Stemming from her association with Manilow, Anderson commenced writing with Melissa Manchester. Manilow had been playing piano at the Continental Baths in New York, and had befriended Bette Midler, who sang there. With Manilow's encouragement, Manchester became one of three Harlettes, Midler's backup singers. Manchester's recording career, which commenced in 1973, one year after the release of Manilow's first album and on the same label as Manilow (Arista), was significantly based on these early associations. Anderson started co-writing with Manchester with the release of Manchester's second album, Bright Eyes (1974). Anderson co-wrote three songs with Manchester: the title track, "Alone", and "No. 1 (Ahwant Gemmeh)". Anderson's contributions were described as being closer to Manchester's sensibilities than her previous co-writer, Carole Bayer Sager.See William Ruhlman, [ Review of Bright Eyes]; AllMusic
