Barbra Streisand/ Sam Smith

Biography

Barbra Streisand, born April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, is one of the most celebrated and influential performers in American entertainment history. Raised in a working-class Jewish family, Streisand overcame early hardships—including the death of her father when she was a child—to pursue a career in the arts. She began singing in nightclubs and acting in off-Broadway productions in New York City, quickly gaining recognition for her unique vocal style and commanding stage presence. Her Broadway debut in 'I Can Get It For You Wholesale' (1962) earned her a Tony nomination, and her subsequent television specials, such as 'My Name Is Barbra' (1965), established her as a household name.

Streisand's recording career took off in the 1960s, and she became known for her powerful interpretations of adult standards, pop, and show tunes. She is the only artist to have number one albums in six consecutive decades, with classics like 'People,' 'The Way We Were,' and 'Guilty.' Her film career is equally distinguished; she won an Academy Award for her debut in 'Funny Girl' (1968) and later became the first woman to write, produce, direct, and star in a major studio film with 'Yentl' (1983). Streisand's musical style blends Broadway, jazz, and contemporary pop, marked by her expressive phrasing and emotional depth.

Over her six-decade career, Streisand has amassed an unparalleled legacy, earning two Academy Awards, ten Grammy Awards, five Emmy Awards, and numerous other honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is recognized not only for her artistic achievements but also for breaking barriers for women in entertainment, particularly as a director and producer.

Fun Facts

• Barbra Streisand is the only artist to have achieved number one albums in six consecutive decades.
• She was the first woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Director, for 'Yentl' (1983).
• Streisand changed the spelling of her first name from 'Barbara' to 'Barbra' early in her career to be unique.
• She is one of the few entertainers to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT).

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Harold Rome - Composer and lyricist of Streisand's Broadway debut, provided early professional guidance (I Can Get It For You Wholesale) [1962]

Key Collaborators

• Barry Gibb - Co-wrote and produced the album 'Guilty', one of Streisand's best-selling records (Guilty (1980)) [1980]
• Neil Diamond - Duet partner on the chart-topping single 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers' (You Don't Bring Me Flowers (single)) [1978]
• Donna Summer - Collaborated on the disco hit 'No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)' (No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) (single)) [1979]

Artists Influenced

• Celine Dion - Cited Streisand as a vocal inspiration and later performed with her (Tell Him (duet, 1997)) [1990s–present]
• Adele - Has publicly acknowledged Streisand's influence on her vocal style and career (General influence) [2010s–present]
• Lady Gaga - Inspired by Streisand's film and musical legacy, especially in 'A Star Is Born' remake (A Star Is Born (2018)) [2010s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Woman in Love (Guilty)
2. Guilty (feat. Barry Gibb) (Guilty)
3. The Way We Were (The Way We Were)
4. I Finally Found Someone (feat. Bryan Adams) (The Mirror Has Two Faces - Music From The Motion Picture)
5. One Heart, One Voice (with Mariah Carey & Ariana Grande) (The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume 2)
6. Tell Him (Duet with Barbra Streisand) (Let's Talk About Love)
7. Evergreen (Love Theme from "A Star Is Born") (A Star Is Born)
8. To Lose You Again (with Sam Smith) (The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume 2)
9. What Kind of Fool (feat. Barry Gibb) (Guilty)
10. Memory (Memories)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia