Barbra Streisand is an American singer, actress, and filmmaker, born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. Known for her powerful voice and versatile talent, she has achieved success across a wide range of genres, including pop, jazz, and classical music, as well as film and theater. Streisand’s career began in the early 1960s, and she quickly rose to fame with a series of hit albums and singles, including “People,” “Evergreen,” and “The Way We Were.”
She has won numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, Academy Awards, and Tony Awards, making her one of the most awarded entertainers in history. Streisand is also known for her philanthropic efforts and has been a significant figure in both the entertainment industry and social causes. Her influence and contributions have made her an iconic figure in American culture.
1. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is a 1978 duet by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond. The song is a poignant ballad about the fading romance in a relationship, expressing feelings of neglect and longing for the past. Streisand and Diamond’s vocal performances blend seamlessly, conveying a deep sense of emotional vulnerability. The track became a major hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and the Adult Contemporary charts. Its success helped to further solidify both artists’ status as leading figures in their respective genres, showcasing their ability to evoke powerful emotions through their music.
2. Guilty
“Guilty” is a 1979 album by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. The album is notable for its collaboration between Streisand and Gibb, combining Streisand’s powerful vocals with Gibb’s signature songwriting and production style. The title track, “Guilty,” is a romantic ballad that became a major hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcasing the smooth blend of Streisand’s voice with Gibb’s harmonies. The album also features other successful singles like “What Kind of Fool” and “Promises.” “Guilty” was highly praised for its production and the chemistry between the artists, making it one of Streisand’s most successful and enduring albums.
3. The Summer Knows
“The Summer Knows” is a track from Barbra Streisand’s 1971 album *Streisand’s Greatest Hits*. The song was composed by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It originally appeared as part of the soundtrack for the film *The Summer of ’42*, for which Michel Legrand composed the score.
The song is known for its nostalgic and evocative quality, capturing the essence of summer and reflecting on the passage of time and lost love. Streisand’s rendition of “The Summer Knows” highlights her ability to convey deep emotion and connect with the listener through her expressive vocal performance. The track has been praised for its lush orchestration and Streisand’s poignant delivery, making it a memorable piece in her discography.
4. Papa, Can You Hear Me?
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” performed by Barbra Streisand, is a poignant song from the 1983 film *Yentl*, which Streisand also directed. The song, composed by Michel Legrand with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, features Streisand’s emotive and powerful vocals as she sings about longing, faith, and seeking comfort from a deceased father. The track is known for its heartfelt melody and moving lyrics, capturing the deep sense of loss and yearning of the film’s protagonist. Streisand’s performance of “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” adds a profound emotional depth to the film and remains one of her most memorable ballads.
5. Don’t Rain on My Parade
“Don’t Rain on My Parade,” performed by Barbra Streisand, is a classic song from the 1964 Broadway musical *Funny Girl*. The song, composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Bob Merrill, is a powerful anthem of determination and defiance. Streisand’s performance, known for its dynamic vocal delivery and dramatic flair, captures the essence of the character Fanny Brice’s determination to overcome obstacles and pursue her dreams despite setbacks. The song has become one of Streisand’s signature pieces, celebrated for its inspiring message and her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability.
6. People
“People,” performed by Barbra Streisand, is a classic ballad from her 1964 album *People*. The song, composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Bob Merrill, was originally written for the Broadway musical *Funny Girl*, in which Streisand starred. “People” is a powerful and emotional song about the importance of human connection and the search for meaningful relationships. Streisand’s performance is characterized by her expressive vocal delivery and deep emotional resonance, capturing the song’s themes of love and the need for companionship. “People” remains one of Streisand’s most iconic songs and a timeless reflection on the value of personal connections.
7. Evergreen
“**Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)**” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand for the 1976 film *A Star Is Born*. Written by Paul Williams and Barbra Streisand, the song serves as a poignant love theme for the film, which stars Streisand and Kris Kristofferson.
“Evergreen” features a gentle, romantic melody and heartfelt lyrics that capture the essence of enduring love. Streisand’s emotive vocal performance, combined with the song’s lush orchestration, helped it become a major hit. The track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. “Evergreen” is celebrated for its classic beauty and remains one of Streisand’s most iconic songs.
8. Memory
“**Memory**” is a song from the 1981 musical *Cats*, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Trevor Nunn and Richard Stilgoe. Originally performed by Elaine Paige in the West End production and later by Betty Buckley on Broadway, the song became one of the musical’s most recognizable and enduring pieces.
In *Cats*, “Memory” is sung by the character Grizabella, a once-glamorous cat who is now an outcast. The song reflects Grizabella’s longing for the past and her desire to be accepted and loved again. Barbra Streisand’s version of “Memory” was released in 1981 and became a hit, showcasing her powerful vocal delivery and emotional interpretation. Streisand’s rendition brought the song to a broader audience and remains a significant part of her repertoire.
9. Woman in Love
“Woman in Love,” performed by Barbra Streisand, is a classic ballad from her 1980 album of the same name. The song, written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, features a sweeping melody and heartfelt lyrics that express deep, unwavering love. Streisand’s powerful and emotional vocal delivery highlights the song’s romantic themes, making it a standout hit. “Woman in Love” became one of Streisand’s most successful singles, reaching the top of the charts and earning critical acclaim. Its enduring popularity is a testament to both Streisand’s vocal prowess and the song’s universal appeal.
10. The Way We Were
“**The Way We Were**” is a classic song performed by Barbra Streisand, released as the title track for the 1973 film *The Way We Were*, in which Streisand starred alongside Robert Redford. The song was composed by Marvin Hamlisch with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.
“The Way We Were” is a poignant ballad that reflects on nostalgic memories of a past romance, evoking themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Streisand’s emotive and powerful vocal delivery perfectly captures the song’s sentiment, making it one of her most iconic performances. The song became a major hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and won both the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. “The Way We Were” remains one of Barbra Streisand’s signature songs and a timeless classic in popular music.
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.
