Barbra Streisand is an iconic American singer, actress, and filmmaker, known for her extraordinary talent and contributions to the entertainment industry. Born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Streisand began her career in the early 1960s, quickly rising to prominence with her powerful voice, distinctive style, and versatility as a performer.
Streisand’s music spans various genres, including pop, jazz, and Broadway, and she has released numerous successful albums over the years. Some of her most famous songs include “People,” “The Way We Were,” “Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born),” and “Woman in Love.”
In addition to her music career, Streisand is also celebrated for her work in film and theater. She has appeared in numerous films, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards for her performances. Streisand is one of the few artists to have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award.
Throughout her career, Streisand has been a trailblazer and an advocate for social and political causes. She has used her platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and environmental issues, among others.
Barbra Streisand’s impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable, and her influence continues to be felt by generations of artists and fans around the world. She remains one of the most celebrated and beloved figures in music and entertainment history.
1. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is a song performed as a duet by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond. It was released in 1978 as a single and was later included on Streisand’s album “Songbird” and Diamond’s album “I’m Glad You’re Here with Me Tonight.”
The song’s lyrics convey the sadness and longing of a couple whose relationship has lost its passion and romance. Each singer takes turns expressing their feelings of disappointment and loneliness, lamenting the absence of the thoughtful gestures and affection that once defined their love.
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States and Canada. The song’s emotional lyrics, powerful vocal performances, and poignant melody struck a chord with audiences, making it one of the most iconic duets in music history.
Interestingly, the song’s origin story is unique. It was originally written by Neil Diamond and released as a solo version on his album “I’m Glad You’re Here with Me Tonight.” Later, Streisand recorded her own version for her album “Songbird.” Due to the popularity of both versions, a DJ began playing them back-to-back on the radio, and demand grew for a duet version. Streisand and Diamond then recorded a duet version, which became the definitive rendition of the song.
2. Guilty
“Guilty” is a song performed as a duet by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb. It was released in 1980 as the lead single from Streisand’s album of the same name, “Guilty.”
The song “Guilty” features a catchy melody and showcases the vocal chemistry between Streisand and Gibb. The lyrics depict a romantic relationship filled with desire and longing, as the singers express their feelings of guilt for their undeniable attraction to each other.
“Guilty” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The song’s popularity helped propel the album “Guilty” to become one of Streisand’s best-selling albums of her career.
The collaboration between Streisand and Gibb received critical acclaim, with many praising their vocal performances and the song’s production. “Guilty” remains one of Streisand’s most beloved songs and is considered a classic of adult contemporary and pop music.
3. The Summer Knows
“The Summer Knows” is a song composed by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Marilyn and Alan Bergman. It was written for the 1971 film “Summer of ’42,” directed by Robert Mulligan.
The song captures the nostalgic and wistful essence of summer, evoking memories of love and youth. It reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the bittersweet emotions that accompany the passage of seasons.
“The Summer Knows” has been performed by various artists over the years, including Barbra Streisand, who recorded a rendition of the song for her album “Barbra Joan Streisand” in 1971. Streisand’s interpretation is particularly notable for its emotional depth and powerful vocal delivery.
The song has become a jazz standard and has been covered by numerous artists in various styles, cementing its status as a timeless classic. Its evocative melody and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, capturing the essence of summer’s beauty and melancholy.
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 music was composed by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman.
In the film, “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” is performed by Streisand’s character, Yentl, a young Jewish woman who disguises herself as a man to study religious texts in a yeshiva. The song is a poignant and emotional plea to her late father, expressing her longing for his guidance and support as she navigates the challenges of her life.
The lyrics of “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” convey Yentl’s feelings of isolation, confusion, and vulnerability, as she grapples with her identity and the expectations placed upon her by society. The song’s haunting melody and Streisand’s powerful vocal performance capture the emotional depth of the character’s journey.
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” became one of the standout songs from the “Yentl” soundtrack and has since been covered by various artists. Its themes of love, loss, and self-discovery resonate with audiences, making it a timeless and cherished piece of music.
5. Don’t Rain on My Parade
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a song from the musical “Funny Girl,” with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill. It was originally performed by Barbra Streisand in the 1964 Broadway production of “Funny Girl,” in which she starred as the lead character, Fanny Brice.
In the musical, “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a show-stopping number performed by Fanny Brice. It is a defiant and empowering anthem in which Fanny declares her determination to pursue her dreams and overcome any obstacles in her path. The song’s lyrics express Fanny’s boldness, confidence, and resilience as she faces the challenges of show business and life.
