Brandy - Scott English (original Version Of Mandy - Barry Manilow) May 2026

Watch these videos to hear the contrast between the original rock-inspired version and the famous ballad version:

Before it became Barry Manilow’s career-launching ballad, "" began its life as a faster-paced rock-pop track titled " Brandy ," written and recorded by American musician Scott English in 1971 . While English’s version was a top 20 hit in the UK, it was Manilow’s reimagining that turned it into a global classic. The Evolution from "Brandy" to "Mandy" Watch these videos to hear the contrast between

For years, an urban legend persisted that the song was about a favorite dog. : Scott English admitted he fabricated the dog

: Scott English admitted he fabricated the dog story to get a pestering reporter off the phone. : English has since clarified that the song

: The song found a new generation of fans in 2003 when the Irish boyband Westlife released their version, reaching #1 in the UK.

: When Clive Davis suggested Manilow record the song in 1974, they changed the title to "Mandy" to avoid confusion with the popular Looking Glass hit, "Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)" .

: English has since clarified that the song was actually inspired by his own life, specifically the fear and vulnerability he felt about leaving his first wife. The "face through a window" mentioned in the lyrics refers to his father. Chart Impact and Legacy