Barbra Streisand

A Singular Voice, A Towering Legacy

Introduction

Barbra Streisand is a cultural phenomenon whose name is synonymous with talent, determination, and innovation. Singer, actress, director, producer, and activist—Streisand has excelled in every medium she has touched. With a voice that defies imitation and a career that spans more than six decades, she has not only broken barriers but redefined them.

From her Broadway debut to her Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT) wins, Streisand’s impact on American popular culture is immeasurable. She has proven time and again that authenticity and individuality are not only powerful—they are magnetic.

Early Life and Background

Barbara Joan Streisand was born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. Her early years were marked by hardship. Her father died when she was just 15 months old, leaving her mother to raise her and her brother under difficult financial conditions. From a young age, Streisand showed an interest in performing, singing at local events and winning talent contests.

Despite being told she was “too ethnic” or “unconventional” in appearance to succeed in show business, Streisand’s confidence and voice became her calling card. She attended Erasmus Hall High School, where she sang in the choir alongside future pop star Neil Diamond.

Career Beginnings: Broadway and Nightclubs

Streisand's rise began in the early 1960s in Manhattan’s nightclub scene. Her appearance at the Bon Soir club caught the attention of theatre producers, and in 1962, she landed the role of Miss Marmelstein in the Broadway musical I Can Get It for You Wholesale, earning a Tony nomination.

That same year, she made her television debut on The Tonight Show and quickly became a regular on variety programs like The Ed Sullivan Show. Her charisma and vocal prowess captivated audiences.

Music Career: A Voice for the Ages

Barbra Streisand released her debut album, The Barbra Streisand Album, in 1963. It won two Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year—a remarkable achievement for a debut.

Her musical career is among the most decorated in history:

More than 150 million records sold worldwide

11 Billboard #1 albums, making her the female artist with the most #1 albums in history

Grammy Legend Award (1992) and Lifetime Achievement Award (1995)

Signature Songs Include:

“People” (Funny Girl)

“The Way We Were”

“Evergreen” (A Star Is Born)

“Don’t Rain on My Parade”

“Woman in Love”

“Somewhere”

“Memory” (Cats)

Her unique vocal tone—a mix of power, vulnerability, and vibrato—has made her songs timeless. She brought Broadway sensibilities to pop, helped revive the Great American Songbook, and crossed into adult contemporary, jazz, and classical.

Film Career: Actress, Producer, and Director

Funny Girl (1968)

Streisand's film debut as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl was explosive. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress (shared with Katharine Hepburn in a rare tie) and became a movie star overnight. Her performance of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” remains legendary.

Other Notable Films:

Hello, Dolly! (1969)

The Way We Were (1973, opposite Robert Redford)

A Star Is Born (1976), for which she won an Oscar for Best Original Song (“Evergreen”)

Yentl (1983) – Streisand directed, co-wrote, produced, and starred, becoming the first woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Director

The Prince of Tides (1991) – directed and starred

The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996) – director and star

Streisand is one of the few women to achieve major success both in front of and behind the camera. Her films often explore themes of identity, love, intellect, and female empowerment.

Achievements and Awards

Barbra Streisand is one of the most decorated entertainers in history. Her accolades include:

2 Academy Awards

10 Grammy Awards

5 Emmy Awards

A Tony Award (special)

Presidential Medal of Freedom (2015)

Kennedy Centre Honours (2008)

AFI Life Achievement Award (2001)

She is also one of only a handful of people to achieve EGOT status (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).

Activism and Philanthropy

Streisand has been a lifelong advocate for social justice, gender equality, environmental protection, and human rights. She founded the Streisand Foundation in 1986, which has donated millions to causes such as:

Climate change

LGBTQ+ rights

Racial justice

Women’s health and education

Civil liberties

She has been a prominent voice in politics, supporting Democratic candidates and speaking out on major issues affecting American society.

Personal Life

Streisand married actor Elliott Gould in 1963. They had a son, Jason Gould, before divorcing in 1971. In 1998, she married actor James Brolin, with whom she remains married.

Known for being intensely private and protective of her artistic output, Streisand is also a perfectionist—famously directing or producing many of her own projects to maintain creative control.

Legacy

Barbra Streisand shattered the mould of what a female entertainer could be. She refused to conform to Hollywood’s beauty standards, she took control of her own career in an industry dominated by men, and she turned vulnerability into strength through her art.

Her influence can be seen in generations of performers who cite her as a role model, from Beyoncé to Lady Gaga to Adele. Streisand made it possible for women to be everything—not just performers but producers, directors, activists, and entrepreneurs.

Recent Years and Memoir

Streisand has remained active into her 80s, releasing albums like Encore (2016) and Walls (2018), the latter being her first original collection in a decade and her most overtly political.

In 2023, she published her long-awaited memoir, My Name Is Barbra, a deeply personal account of her life, artistry, and beliefs, hailed for its candour, humour, and insight.

Conclusion

Barbra Streisand is more than a performer—she is a movement, a mirror of American culture, and a force of artistic will. Her career is a testament to the power of talent, resilience, and authenticity. Whether belting from a Broadway stage, commanding the screen, or speaking out for justice, Streisand continues to inspire and innovate.

Her voice—so unmistakable, so unforgettable—has never just sung songs. It has told stories, defied limits, and spoken truths that have echoed through decades.

"Art does not exist only to entertain—but also to challenge, to provoke, and to inspire."

— Barbra Streisand