More a performer than a singer, Barry Manilow has a career that just won't quit. He's just issued a DVD boxed set that includes his television specials that aired between 1977 and 1988, and he's also put out a compilation dubbed The Greatest Songs of the Seventies that includes hits such as "The Long and Winding Road," "Mandy" and "I Write the Songs." In advance of his Cleveland show, which he emphasized is not part of a tour but rather a one-night event, Manilow spoke via phone about his lengthy career and why we shouldn't call his latest burst of energy a comeback. - Jeff Niesel

Any great memories of playing Cleveland?

Many. One of the first places I played was Blossom Music Center. That was my first time playing anywhere in front of more than 5,000 people. I was conducting as music director for Bette Midler. After her first act, which I had arranged, the place went wild. I came out next and thought at that moment that I was going to die. Bette had given me this opportunity to promote my first album in the second act. I'll never forget walking out onto that stage, fully convinced that everyone was going to walk out or throw things at me. That didn't happen. They were beautiful to me and gave me a standing ovation at the end of my three songs. When Bette came back out, she was happy that I had come through. Cleveland has been good to me ever since that day.

Critics have said you've been making a comeback but you haven't gone anywhere, have you?

No. I've been working steadily forever. I continue to release albums, and some do great and some don't. I work very hard at each one of them and promote them. I'm now doing one-nighters here and there. I just haven't stopped. Now and again, an album connects with the public.

What was it like for you to revisit your TV specials?

Humiliating. Everyone can see me once again as the idiot in that Copacabana jacket.

I read you made your first recording in 1948 with your grandfather.

Yes, that was something that was his idea, but I never really considered myself a singer until "Mandy." I was going to be a producer, arranger, conductor and songwriter. I never had any ambition to be a singer or performer at all. I first took it seriously when "Mandy" went number one. I went, "Oh my God, now what do I do?"

And to think you almost didn't record the song.

That's true. It's all Clive Davis' fault. I am the grateful recipient of this man's brilliance. I would not have the career I have now without this guy.

You've embraced the comparisons between you and Clay Aiken, right?

Yeah, I think he's great. They don't do it anymore but they did because he kind of looked like a young me. He's better looking. He hasn't got the nose that I struggled with. He's got a much better voice than I do.

You've complained about being misquoted. What's the craziest rumor you've ever read about yourself?

That I was on the roof putting out a fire. That was back in the '90s when I was living in Bel Air and first of all, there wasn't even a fire. But the Inquirer reported that someone had seen me on the roof putting out a fire with a hose.

I don't blame you for not wanting to be on The View with Elizabeth Hasslebeck. But was that incident blown out of proportion?

No. I didn't want to go on. They told me I didn't have to be interviewed by her and then they changed their minds so I didn't go on. Big deal.

What are your chances of getting into the Rock Hall?

None. If they actually nominated me, which they wouldn't, I'd just tell them, "You guys have got to go rock 'n' roll." I'm not rock 'n' roll at all. I'm not bad at what I do, but I'm certainly not rock 'n' roll. I think it's a great organization and if they keep it rock 'n' roll, it's even greater.