Biography
Barbra Streisand, born April 24, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York, emerged from modest beginnings to become one of the most influential and decorated performers in American entertainment. Raised in a working-class Jewish family, Streisand lost her father at a young age and was raised by her mother, who discouraged her ambitions in show business. Undeterred, Streisand began singing in New York nightclubs as a teenager, quickly gaining attention for her powerful, distinctive voice and dramatic presence. Her breakthrough came with her Broadway debut in 'I Can Get It for You Wholesale' (1962), which led to a recording contract with Columbia Records and the release of her Grammy-winning debut, 'The Barbra Streisand Album' (1963).[3][4][5][6]
Streisand's career soared as she starred as Fanny Brice in 'Funny Girl' on Broadway (1964) and in the 1968 film adaptation, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. She became known for her emotive interpretations of classic standards, blending pop, Broadway, and jazz influences into a style marked by vocal clarity, emotional depth, and technical virtuosity. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Streisand dominated both the music charts and Hollywood, starring in films such as 'Hello, Dolly!', 'The Way We Were', and 'A Star Is Born', and releasing a string of multi-platinum albums.[1][3][5][6]
A trailblazer for women in entertainment, Streisand broke barriers as a director, producer, and writer, notably with 'Yentl' (1983), becoming the first woman to write, produce, direct, and star in a major studio film. Her legacy includes two Academy Awards, ten Grammy Awards, and a record-setting number of Golden Globes, along with a profound influence on generations of artists. Streisand's artistry, advocacy, and enduring popularity have secured her place as a cultural icon whose career spans over six decades.[1][3][5][6]
Fun Facts
- Barbra Streisand is one of the few entertainers to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award (EGOT), though her Tony is a non-competitive special award.
- She was the first woman to direct, produce, write, and star in a major studio film with 'Yentl' (1983).
- Streisand has a passion for architecture and designed much of her Malibu estate herself.
- Her distinctive nose, which she refused to have surgically altered despite industry pressure, became a symbol of her individuality and authenticity.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Judy Garland - Early inspiration and mentor; Streisand appeared on 'The Judy Garland Show' and was influenced by Garland's vocal style and stage presence. (Television appearances) [1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Barry Gibb - Co-wrote and produced the album 'Guilty', which became one of Streisand's best-selling albums. (Guilty (1980)) [1980]
- Marvin Hamlisch - Composer and arranger for several Streisand projects, notably 'The Way We Were'. (The Way We Were (1973)) [1970s]
- Neil Diamond - Duet partner on the hit single 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers'. (You Don't Bring Me Flowers (1978)) [1978]
Artists Influenced
- Celine Dion - Cited Streisand as a major vocal and stylistic influence; later collaborated on the duet 'Tell Him'. (Tell Him (1997)) [1990s]
- Lady Gaga - Inspired by Streisand's genre-crossing career and vocal technique, particularly in musical film and pop standards. (A Star Is Born (2018), inspired by Streisand's 1976 version) [2010s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Guilty | 1980-09-23 | Album |
| The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume 2 | 2025-06-27 | Album |
| Duets (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) | 2013-01-01 | Album |
| The Mirror Has Two Faces - Music From The Motion Picture | 1996-10-15 | Album |
| The Way We Were | 1974-01 | Album |
| Memories | 1981 | Album |
| A Star Is Born | 1976-11 | Album |
| Partners (Deluxe) | 2014 | Album |
| Funny Girl - Original Soundtrack Recording | 1968-09-01 | Album |
| Unmasked: The Platinum Collection (Deluxe) | 2018-03-16 | Album |
| Till I Loved You | 1988-10-12 | Album |
| The Broadway Album | 1985-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Woman in Love (Guilty)
- Guilty (feat. Barry Gibb) (Guilty)
- The Way We Were (The Way We Were)
- I Finally Found Someone (feat. Bryan Adams) (The Mirror Has Two Faces - Music From The Motion Picture)
- One Heart, One Voice (with Mariah Carey & Ariana Grande) (The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume 2)
- Tell Him (Duet with Barbra Streisand) (Let's Talk About Love)
- Evergreen (Love Theme from "A Star Is Born") (A Star Is Born)
- To Lose You Again (with Sam Smith) (The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume 2)
- What Kind of Fool (feat. Barry Gibb) (Guilty)
- Memory (Memories)
External Links
Tags: #adult-contemporary, #ballad, #disco
References
Heard on WWOZ
Barbra Streisand has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15, 2025 | 22:32 | DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman | |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 22:26 | Space Captain | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady | |
| Nov 17, 2025 | 23:15 | To Lose You Again | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman | |
| Sep 29, 2025 | 23:02 | Cryin Time | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman |