owner of "Barry Manilow's Greatest Hits," Vols. 1 and 2, I resent being labeled a namby-pamby. And no, I'm not a crazy cat lady, nor do I have a thimble or spoon collection.

I simply like Barry. And, with the help of Barry lovers everywhere, I'm embarking on a mission to make Manilow cool again. (Note to Barry: You're not helping the movement with the obvious and, frankly, somewhat spooky cosmetic surgery.)

Ranked by Billboard magazine as the top adult contemporary chart artist of all time, Barry has nearly 50 Top 40 hit songs to his name. I challenge you to give a few of them a listen. Try "Weekend in New England," "I Made It Through the Rain," "Even Now" and the venerable "Copacabana." That velvety voice might just make you a Manilow convert.

Barry cool again?

Maybe "Somewhere Down the Road."

Contact Meta Hemenway-Forbes at (319) 291-1483 or meta.hemenway-forbes@wcfcourier.com.