Barbra Streisand is an iconic American singer, actress, and filmmaker, known for her distinctive voice, versatility, and contributions to music and film over several decades. Born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Streisand began her career in the early 1960s and quickly rose to fame as a singer with a remarkable vocal range and emotional depth.
Streisand’s early success in music included hit songs like “People,” “The Way We Were,” and “Evergreen,” which earned her Grammy Awards and established her as one of the best-selling artists of all time. She is known for her ability to interpret a wide range of genres, including pop, jazz, Broadway standards, and contemporary music, often infusing her performances with theatrical flair and emotional resonance.
In addition to her music career, Streisand has also achieved notable success as an actress, starring in iconic films such as “Funny Girl” (1968), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, “A Star is Born” (1976), “The Way We Were” (1973), and “Yentl” (1983), which she directed and produced as well. Her contributions to film and music have earned her multiple awards, including Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmys, among others.
Streisand’s influence extends beyond her artistic achievements; she is also known for her activism and philanthropy, advocating for various social and political causes, including civil rights, women’s rights, and environmental issues.
Throughout her career, Barbra Streisand has remained a cultural icon, admired for her talent, versatility, and enduring influence on music, film, and popular culture. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and fans worldwide.
1. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is a classic duet performed by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond, released in 1978. The song became immensely popular and is known for its poignant lyrics and emotional delivery.
Lyrically, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” tells the story of a relationship that has lost its romantic spark. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and sadness as the singers lament the absence of thoughtful gestures and affection in their partnership.
The song’s narrative is enhanced by the contrasting perspectives presented by Streisand and Diamond, who originally recorded separate versions of the song. The blend of their voices in the duet version adds depth and emotional resonance, capturing the complexities of love and loss.
Musically, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” features a gentle melody and heartfelt instrumentation, including piano and strings, that complement the emotional depth of the lyrics. The song’s arrangement and vocal performances contributed to its widespread appeal and enduring popularity.
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” remains a timeless classic in the realm of love songs, resonating with listeners for its universal themes and evocative storytelling. It has since become a signature song for both Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond, showcasing their vocal talents and their ability to convey raw emotion through music.
2. Guilty
“Guilty” is a song performed as a duet by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb, released in 1980 as part of Streisand’s album of the same name. The song was written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, and it became a major hit, reaching high positions on charts around the world.
Lyrically, “Guilty” explores themes of romance and desire, with the singers expressing feelings of guilt and longing for each other. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and passion, as they navigate the complexities of love and attraction.
Musically, “Guilty” features a lush arrangement with smooth harmonies, orchestrated strings, and a distinctive disco-pop vibe typical of the Bee Gees’ sound. Streisand and Gibb’s vocals complement each other beautifully, creating a captivating and melodious duet that captivated audiences.
The song’s success was bolstered by its music video, which featured Streisand and Gibb in a romantic and dramatic setting, further enhancing the song’s emotional impact and visual appeal.
“Guilty” remains a beloved classic in both Streisand’s and the Bee Gees’ discographies, showcasing their collaborative talents and their ability to blend pop, disco, and soulful balladry into a memorable and enduring song.
3. The Summer Knows
“The Summer Knows” is a song composed by Michel Legrand with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It was written for the 1971 film “Summer of ’42” and performed by Johnny Mathis. The song reflects on the fleeting nature of summer and the bittersweet memories associated with youth and love.
Lyrically, “The Summer Knows” captures the essence of nostalgia and longing, reminiscing about the carefree days of summer and the passage of time. The lyrics evoke a sense of melancholy and reflection, contemplating the beauty and transience of life’s fleeting moments.
Musically, the song features a lush orchestral arrangement with sweeping strings and romantic melodies that underscore the emotional depth of the lyrics. Johnny Mathis’ smooth and emotive vocal delivery enhances the song’s evocative atmosphere, making it a poignant and memorable piece.
“The Summer Knows” has since become a standard in the Great American Songbook, covered by various artists over the years, including Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, and Andy Williams, among others. Its enduring popularity and timeless appeal continue to resonate with listeners, capturing the essence of summer’s ephemeral beauty and the universal themes of love and loss.
4. Papa, Can You Hear Me?
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” is a song from the 1983 film “Yentl,” directed by and starring Barbra Streisand. The song was composed by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. In the film, Streisand’s character, Yentl, sings the song as a prayer to her deceased father, expressing her longing for his guidance and approval.
Lyrically, “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” reflects themes of love, loss, and spiritual connection. The lyrics convey Yentl’s deep emotional turmoil and yearning for her father’s presence, as she navigates life’s challenges and seeks his wisdom from beyond.
Musically, the song features a poignant and emotive melody, accompanied by orchestral arrangements that enhance its dramatic impact. Streisand’s powerful and heartfelt vocal performance adds depth and sincerity to the song’s themes, capturing the character’s emotional journey on screen.
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” became a standout moment in the film “Yentl” and has since been widely praised for its lyrical depth and Streisand’s poignant interpretation. The song’s universal themes of love, family, and spiritual connection have resonated with audiences, making it a memorable and enduring piece in Streisand’s repertoire and in the broader realm of cinematic music.
5. Don’t Rain on My Parade
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a classic song from the 1964 musical “Funny Girl,” which starred Barbra Streisand in the lead role of Fanny Brice. The song was written by Jule Styne with lyrics by Bob Merrill and has become one of Streisand’s signature songs.
Lyrically, “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is an anthem of empowerment and resilience. The lyrics convey a sense of determination and defiance as the protagonist, Fanny Brice, declares her intent to pursue her dreams and face life’s challenges head-on, despite any obstacles in her path.
Musically, the song features an upbeat and lively tempo, with a brassy orchestration that complements Streisand’s powerful vocals. The song builds in intensity throughout, culminating in a triumphant and stirring finale that captures the character’s spirit and determination.
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” has been widely acclaimed for its catchy melody, dynamic arrangement, and Streisand’s iconic performance. It has become a popular standard in musical theater and has been covered by various artists over the years, cementing its status as a beloved classic in both Broadway and popular music.
6. People
“People” is a classic song famously performed by Barbra Streisand, originally released in 1964 as part of her debut album, “The Barbra Streisand Album.” The song was composed by Jule Styne, with lyrics by Bob Merrill, and it became one of Streisand’s signature songs.
Lyrically, “People” is a poignant ballad that celebrates the power and importance of human connections. The lyrics express a deep appreciation for the diversity and richness of people’s lives, emphasizing the value of empathy, understanding, and compassion.
Musically, “People” features a heartfelt melody accompanied by lush orchestration, including strings and piano, that enhances the song’s emotional depth. Streisand’s emotive and resonant vocals bring the lyrics to life, conveying a sense of sincerity and warmth that resonates with listeners.
“People” became a major hit for Streisand, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Performance. It has since become a classic in the Great American Songbook and has been covered by numerous artists across different genres, further solidifying its status as a timeless and beloved song celebrating the beauty and complexity of human relationships.
7. Evergreen
“Evergreen” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1976 as the theme song for the film “A Star is Born,” in which she starred alongside Kris Kristofferson. The song was composed by Barbra Streisand and Paul Williams, with lyrics by Paul Williams, and it became a major hit, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Lyrically, “Evergreen” is a romantic ballad that expresses enduring love and commitment. The lyrics convey a sense of timelessness and permanence in a relationship, capturing the idea of love as something that grows and remains constant over the years.
Musically, “Evergreen” features a gentle and melodic arrangement, with piano, strings, and acoustic guitar providing a soft, intimate backdrop for Streisand’s emotive vocals. The song’s heartfelt melody and poignant lyrics struck a chord with listeners, making it a favorite for weddings and romantic occasions.
“Evergreen” is considered one of Barbra Streisand’s signature songs and has remained popular over the years, earning its place as a classic in the realm of romantic ballads. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless message of love and its evocative musical arrangement, which continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
8. Memory
“Memory” is a song from the musical “Cats,” composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Trevor Nunn. The song is sung by the character Grizabella, a once-glamorous cat who reflects on her past and yearns for acceptance and redemption.
Lyrically, “Memory” is a haunting and introspective ballad that explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and longing. The lyrics depict Grizabella’s emotional journey as she recalls happier times and grapples with feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Musically, “Memory” features a melancholic melody and a dramatic orchestral arrangement that heightens the song’s emotional impact. The gradual build-up from a soft, contemplative beginning to a powerful crescendo mirrors Grizabella’s emotional transformation throughout the song.
“Memory” has become one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most iconic compositions and is widely regarded as a standout song in musical theater history. It has been covered by numerous artists and remains a favorite among audiences for its evocative lyrics, stirring melody, and powerful vocal performances that capture the universal themes of memory and longing.
9. Woman in Love
“Woman in Love” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1980 on her album “Guilty.” The song was written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees and became one of Streisand’s biggest hits.
Lyrically, “Woman in Love” explores themes of romantic devotion and vulnerability. The lyrics depict the intense emotions and deep connection felt by a woman who is deeply in love, expressing her feelings of admiration and dependence on her partner.
Musically, “Woman in Love” features a lush orchestral arrangement with a memorable melody and soaring vocals by Streisand. The song’s dramatic and emotional delivery, combined with its powerful chorus, resonated with listeners and helped it achieve widespread popularity.
“Woman in Love” topped the charts in multiple countries and became one of Barbra Streisand’s signature songs. Its success showcased her ability to interpret contemporary pop songs with her distinctive vocal style, solidifying her status as one of the most versatile and celebrated artists in music history.
10. The Way We Were
“The Way We Were” is a classic song performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1973 as the theme song for the film of the same name. The song was composed by Marvin Hamlisch, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, and it became one of Streisand’s most iconic and beloved songs.
Lyrically, “The Way We Were” is a nostalgic ballad that reflects on a past romantic relationship. The lyrics reminisce about bittersweet memories and the tender moments shared between two individuals who have since parted ways. The song’s poignant lyrics evoke a sense of longing and wistfulness, capturing the complexity of emotions associated with lost love and cherished memories.
Musically, “The Way We Were” features a gentle and melodic arrangement, with a lush orchestration that enhances the song’s emotional depth. Streisand’s heartfelt and emotive vocals convey the song’s sentimental lyrics with sincerity and vulnerability, making it a poignant and powerful musical expression.
“The Way We Were” became a major hit for Barbra Streisand, topping the charts in the United States and earning her an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song’s enduring popularity has made it a timeless classic in the Great American Songbook, celebrated for its evocative lyrics, memorable melody, and Streisand’s incomparable vocal performance.