Barbra Streisand is a legendary American singer, actress, director, and producer, whose career has spanned over six decades. Born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Streisand rose to fame in the 1960s as a powerhouse vocalist and versatile performer.
Streisand’s vocal abilities are renowned for their clarity, range, and emotional depth. She has achieved critical acclaim and commercial success in multiple music genres, including pop, jazz, and Broadway standards. Some of her most iconic songs include “People,” “The Way We Were,” “Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born),” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
In addition to her music career, Streisand has also made significant contributions to film and theater. She has won two Academy Awards, ten Grammy Awards (including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award), and numerous other accolades for her work in both music and film. Streisand is one of the few performers to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award (EGOT), as well as a Kennedy Center Honor.
Streisand’s influence extends beyond her artistic achievements. She has been a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of performers. Her impact on popular culture and her enduring legacy as a cultural icon make her one of the most celebrated 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 and became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and Canada.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a couple whose relationship has lost its spark and passion. They reminisce about the early days of their romance when gestures like bringing flowers were common, but now, those romantic gestures have faded away. The refrain “You don’t bring me flowers, you don’t sing me love songs” captures the sense of longing and disappointment in the relationship.
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” was originally conceived as two separate songs, one by Neil Diamond and the other by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. After a DJ mixed the two songs together, Streisand and Diamond decided to record it as a duet. The resulting collaboration became one of the most iconic duets in music history.
The song’s success led to a resurgence of interest in duets and romantic ballads, and it remains a classic example of the genre. Streisand and Diamond’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery, combined with the song’s poignant lyrics, have made it a beloved favorite among fans of both artists.
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 was written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, with Barry Gibb also producing the track.
“Guilty” is a pop ballad that features lush instrumentation, including strings and a prominent electric guitar riff. The song’s lyrics depict a romantic relationship in which the narrators confess their feelings of guilt and desire for each other. The chorus features the repeated refrain, “We’re guilty of love in the first degree,” emphasizing the intensity of their emotions.
The duet between Streisand and Gibb showcases their vocal chemistry and harmonies, creating a powerful and emotive performance. “Guilty” became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
The song’s success helped propel the “Guilty” album to become one of Streisand’s best-selling records, and it remains one of her most iconic songs. The collaboration between Streisand and Gibb has been celebrated for its seamless blending of their distinct musical styles and for producing a timeless pop classic.
3. The Summer Knows
“The Summer Knows” is a song composed by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It was originally written for the 1971 film “Summer of ’42,” directed by Robert Mulligan. The song is a wistful reflection on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of summer romance.
In “The Summer Knows,” the lyrics evoke memories of a summer love affair and the bittersweet feeling of its inevitable end. The song’s melody captures the essence of summer with its lush orchestration and evocative harmonies.
Since its debut in “Summer of ’42,” “The Summer Knows” has been recorded by numerous artists across various genres, including vocal jazz, pop, and easy listening. It has become a standard in the Great American Songbook and is often performed in concerts and cabaret shows.
Barbra Streisand recorded a version of “The Summer Knows” for her 1975 album “Lazy Afternoon.” Her rendition is notable for its emotional depth and rich vocal interpretation, capturing the nostalgia and longing expressed in the song’s lyrics. Streisand’s recording remains one of the most popular interpretations of “The Summer Knows.”
4. Papa, Can You Hear Me?
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand. It was featured in the 1983 film “Yentl,” in which Streisand starred, directed, produced, and co-wrote the screenplay. The song was written by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, and Michel Legrand.
In “Yentl,” Streisand’s character, Yentl, sings “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” as a heartfelt prayer to her deceased father, seeking his guidance and approval as she navigates the challenges of pursuing her dreams and education in a patriarchal society.
The song is a poignant and emotional ballad, with lyrics that express Yentl’s longing for connection with her father and her struggle to reconcile her own desires with societal expectations. Streisand’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery imbue the song with a sense of vulnerability and depth.
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. It has since become one of Streisand’s signature songs, recognized for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics.
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 role of Fanny Brice in the 1964 Broadway production. The song is one of the show’s most iconic numbers and has since become a standard in the Great American Songbook.