Barbra Streisand’s rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” became one of her signature songs and remains one of her most iconic performances. Her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence brought the character of Fanny Brice to life, earning her critical acclaim and establishing her as a musical theater legend.
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” has since become a beloved classic and has been covered by numerous artists. Its message of perseverance and self-belief continues to inspire audiences, making it a timeless anthem of empowerment.
6. People
“People” is a song from the musical “Funny Girl,” with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill. It was famously performed by Barbra Streisand in the original 1964 Broadway production of “Funny Girl,” in which she starred as the lead character, Fanny Brice.
In the musical, “People” is a heartfelt ballad sung by Fanny Brice. The song’s lyrics express Fanny’s longing for love and connection, as she reflects on the importance of relationships and the joy of being with the people she cares about. The melody and lyrics capture the emotional depth of Fanny’s character and showcase Streisand’s powerful vocals and expressive delivery.
Barbra Streisand’s rendition of “People” became one of her signature songs and remains one of her most iconic performances. It earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Performance and helped propel her to superstardom as both a singer and actress.
“People” has since become a standard in the American songbook and has been covered by numerous artists. Its timeless message of love and humanity continues to resonate with audiences, making it a beloved classic of musical theater and popular music.
7. Evergreen
“Evergreen” is a song written by Barbra Streisand and Paul Williams for the 1976 remake of the film “A Star Is Born,” in which Streisand starred alongside Kris Kristofferson. The song served as the love theme for the movie and was performed as a duet by Streisand and Kristofferson in the film.
“Evergreen” is a romantic ballad that captures the enduring love between the characters portrayed by Streisand and Kristofferson in “A Star Is Born.” The lyrics speak of love that remains constant and unchanging, like an evergreen tree that retains its foliage year-round. The song’s melody is tender and emotive, perfectly complementing the heartfelt lyrics.
“Evergreen” was a major success, topping the charts in multiple countries and winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song. It also earned Streisand and Williams the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. The song became one of Streisand’s signature songs and remains one of her most beloved recordings.
In addition to its success in the realm of film and music, “Evergreen” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, cementing its status as a timeless classic. Its enduring popularity and universal appeal continue to resonate with audiences, making it a cherished love song for generations.
8. Memory
“Memory” is a song from the musical “Cats,” composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by T.S. Eliot (based on “Rhapsody on a Windy Night”) and additional lyrics by Trevor Nunn. It is one of the most iconic songs from the musical and has become a standard in musical theater repertoire.
“Memory” is sung by the character Grizabella, an elderly, outcasted cat who longs for the comfort and acceptance of her former life. The song is a poignant reflection on memory, loss, and the passage of time, as Grizabella reminisces about her past and yearns for a sense of belonging.
The melody of “Memory” is haunting and melancholic, perfectly capturing the emotional depth of the lyrics. The song builds to a powerful climax, as Grizabella’s longing and desperation reach a crescendo.
“Memory” has been performed by numerous artists and has become one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in musical theater history. It has been covered in various styles and languages, and its universal themes continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
9. Woman in Love
“Woman in Love” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1980. It was written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, who were inspired by Streisand’s request for a song with a theme similar to their earlier hit “How Deep Is Your Love.”
“Woman in Love” is a powerful ballad that explores the theme of romantic obsession and vulnerability. The lyrics depict a woman who is deeply in love and willing to sacrifice everything for her partner. Streisand’s emotive vocals and the song’s sweeping melody contribute to its emotional impact.
“Woman in Love” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It became one of Streisand’s signature songs and remains one of her most popular recordings.
The song’s lush orchestration and heartfelt lyrics have made it a classic love ballad that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release.
10. The Way We Were
“The Way We Were” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1973. It was written by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, and Marvin Hamlisch for the soundtrack of the film of the same name, starring Streisand and Robert Redford.
“The Way We Were” is a nostalgic ballad that reflects on a past relationship and the memories shared between two people. The lyrics evoke feelings of longing and bittersweet reminiscence as the narrator reflects on moments of love and tenderness that have now become distant memories.
Streisand’s emotive vocals and the song’s poignant melody contributed to its widespread popularity and critical acclaim. “The Way We Were” became a major commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
The song’s enduring popularity has made it one of Streisand’s signature songs and a classic of American popular music. Its timeless theme of love and reminiscence continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
