Barbra Streisand is an iconic American singer, actress, and filmmaker, widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile entertainers in modern history. Born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Streisand has had a prolific career spanning over six decades. She is renowned for her powerful and emotive voice, as well as her remarkable ability to convey deep emotion through her performances.
Streisand’s music career took off in the early 1960s, and she quickly became a sensation with hits like “People,” “The Way We Were,” and “Evergreen,” the latter of which won her an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Her albums have consistently topped charts and earned her numerous awards, including multiple Grammys. She is one of the few performers to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, achieving EGOT status.
In addition to her music career, Streisand has also achieved significant success in film. She starred in and directed several critically acclaimed movies, including “Funny Girl,” “A Star is Born,” “Yentl,” and “The Prince of Tides.” Her work in film has garnered her two Academy Awards and multiple Golden Globe Awards.
Streisand is also known for her activism and philanthropy, supporting various social and political causes, particularly in the areas of civil rights, women’s rights, and environmental conservation. Her influence and contributions to the arts and society have solidified her legacy as a cultural icon and trailblazer.
1. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is a famous duet by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond, released in 1978. The song was originally written by Neil Diamond with Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman. Initially, Diamond recorded it as a solo track for his 1977 album “I’m Glad You’re Here with Me Tonight.” Streisand also recorded a solo version for her 1978 album “Songbird.” Due to popular demand, a duet version was created by combining their individual recordings, resulting in one of the most memorable and successful collaborations in pop music history.
The song is a poignant ballad about a couple reflecting on the end of their relationship. The lyrics express the pain and disappointment of love fading away, highlighted by the line “You don’t bring me flowers, you don’t sing me love songs.” Streisand and Diamond’s powerful vocal performances and emotive delivery enhance the song’s emotional impact.
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was nominated for a Grammy Award and has remained a beloved classic, often cited as one of the greatest duets of all time. The song’s enduring popularity showcases the exceptional chemistry between Streisand and Diamond and their ability to connect with listeners through their heartfelt performance.
2. Guilty
“Guilty” is a duet performed by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, released in 1980 as the title track of Streisand’s album *Guilty*. Written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, the song blends pop and soft rock elements, characterized by its smooth melodies and romantic lyrics. The duet showcases the harmonious vocal chemistry between Streisand and Gibb, with the lyrics exploring themes of love, confession, and devotion. “Guilty” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on various charts and earning a Grammy Award nomination. The collaboration between Streisand and Gibb on this track and the entire album highlighted their mutual artistry and has remained a beloved classic in Streisand’s discography.
3. The Summer Knows
“The Summer Knows” is a song composed by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It is the theme song from the 1971 film *Summer of ’42*. The song is a beautiful, melancholic ballad that captures the fleeting nature of summer and the bittersweet memories of young love. The melody is lush and evocative, typical of Legrand’s style, while the Bergmans’ lyrics poignantly reflect the passage of time and the lingering impact of a past romance. “The Summer Knows” has been covered by numerous artists, including Barbra Streisand, whose rendition highlights her emotive vocal delivery and ability to convey deep emotion. The song remains a timeless piece, celebrated for its lyrical beauty and haunting melody.
4. Papa, Can You Hear Me?
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” is a poignant song performed by Barbra Streisand in the 1983 film “Yentl,” which she also directed, co-wrote, and co-produced. The song was composed by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It is one of the standout tracks from the film’s soundtrack and has become one of Streisand’s signature songs.
In “Yentl,” Streisand plays the titular character, a Jewish girl in early 20th century Eastern Europe who disguises herself as a boy to receive an education in Talmudic law. “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” is sung by Yentl as a heartfelt plea to her deceased father, expressing her longing for guidance and understanding in her journey.
The song’s deeply emotional lyrics and Streisand’s powerful, nuanced performance resonate with themes of loss, hope, and the search for identity. The line “Papa, can you see me? Papa, can you find me in the night?” captures the essence of Yentl’s inner turmoil and her desire to connect with her father’s spirit.
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” received critical acclaim and contributed to the film’s success. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song and has been performed by Streisand in numerous concerts and events, further cementing its place as a beloved piece in her extensive repertoire.
5. Don’t Rain on My Parade
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a signature song performed by Barbra Streisand, originally from the 1964 Broadway musical *Funny Girl*. The song was composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Bob Merrill. Streisand’s powerful and spirited performance of the song earned her widespread acclaim, both on stage and in the 1968 film adaptation of *Funny Girl*, where she reprised her role as Fanny Brice. The song’s lyrics express a defiant determination and unwavering confidence, encapsulated in its memorable chorus. Streisand’s rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” has become iconic, embodying her vocal prowess and charismatic stage presence. The song remains one of her most celebrated performances, symbolizing resilience and self-assurance.
6. People
“People” is a classic song performed by Barbra Streisand, originating from the 1964 Broadway musical *Funny Girl*. Composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Bob Merrill, the song is one of Streisand’s most famous and beloved performances. In *Funny Girl*, Streisand’s character, Fanny Brice, sings “People” as a heartfelt ballad reflecting on the importance of human connection and the need for companionship. Streisand’s powerful and emotive delivery of the song showcases her vocal range and interpretative skills. “People” has become synonymous with Streisand’s illustrious career, earning critical acclaim and enduring popularity. The song’s poignant message and Streisand’s iconic performance have made it a timeless classic in both Broadway and popular music.
7. Evergreen
“Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)” is one of Barbra Streisand’s most iconic songs, featured in the 1976 film “A Star Is Born,” in which she starred alongside Kris Kristofferson. Streisand co-wrote the song with Paul Williams, and it became a major hit, showcasing her talents as both a singer and a songwriter.
“Evergreen” is a tender ballad that beautifully captures the timeless nature of true love. The lyrics express a deep, enduring affection, with lines like “Love, soft as an easy chair; love, fresh as the morning air.” Streisand’s emotive delivery and the song’s lush orchestration create a romantic and memorable musical experience.
The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Streisand a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Additionally, “Evergreen” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, making Streisand the first woman to receive an Oscar for composing music.
“Evergreen” remains a beloved classic in Streisand’s catalog and is often regarded as one of the greatest love songs of all time. Its enduring popularity and emotional resonance have made it a staple in her live performances and a cherished favorite among fans.
8. Memory
“Memory” is a renowned song from the musical *Cats*, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Trevor Nunn, based on T.S. Eliot’s poems. Barbra Streisand’s rendition of “Memory” is one of the most celebrated covers of this iconic song. Released in 1981, Streisand’s version showcases her exceptional vocal talent and emotional depth, adding a new dimension to the already poignant piece.
The song is famously sung by the character Grizabella in *Cats*, reflecting on past glories and the passage of time. Streisand’s powerful and emotive interpretation brings out the song’s themes of nostalgia and longing. Her version became a commercial success and is often included in her greatest hits compilations, solidifying “Memory” as one of the standout tracks in her extensive repertoire.
9. Woman in Love
“Woman in Love” is a hit song performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1980 as the lead single from her album “Guilty.” The song was written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, who also produced the album. “Woman in Love” is one of Streisand’s most successful singles, showcasing her powerful vocal range and emotive delivery.
The lyrics of “Woman in Love” describe the all-consuming nature of romantic love and the intense emotions that come with it. With lines like “Life is a moment in space, when the dream is gone, it’s a lonelier place,” the song captures the passion and vulnerability of being deeply in love. The soaring melody and lush production complement Streisand’s voice, creating a dramatic and heartfelt ballad.
“Woman in Love” topped the charts in several countries, including the United States, where it became Streisand’s fifth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also won Streisand the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. Its success helped “Guilty” become one of Streisand’s best-selling albums, further solidifying her status as a music icon.
“Woman in Love” remains one of Barbra Streisand’s signature songs, celebrated for its emotional intensity and vocal prowess. It continues to be a favorite among fans and a highlight in her illustrious career.
10. The Way We Were
“The Way We Were” is one of Barbra Streisand’s most iconic and enduring songs, released in 1973 as the title track for the film “The Way We Were,” in which she starred alongside Robert Redford. The song was composed by Marvin Hamlisch, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It became a massive hit and remains a signature song in Streisand’s extensive catalog.
“The Way We Were” is a poignant ballad that reflects on the bittersweet memories of a past relationship. The lyrics nostalgically recount the happy moments and the inevitable changes that led to the relationship’s end, with lines like “Memories may be beautiful and yet, what’s too painful to remember, we simply choose to forget.” Streisand’s emotive delivery and the song’s lush orchestration evoke a deep sense of longing and reflection.
The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Streisand multiple awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. It also became one of the best-selling singles of her career.
“The Way We Were” remains a beloved classic, often considered one of the greatest movie songs of all time. Its timeless appeal and emotional resonance have made it a staple in Streisand’s live performances and a cherished favorite among her fans.