In “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” Fanny Brice defiantly declares her determination to pursue her dreams and overcome obstacles, despite the doubts and criticisms of others. The song’s lyrics are empowering and celebratory, expressing Fanny’s fierce independence and resilience.
Streisand’s performance of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is legendary, with her powerful vocals and dynamic delivery capturing the spirit of the character and the energy of the song. Her rendition earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Performance in 1965.
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” has been covered by numerous artists and remains a beloved classic in musical theater. It has been featured in various adaptations of “Funny Girl,” including the 1968 film adaptation starring Streisand, as well as in concert performances and television shows. The song’s message of perseverance and self-confidence continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
6. People
“People” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand. It was written by Bob Merrill and Jule Styne for the Broadway musical “Funny Girl,” which premiered in 1964. In the musical, Streisand originated the role of Fanny Brice, a vaudeville performer, and comedienne.
In “Funny Girl,” “People” is sung by Fanny Brice as she reflects on her love for Nick Arnstein, a charming gambler. The song expresses Fanny’s belief that love is the most important thing in life and that people who love each other are the luckiest people in the world.
“People” became one of Streisand’s signature songs and is considered a classic of the American songbook. It was released as a single by Streisand in 1964 and became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States. The song won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1965.
Streisand’s iconic performance of “People” has cemented its status as one of her most beloved and enduring songs. Its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
7. Evergreen
“Evergreen” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand, written by Streisand herself and Paul Williams. It was featured in the 1976 remake of “A Star is Born,” a romantic musical drama film in which Streisand starred alongside Kris Kristofferson.
“Evergreen” became one of Streisand’s biggest hits and is considered one of her signature songs. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song’s success helped propel the soundtrack album of “A Star is Born” to the top of the charts as well.
“Evergreen” is a romantic ballad that expresses the enduring love between two people. Its poignant lyrics and beautiful melody have resonated with audiences for decades, making it a timeless classic. Streisand’s emotive performance of the song, combined with her powerful vocals, has contributed to its lasting impact and popularity.
8. Memory
“Memory” is a song from the musical “Cats,” composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Trevor Nunn, based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot. The song is sung by the character Grizabella, a former glamour cat who is now old and shunned by the other cats.
“Memory” is a poignant and emotional ballad in which Grizabella reflects on her past and longs for the days of her youth, when she was adored and celebrated. The song’s lyrics express themes of longing, regret, and the passage of time, while its soaring melody captures the character’s sense of yearning and hope.
“Memory” has become one of the most famous and beloved songs from musical theater, and it has been covered by numerous artists across various genres. It has been a chart-topping hit in multiple countries and has won several awards, including the Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
The song’s enduring popularity has cemented its status as a classic, and it remains a highlight of any production of “Cats.” Its universal themes of nostalgia and redemption continue to resonate with audiences around the world, making “Memory” one of the most iconic songs in the history of musical theater.
9. Woman in Love
“Woman in Love” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1980 as the lead single from her album “Guilty.” The song was written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, who also produced the track.
“Woman in Love” became one of Streisand’s most successful and iconic songs, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It was a commercial and critical success, earning Streisand a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female.
The song’s lyrics depict the intense emotions of being in love, with the narrator expressing vulnerability and devotion to her partner. Streisand’s emotive performance, combined with the song’s lush orchestration and catchy melody, contributed to its widespread popularity and enduring appeal.
“Woman in Love” remains one of Streisand’s signature songs and is often cited as one of the greatest love songs of all time. Its success solidified Streisand’s status as one of the most influential and successful artists in popular music history.
10. The Way We Were
“The Way We Were” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand, with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It was written for the 1973 romantic drama film of the same name, directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Streisand and Robert Redford.
The song is a nostalgic ballad that reflects on a past romance and the bittersweet memories associated with it. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and melancholy as the narrator reminisces about the way things used to be. Despite the passage of time and the end of the relationship, the memories remain vivid and poignant.
“The Way We Were” became one of Barbra Streisand’s signature songs and one of the most enduring hits of her career. It reached the top of the charts in the United States and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1974. Streisand’s emotive performance and the song’s timeless melody have made it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.