Barbra Streisand News by BarbraNews.com

Barbra presents award to Donna Karan. New video from November 2011.

2012-01-25T11:41:00.001-08:00

Paramount Pictures: 150 Stars for 100th Anniversary Photograph

2012-01-14T12:25:00.000-08:00

By Roger Friedman.

Dozens and dozens of Paramount Pictures stars from the past gathered on the famous lot today for a once in a lifetime group photograph. The occasion was the 100th anniversary of the studio. Stars from The Godfather–like Robert DeNiro, James Caan, and Al Pacino, as well as director Francis Ford Coppola–were joined by famous types like Barbra Streisand, Shirley Maclaine, director Peter Bodganovich, Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Nicole Kidman, plus Martin Scorsese, Gore Verbinski, Tom Cruise, and Charlize Theron. Martin Scorsese told me last night at Paramount’s swellegant bash on the studio lot that he had Jane Fonda on one side of him, Ernest Borgnine on the other. “He’s 95 and amazing! Marty exclaimed. More stars mentioned included Eddie Murphy, and former Paramount chief Robert Evans was the only executive included in the photo. “The kid stays in the picture,” quipped our own Leah Sydney, referring to the famous Evans documentary. There were no press people there, I’m told. A full list isn’t yet available. All in all, it’s a coup for studio chief Brad Grey, who’s reshaped Paramount for the 21st century.

Happy New Year.

2011-12-31T10:21:00.000-08:00

As we inch closer* to Barbra's semicentennial year - I'd like to wish ALL of you a very HAPPY and HEALTHY New Year.

2011 has been a wonderful year for fans. We've had "What Matters Most" - Barbra's latest recording. "My Mother's Curse" was filmed - and will be released in 2012. Barbra has brought more awareness to Women's Heart Disease. Great contests where fans got to meet Barbra at award shows... and on the set of the new movie... win signed albums and books. Barbra revealed that she's going to do "Gypsy" (let's hope THAT still happens). Barbra "Tweeted" about things she cared about. She sang at The Grammy Awards for the first time in decades. Then there was the "Elle" magazine feature where Barbra was honored as part of the "Women In Film" celebration. Numerous TV and print interviews. Barbra hinted at recording a DUETS album in the future... and so much more.

I look forward to bringing you all the latest news during Barbra's 50th year with Columbia Records.

All the very best --

Craig

xoxo

*A special hello to those who are already IN 2012.... in Asia... Australia and so on! Thanks for "testing the waters".

semicentennial [ˌsɛmɪsɛnˈtɛnɪəl]

adj

1. (prenominal) of or relating to the 50th anniversary of some event

2. occurring once every 50 years

a 50th anniversary

Barbra: A Retrospective [Hardcover] - New Book.

2011-12-27T10:43:00.001-08:00

Jim Brolin Interview - "Cowboys and Indians" Magazine.

2011-12-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

Before becoming a household name, the famously bearded actor was simply a shy teenager with a soft spot for horses.

by Wendy Wilkinson

With matinee idol good looks that never seem to fade, a remarkably thick mane of silver-gray hair, and bright green eyes that twinkle when he smiles, James Brolin has been a Hollywood mainstay for more than 40 years. It was his Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning portrayal of the youthful Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. that brought him to the attention of the country in the late ’60s and ’70s. But it was his recurring role on a ’60s western television series that brought him to the attention of Hollywood.

In his mid-20s Brolin was cast for four episodes as the young cowboy Dalton Wales — playing opposite Barbara Hershey, Michael Anderson Jr., and Liam Sullivan — on The Monroes, the story of five young orphans trying to survive as a family on the frontier in northwestern Wyoming. “That was a great time,” he says. “I was shipped out to Jackson Hole and went, ‘Wow, what a life this is.’ You’re on your own but know exactly what’s going to happen. I was given a per diem by the production office, a horse to ride, and really latched on to this kind of life.”
Not long after his appearances on The Monroes came the year that changed everything. In January 1969 Brolin had a single before-they-were-famous appearance on The Virginian in the episode “Crime Wave in Buffalo Springs.” His one-time role as Ned Trumball, the bank-robbing son of a banker, was a world away from the motorcycle-riding physician he would become in September.

Beating out a dozen or more handsome young men screen testing for the role of Dr. Steven Kiley, Brolin got his big break. He had good rapport with the seasoned Robert Young, who played senior doctor Marcus Welby, and he clicked with the role as the ambitious young doctor who ultimately joins the practice of the aging general practitioner. Brolin won an Emmy in 1970 for his work on the show, and he would go on to win two Golden Globes. Marcus Welby, M.D. ruled the ratings for seven years, becoming one of the most popular doctor shows in U.S. television history and making Brolin a household name.

In the middle of his run on Welby, Brolin got an opportunity to delve into another western role, this time on the big screen in the 1973 sci-fi thriller Westworld. Written and directed by best-selling author Michael Crichton, Westworld starred Yule Brynner as the Gunslinger, a lifelike robot cowboy who goes rogue, killing paying vacationers in a futuristic Western-themed amusement park. Brolin was cast as the ill-fated vacationing businessman John Blane, who is out to experience an Old West fantasy with buddy Peter Martin (Richard Benjamin). Challenged to a showdown with the Gunslinger, Blane thinks it’s just another amusement — until he finds out, too late, that the bullets are all too real.
Even though Westworld wasn’t a typical western, the film did give Brolin some equine screen time. “I was quite pleased to be able to ride on-screen again,” he says. “At that time I had a small, 6-acre ranch in the San Fernando Valley and was housing seven horses out there chewing the wood on the fences. I was able to take one of my own horses, a leopard appaloosa, and ride him in the movie.”

Several years earlier Brolin had bought his first horse for $235 at an auction in Chino, California — without having a place to keep him. “So I kept him in the garage. The minute the floor got wet, we would both slip and slide. We soon moved to a tight, half-acre ranchette and finally had a decent turnout for that gelding.”

To this day, that first horse, a beautiful palomino, brings back fond memories. “He had been trained for a sheriff to ride in the Rose Parade,” Brolin remembers with a laugh. “You’d be riding this horse and turn around to speak with someone behind you, accidentally kick him in the flank, and he’d start prancing sideways. So I said, ‘Wait a minute,’ and tried the other side and he pranced in the opposite direction.”

After Westworld came a decade of leading roles in films, including Capricorn One, The Amityville Horror, Night of the Juggler, and Gable and Lombard (which Brolin cites as his “favorite film-making experience of all time”). But Brolin still remembers the role that got away. “During this time I screen tested for the role of James Bond in Octopussy, as Roger Moore had made the decision to leave the franchise; but at the last minute he decided to continue playing the suave 007, which was a real disappointment.”

Moving on in his career, in 1983 Brolin teamed up with hit-maker Aaron Spelling, executive producer of Charlie’s Angels and Dynasty, to star as Peter McDermott in the ABC prime time soap opera Hotel. As a hotel manager who gets involved with the guests’ lives to help solve pressing problems, Brolin rode the ratings winner to two Golden Globe nominations for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama.

In 1993 he shone in the TV movie Gunsmoke: The Long Ride, playing down-and-out preacher John Parsley, who comes to Matt Dillon’s aid after the marshal is arrested on trumped-up murder charges and must hunt the actual murderer with a posse on his trail. Brolin’s next big turn on TV would see him leave the Old West for the modern-day military in the action-packed Pensacola: Wings of Gold. For the three-year series (1997 – 2000) Brolin served as executive producer, director (10 episodes), and lead character Lt. Col. Bill “Raven” Kelly, a veteran officer working with a group of young Marines to mold them into elite fighter pilots.

Moving up in gravitas, in 2002 Brolin guest-starred in a two-part arc on The West Wing as presidential candidate Governor Robert Ritchie. A year later he continued in the political vein after nabbing the role of president of the United States. Cast as Ronald Reagan in the 2003 miniseries The Reagans, the self-deprecating actor says he got the part because “most likely every other decent actor in Hollywood turned the role down.” If they sensed controversy coming, they were right: The production was embroiled in it when portions of the script were leaked and conservatives decried the 180-minute show as an unfair and unfavorable portrayal of the 40th president.

“Having never seen the miniseries, the network received more than 30,000 negative e-mails from the Young Republicans,” Brolin says, “and the network bent to the pressure.” CBS moved the show to its cable affiliate, Showtime, and The Reagans aired to very good ratings; Brolin went on to be nominated for both a Golden Globe and Emmy Award for his performance.

Traveling easily between the big and small screens for the last decade, Brolin has been cast in a series of high-profile and highly acclaimed motion pictures. At a time in life when most actors don’t get many calls, he has continued to take pivotal supporting roles, from Gen. Ralph Landry in Steven Soderbergh’s Oscar-winning Traffic to Leonardo DiCaprio’s stepfather in Catch Me If You Can to the man who walked Dustin Hoffman’s daughter down the aisle in Last Chance Harvey.

Brolin has also been flirting with western work, both television and film, ever since The Monroes and Westworld. Most recently he guest-starred in “High Noon-ish,” an episode of the highly rated, quirky USA Network comedy series Psych, in which he played Sheriff Hank Mendel of Old Sonora Town, a Wild West tourist attraction in danger of being shut down due to sabotage. He took the role of the sheriff who wants to keep the Old West alive in the 21st century because, Brolin says, “I will occasionally do a guest role on a series if I love the character.”
Born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin in 1940 in Los Angeles, Brolin started going by “Jim” when he was 12 years old, “just ’cause I liked that name better.” He grew up a nomad of sorts. The son of a prominent designer and builder, he and his family had lived in 14 different houses by the time he graduated from high school. His favorite home by far was the 7-acre horse property at the top of the Santa Monica Mountains, near Mulholland Drive, where he lived during his high school years.

“It was a heck of a property,” he remembers, “with a stream running through it and endless places to ride through the Hollywood Hills. We’d take the horses over to Franklin Canyon reservoir and camp out for the night. The area was so remote that every week we’d kill a rattlesnake and my mom would go outside every morning with a broom and shoo the deer away from her flowers.” Just three miles away from the famed Beverly Hills Hotel, the family was nonetheless living in the wilds, and the experience instilled in Brolin a love for horses, nature, and solitude. It was a life that suited his natural inclination toward shyness.

When Brolin was 15 and a sophomore at L.A.’s renowned University High School, his dad was partners with the brother-in-law of acclaimed horror film producer-director William Castle (best known for Rosemary’s Baby and the original House on Haunted Hill). One night Castle and his brother-in-law came to a party at the Brolin family’s Benedict Canyon home. Apparently impressed by the young teen’s presence and handsome face, Castle asked Brolin if he had ever thought about becoming an actor. “He was then involved with two television series, Men of Annapolis and The West Point Story, and I think that he was running out of new faces to feature,” Brolin says. “For him to come over and ask me, out of the blue, if I’d ever thought about being an actor — he must have really been in a panic mode, looking at all potential actor wannabes to cast.”

Initially Brolin wasn’t game, but he took Castle up on his invitation to visit the studio, traveling by trolley car from the Beverly Hills Post Office to what was then Ziv Studios. Before Castle took Brolin on a tour, he asked him to read a script out loud. “At first I almost told him no, ’cause I figured I would make a fool of myself,” Brolin recalls. “I totally froze up when I had to speak in front of people and was never able to even deliver an oral book report in junior high and high school.” But Brolin made an effort and stumbled through the lines. He still remembers the response: “Castle said, ‘Let’s forget that,’ and abruptly showed me to the closest stage door.”

Brolin didn’t get the part, but he did get the bug. When the cigar-chomping Castle opened the door to the stage that day — they were filming a western with Lash LaRue on a dusty cowboy town set — the young, would-be actor realized the movies were a kind of construction site, similar to the ones he’d been raised around all of his life.
“Up to that time I thought that movies came out of a golden egg — kind of an immaculate conception up there on the screen,” Brolin says. “But seeing men painting and sawing and moving equipment, and especially those guys with a camera up on that Chapman boom yelling instructions — that was for me. That was what I wanted to do.”
Deciding then and there to become a cameraman or director, the teen quickly went out and bought his first movie film camera. He shot plenty of Straight 8 and Super 8 film, but his first business venture would capitalize on a different aspect of L.A. life — swimming pools.

“I started a business at 18, Sunset Strip Pools. It became a successful pool maintenance company right away,” Brolin says. “During that year, I was stopped on the street and asked if I would consider driving a truck in a filmed Dodge commercial. My first question was, ‘I wouldn’t have to talk, would I?’ ” Brolin was soon hired to do three commercials and joined the Screen Actors Guild. He briefly took acting classes, but it wasn’t until he was invited to meet a talent scout as a favor by high school friend Ryan O’Neal that Brolin began to overcome his shyness and started making his way in the acting world.

At 19 Brolin sold the pool company for a profit and headed for French Polynesia and Tahiti in hopes of being cast as the son of his screen idol, Marlon Brando, in Mutiny on the Bounty. The role ended up being cut from the script, but Brolin stayed on to work as a local crew member and production assistant, quickly learning the ropes of film production.

He returned to L.A. after a year, parking cars at Sunset Strip nightclubs until he landed a contract with 20th Century Fox, first dubbing the voice of another actor in the forgettable 1961 film Marines, Let’s Go. He would go on to work on the lot for seven years, studying with renowned acting coaches Sandy Meisner, Robert Gist, Bob Paris, Vincent Chase, and Stella Adler.

Brolin’s first starring role came in the 1967 remake of Pickup on South Street called The Cape Town Affair. “It was made in Cape Town for South African distribution,” Brolin says. “The country had no television allowed, but they had fantastic theaters and big attendance, including movie dinner theaters. The film was corny and low budget and now plays on late-night television worldwide, but it was really fun, and Jacqueline Bisset and I had one of the best location experiences of our careers.”

Brolin went on to land minor roles in such movies as Take Her, She’s Mine; Von Ryan’s Express; and Our Man Flint. Those first films of the ’60s mark the beginning of almost a half-century of moviemaking. Although in all that time Brolin hasn’t starred in a true classic western, he is nonetheless frequently labeled with the characteristics of a cowboy — stalwart, strong, dependable. “It must be the vigilante in me,” he explains. “I was always a big John Wayne fan. At age 10, I was turned loose by my pop one whole day and night in Phoenix with 10 bucks, and I saw four movies. Two stayed with me forever: Flying Leathernecks and Flying Tigers. I took my first flying lesson eight years later, and have been a pilot now for 52 years and own a jet charter company. For me, it’s the best. Thanks to John Wayne — he led me to two great avocations.”

These days, the active 71 year old is far from idle. In addition to his jet charter company, he still owns a small lumber company that he and his architect partner, Nick Fortune, started 30 years ago when they couldn’t afford to buy lumber for spec houses they were building. When Brolin’s not at his lumber business, you might find him cruising up the Central Coast in his Ford pickup, heading to the Templeton Livestock Market for breakfast or to his son Josh’s ranch, where he fishes for bass in the pond he built. (An award-winning actor in his own right, Josh starred in the Oscar-winning film No Country for Old Men and will be seen as Tommy Lee Jones’ younger self in the upcoming Men in Black 3.) But Brolin could just as easily be in his vintage 1956 STOL airplane flying to Idaho or Montana to camp and fish, or headed to the Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant in Coalinga on his weekly visit for grass-fed steaks.
Using his construction knowledge and wife Barbra Streisand’s design sense, the couple recently built a re-creation of a historic Connecticut barn and water wheel on their expansive Malibu cliffs estate. “[Barbra] has the most amazing eye with architecture, whether it’s construction or landscape,” Brolin says. “I always fancied myself quite good at it, but she blows me out of the water. I just finished the big water wheel, my office, bath, and wood shop. It’s heaven!”
And he’s still fielding roles: He played Mr. Anderson in 2010’s Burlesque, a humorous divorcing dad in 2011’s Love, Wedding, Marriage, and a renegade bar owner in the upcoming television miniseries Blackout. This spring will also find him back behind the camera directing Ruby McCollum, the true story of the 1952 trial of an African-American woman who was convicted of killing the white physician and senator who raped her.

“For a guy who didn’t have the confidence to present a book report out loud in high school,” Brolin says with a smile, “playing all these unique and diverse characters in so many different movies and television projects has been a whole lot of fun.”

Win A Signed Copy of "My Passion For Design".

2011-12-20T13:02:00.000-08:00

Support the Women's Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai

The work of the Women's Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai is vital. Did you know that heart disease takes the lives of more women than all cancers combined? Here's some important information you should know

Heart disease is the number one killer of women today.
500,000 women in the United States die from heart disease each year -- more than all cancers combined.
Today, more women are dying of heart disease than men.
Despite the fact that heart attacks present themselves differently in men versus women, we still treat women based on research done on men.

This is not just a man's disease anymore; this is now a women's health epidemic. For this reason, I created the Barbra Streisand Women's Cardiovascular Research and Education Program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. The symptoms of a heart attack are often different in women than in men. But for decades, women have been treated for cardiovascular disease based on medical research done on men.

Please help support this important program at the Cedars Sinai Medical Center this holiday season. Mozilla is offering $25,000 to the charity that raises the most money for their challenge via Crowdrise. That generous contribution from Mozilla would have an amazing impact on the Women's Cardiovascular Research and Education Program.

The research being done at the Women's Heart Center is revolutionary. Few institutions in the world are so focused on how heart disease presents itself differently in women. The Center is changing how women are diagnosed, treated, and educated about heart disease. And their work is helping women everywhere. But this is not just about women's health! The latest research at the Center on women's stem cells is showing that these cells may not only help a woman's heart, but a man's as well.

Please join me in supporting this life-giving program and help the Women's Heart Center at Cedars Sinai Medical Center receive the $25,000 bonus donation from Mozilla.

Plus, if you give $31 or more right now, you'll be entered to win a signed copy of my book My Passion For Design. (This contest is now open globally for ALL fans. Click here for complete contest rules.)

Thank you,
Barbra

Click here to donate and enter the contest!

Barbra Performs at "Friends of the Israel Defense Force" Gala in LA.

2011-12-09T02:09:00.000-08:00

Barbra performed 4 songs at the December 8th Gala:

Avinu Malkenu
The Windmills Of Your Mind
The Way We Were
People.

According to the FIDF website:

FIDF initiates and helps support educational, social, cultural, and recreational programs & facilities for the young men and women soldiers of Israel who defend the Jewish homeland. FIDF also supports the families of fallen soldiers.

2 Grammy Nominations for "What Matters Most"

2011-12-01T02:38:00.000-08:00

Barbra's most recent studio album has been nominated for 2 Grammy Nominations at last night's Grammy Nomination Concert.
Best Traditional Pop Vocal AlbumWhat Matters Most - Barbra Streisand Sings The Lyrics Of Alan And Marilyn Bergman
Barbra Streisand
[Columbia Records]

Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s)
The Windmills Of Your Mind
William A. Ross, arranger (Barbra Streisand)
Track from: What Matters Most - Barbra Streisand Sings The Lyrics Of Alan And Marilyn Bergman
[Columbia Records]

Also, although not associated with Barbra - the huge dance-hit "Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand" was nominated for Best Dance Recording.

A huge congrats to Barbra and everyone who worked on the album.

Grammy winners will be announced February 12, 2012.

Barbra Streisand to introduce presentation by MD pioneering discoveries about gender differences in heart disease.

2011-11-30T13:02:00.000-08:00

C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, will address thousands of women attending more than 100 TEDxWomen events around the world during the TEDWomen conference on Thursday, Dec. 1. Barbra Streisand -- the legendary actress, singer and women’s advocate -- is scheduled to introduce Bairey Merz, director of the Women’s Heart Center at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. Bairey Merz will discuss how the mentorship of women physicians inspired her to focus on uncovering gender differences in symptoms and treatment of heart disease and why women should push for more research. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide and often is misdiagnosed in women.

The day’s events may be viewed via live stream at http://www.livestream.com/tedxwomen. To participate in the conversation via Twitter, use hashtag: #TEDxWomen.

BARBRA STREISAND ON HOW DONNA KARAN BRINGS PEOPLE & DREAMS TOGETHER

2011-11-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

SANTA BARBARA, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Presenter Barbra Streisand attends The Dream Foundation's 10th Annual Celebration of Dreams, honoring fashion icon Donna Karan with The Founders Award and featuring the Donna Karan Spring 2012 Collection, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, held at Bacara Resort and Spa on November 18, 2011 in Santa Barbara, California.

BARBRA STREISAND ON HOW DONNA KARAN BRINGS PEOPLE & DREAMS TOGETHER

We are delighted to share some very special news with you: this evening, our Founder Donna Karan will receive The Founders Award at the 10th Annual Celebration of Dreams to benefit the Dream Foundation. The Dream Foundation is the first national organization that makes dreams come true for adults in the end stages of life and the benefit will be a celebratory evening of fashion (including a Donna Karan Spring 2012 runway show), fantastic entertainment, and creative cuisine.

Making this evening even more special is the fact that the award will be presented by Donna’s long-time friend, Barbra Streisand. We know that Barbra will be sharing some very thoughtful words borne out of her friendship with Donna and we thought we’d share some of the highlights with you here:

“Donna doesn’t just dress people, she addresses them, mind, body and spirit. She is a creative visionary. Passionate. Forceful. Nurturing. Extremely hands on. And generous to a fault. You can’t help falling in love with her. As a friend, Donna is thoughtful, funny and mothering – she can’t help herself. Years ago, I fell in love with a chenille sweater from Anne Klein. It turned out the fabric was highly flammable. I didn’t care. I even offered to sign a legal waiver should the sweater catch on fire. But Donna said, absolutely not, give it back. She wouldn’t take the chance. Donna doesn’t know I still have that sweater.”

“Donna and I bonded immediately. We were both on spiritual paths and saw everyone, including driving upstate to see Guru Mai for a 15 minute visit that turned into three hours of sitting in the dark. Donna and I even schlepped to Massachusetts to learn to meditate with Deepak Chopra. We were soul sisters.”

“One of the things Donna and I have most in common is our passion for positive change. How to use our voice and creativity to get something done. How to use our platforms and public profiles to bring attention to urgent matters. Every year, we attend the Clinton Global Initiative, where Bill Clinton brings people together to create change. Trust me, few people motivate you more than Bill Clinton. We leave the CGI, inspired to do whatever we can to make a difference.”

“It is most fitting that The Dream Foundation is honoring her. Donna dreams big, and keeps at it until it becomes a reality. Donna dreams for you, for me, for all of us. She brings people and their dreams together.”

Congratulations, Donna! Your entire Urban Zen team is inspired by you, your life and your ever-evolving passions.

Barbra to be on Larry King "Heart Disease" Special in February

2011-11-12T15:40:00.000-08:00

From a recent interview with Larry:

Larry: And in February, I'm doing a major special on heart disease which will include Barbra Streisand, Dick Cheney, and two prominent surgeons. We're gonna show you heart surgery.

Link to interview: http://blogs.villagevoice.com/dailymusto/2011/11/larry_king_talk.php

Barbra To Present Donna Karan With Award

2011-11-12T15:35:00.001-08:00

A star studded evening with Saks Fifth Avenue presenting the Donna Karan Spring 2012 Collection

Source: Carol Marshall PR

The Dream Foundation, the first national organization that makes dreams come true for adults in the end stages of life, is proud to honor fashion icon Donna Karan with The Founders Award at the 10th Annual Celebration of Dreams on November 18, 2011 at the Bacara Resort and Spa. An event unlike any other, Celebration of Dreams combines high fashion on and off the runway, world-class entertainment, and creative cuisine, all benefiting Dream Foundation.

The Founder’s Award will be presented to Ms. Karan by her dear friend Barbra Streisand. The evening’s festivities will be highlighted by the Donna Karan Spring 2012 runway show, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue. Ronald Frasch, President of Saks Fifth Avenue, will introduce the fashion show. “Saks Fifth Avenue is proud to support the incredible work of the Dream Foundation, and no one is more deserving of this honor than our friend, Donna Karan,” says Frasch.

The evening will also include performances by Grammy award-winning singer Macy Gray, recording artist and American Idol finalist Pia Toscano, Naya Rivera and Amber Riley of GLEE and recording artist Jackson Guthy.

In addition to a silent auction, actor and long-time Dream Foundation supporter, Dan Aykroyd will host a live auction to help raise money for the foundation. Auction items will include high-ticket items such as a seven-day voyage on The World, the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth;a 5-star African Safari from Singita &Beyond; VIP seats to the Argentine Open in Buenos Aires; a private dinner with acclaimed actor, Morgan Freeman and VIP tickets to Donna Karan’s Fashion week show (including a $2,500 shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue’s New York flagship and VIP tickets to Mercedes Benz Fashion week), amongst others.

Also, as part of the evening a special tribute will be made to dream recipients in attendance and the more than 2,000 dreams fulfilled over the year.

For the first time in the Dream Foundation’s history, Donna Karan - as the fashion partner - will be honored with the “Founders Award” due to her work with the Urban Zen Foundation. Previous recipients included Jeff and Susan Bridges and Rob and Sheryl Lowe.

The Founders Award recognizes excellence in humanitarian efforts on behalf of those facing illness. There is tremendous synergy in the services offered by Dream Foundation and Urban Zen’s Wellness Initiative. Both provide relief and comfort to those facing illness, beyond that which is offered through western medicine and treatments.

For Dream Foundation this comes in provision of basic need items and resources that allow for closure, peace, and happy final memories. For Urban Zen this comes via accessible forms of eastern healing techniques and meditation.

Dream Foundation Founder, Thomas Rollerson, comments, “In our 10 years celebrating this event, it has always been about dreamers who hope to find closure with loved-ones; who wish to give their children a lasting memory of special family time and who want to live out their remaining moments in comfort and peace. Those participating in this gala are literally making hundreds of dreams like these come true.”

Celebration of Dreams Sponsors include: Saks Fifth Avenue, Donna Karan, ThinkThin, CKE Restaurants, Revelry Event Designers, Bacara Resort & Spa, as well as live auction donors: The World – Residences at Sea, Crystal Cruises, The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu, Strictly Vacations, American Airlines, Singita Game Reserves &Beyond Africa.

For more: http://www.dreamfoundation.org/events/event/10th-annual-celebration-of-dreams

Barbra honored by the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors at their annual Gala

2011-11-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Barbra Streisand and Robert Barth were honored by the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors at their annual Gala on Tuesday, November 8th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Proceeds from the Gala, sponsored by Lexus, benefit the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute.

Lexus donated a 2012 Lexus LS 600h L Luxury Hybrid sedan which was raffled off during the Gala.

The Gala included a performance by Marvin Hamlisch, Alan Bergman, Kenny G and a special appearance by Seth Rogen.

The Board of Governors' current campaign benefits the Board of Governors Heart Stem Cell Center in the top-ranked Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, led by Eduardo Marbán, MD, PhD.

A major component of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Heart Institute, the Women's Heart Center, led by C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, is the only one of its kind, with strengths in clinical care, education, and research.

This year's Gala will benefit the Women's Heart Center as part of the current Board of Governors campaign.

ELLE's 18th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute held at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on October 17, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.

2011-10-18T00:48:00.000-07:00

ELLE's 18th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute held at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on October 17, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.

Barbra in Elle Magazine. November Issue.

2011-10-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

On how Warren Beatty got her to sing at a fundraiser for presidential candidate George McGovern: “Warren and I met when I was 15 years old. I was babysitting for my acting teacher, and it was Warren’s first summer of stock. Can you imagine, he asked if I would cue him! That’s the closest I ever got to a casting couch, not that I could get a part! I saw him a month ago. We’re always, 'I can’t get over it. Here we are. We were both nobodies!'”

On her career: “I don’t get a lot of offers to either direct or act. I’m still a kind of threatening object. I was offered They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?, but you had to dance through the whole movie—I got tired just reading the script. I was offered Klute, but I was seeing someone at the time and didn’t want to work. I was offered Julia, but I was editing A Star Is Born. As I say to Jane Fonda, ‘I’m responsible for your career.’ Because I turned down those movies and she got them and she was wonderful in them. Now people want me for a specific role.”

Barbra Streisand wears clothes from her closet, including a shirt and vest from Mr. Alex Custom Shirtmaker, Beverly Hills, jewelry by Sheryl Lowe Designs, and shoes by Chanel.

"On A Clear Day" - On the big screen, again!

2011-09-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

According to Matt Howe of Barbra-Archives...

This is very exciting ... Brooklyn Academy of Music has let me know they will be screening ON A CLEAR DAY on October 24 as part of their complete Vincente Minnelli retrospective. This will not be a DVD projection of the film, but a rare 35mm archive print (Paramount has no circulating 35 prints of the film in existence now) so this is something of an event.

http://www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=3618

Barbra in New York for Clinton Global Initiative.

2011-09-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

Barbra Streisand and James Brolin were surprise guests last night at the Clinton Global Initiative’s annual dinner and awards event at the Sheraton. There were other Hollywood and A list types around–designer Donna Karan, Heather Graham, Jeffrey Wright, plus married actors Michael McKean and Annette O’Toole, who presented an award. But Streisand and Brolin packed the most punch, especially since she introduced honoree Sting before he performed an outstanding set with trumpetmeister Chris Botti on horn including “Englishman in New York,” and “Every Breath You Take.”

Morgan Freeman introduced both Sting and his activist/actress/producer wife Trudie Styler, as they were honored for 25 years of work on the Rainforest Foundation. Styler, hot off a short run in the UK in a play, spoke eloquently about their experiences helping save indigenous peoples. Streisand was so wowed by the couple, particularly Sting, that she told me later she wants the British rocker on her next album of duets. “I think our voices would go well together,” Barbra said.
She’s currently on the charts with her magnificent album of Alan and Marilyn Bergman songs, called “What Matters Most.” But she’s so impressed with Tony Bennett‘s new “Duets II” album that she wants to do one of her own. (Barbra and Tony share a famous A&R man, Jay Landers.)

When I told Streisand she could have her current version of “Windmills of Your Mind” remixed for dance clubs by deejays like Mark Ronson, she narrowed her eyes and said, “Really?” Yes, really.

Brolin, meantime, one of the nicest guys in the world, told me he’s getting ready to direct an indie film in January.

But back to the Clinton Global Initiative Dinner–the other honorees were quite remarkable. One of the guests was Zimbabwe’s courageous prime minister, Morgan Tsvangirai. He’s the opposition leader, supposedly sharing power with the deranged dictator Robert Mugabe. Tsvangirai’s wife was killed in a suspicious car crash in 2009 soon after he was sworn in. Bill Clinton cited him at the end of last night’s dinner and show, assuring him that everyone is rooting for him.

Sting was not the only performer last night. K’naan, the remarkable performer from Somalia, did a knock out set. He also showed a video of returning to Mogadishu to help with the exruciating famine. K’naan came to prominence two summers ago with his World Soccer anthem, Wave the Flag. His new albu, is due later this fall from James Diener‘s Octone/A&R Records. I wrote him about a year ago after seeing K’naan perform at a Haiti benefit hosted by Matt Damon. He’s only gotten better. Keep an eye out for K’naan.

Their longtime bond includes the new album 'What Matters Most.' On it, Barbra Streisand sings 10 Bergman numbers she had not previously performed. The lyricists reflect on their connection with the singer.

2011-08-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

LA Times.

Lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman's professional and personal lives have been intertwined with Barbra Streisand's for five decades — from the night they first saw her as a teenager singing in New York to their latest collaboration, the CD "What Matters Most," which features Streisand interpreting 10 of the couple's songs she had not yet performed.

And in between those years, the Emmy-, Grammy-, Oscar- and Tony Award-winning Streisand has performed dozens of their songs, including "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?"; the Oscar-winning title tune of the 1973 Streisand-Robert Redford love story "The Way We Were"; and the songs in Streisand's directorial debut, 1983's "Yentl," which includes the Oscar-nominated "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" and "The Way He Makes Me Feel."

On a recent sunny afternoon, the Bergmans, who have been married since 1958, opened their warm, antique-laden Beverly Hills home to chat about Streisand and their songs. Sitting in the upstairs office where they keep their Oscars, Grammys and Golden Globes, the two are unpretentious and welcoming.

They almost didn't go to see Streisand that fateful evening at the Bon Soir in the early 1960s. But composer Jule Styne, who would write the music to Streisand's Broadway triumph, "Funny Girl," insisted.

"We had spent the whole day auditioning girls for the juvenile lead for a show that we were doing that Jule was producing and directing," recalled Marilyn, 81. "After hearing about 50 girl singers, Jule said, 'Come on, we are going downtown. There is a girl singer you have got to hear.' We said, 'Jule, we have been listening to girls sing all day.' But he said, 'Not like this.' He was right."

"As soon as she started to sing, Marilyn started to cry," said Alan, 85.

Once backstage, Marilyn was met by Streisand. "I said, 'Do you know how wonderful you are?'" Though Streisand didn't answer her, Bergman believes Streisand did know "because I thought nobody can be that wonderful and not know exactly what they were doing."

By 1969, the Bergmans and Streisand were good friends. Her first major hit of theirs was the haunting "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?," composed by the Bergmans' frequent collaborator Michel Legrand, for Richard Brooks' 1969 drama "The Happy Ending."

"Barbra came over for dinner, and we had just finished the song that day," Alan recalled. "It was on the piano and she passed the piano and saw the title — Michel was staying with us — and she said, 'I like the title, can I hear it?' So we sang it to her and she said, 'Let me hear it again.' She said, 'Let me sing it.' We have on tape the first time she sang it and it's all there, every nuance."

"What Matters Most," which was released Aug. 23, features some well-known Bergman songs including their first Oscar winner, "The Windmills of Your Mind" — which they wrote with Legrand — from 1968's "The Thomas Crown Affair"; the Frank Sinatra hit "Nice 'n' Easy," which they wrote with composer Lew Spence; and "That Face," which Alan Bergman wrote with Spence as an engagement present to Marilyn. Fred Astaire recorded "That Face" on an album and then performed it on a TV special, 1959's "Another Evening With Fred Astaire."

But a lot of the tunes, which mainly were written for film, aren't as well known. Streisand asked the couple to send her a plethora of their songs for consideration on the CD.

"We didn't send her everything," Marilyn said. "We culled through. There were songs we dreamed one day she would sing. There were some she chose and many that didn't make the cut."

One song that did make it is the title tune, a love song they penned with Dave Grusin for Franco Zeffirelli's 1979 version of "The Champ" that Zeffirelli cut out. The same thing happened with "Alone in the World," a tune they wrote with Jerry Goldsmith for the 1990 spy thriller "The Russia House."

"Director Fred Schepisi said, 'I don't want a song at the end,'" Alan said.

A half-century after they first met Streisand, the Bergmans believe that her voice has only become richer. "There is no piece missing," Marilyn said.

There were a lot of tears shed by Marilyn while Streisand was recording "What Matters Most" earlier this year. But Streisand welcomes them. "I sit right outside the recording booth so she can see me cry, because it is the litmus test [of a song] if Marilyn is crying," the lyricist explained with a smile.

STREISAND'S "WHAT MATTERS MOST" ALBUM DEBUTS IN BILLBOARD TOP 10, HER 31st TOP 10 CHARTING, MOVING HER PAST THE BEATLES INTO THIRD PLACE IN THAT HONOR.

2011-08-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

The debut of Barbra Streisand's new Columbia album, "What Matters Most: Barbra Streisand Sings the Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman" at Number Four on the Billboard ratings announced today marks the CD as her 31st album to chart in the Top 10, moving her into third place among all recording artists in that category of achievement. With today’s placement, Streisand passes the Beatles to the number three position behind only Frank Sinatra and The Rolling Stones. The new CD's ranking extends her lead over all female artists and acts in number of Top Tens. She is also the top-selling female performer in total album sales in the United States with over 71 million according the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America.) Barbra Streisand is the only recording artist to have achieved Number One albums in five consecutive decades.

Piers Morgan - UK Column

2011-08-29T03:24:00.001-07:00

David Foster, genius music producer for singers like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson, came on my CNN show a few weeks ago with little Jackie Evancho – the 11-year-old America’s Got Talent superstar with the voice of an angel – and after the interview, he asked me who I’d most like to have as a guest.

‘Well, Barbra Streisand would be pretty high on the list,’ I said.

‘She’s a good friend of mine,’ he replied. ‘Why don’t I throw a dinner party for you both at my Malibu home so you can get to know each other?’

Tonight, I arrived at his sumptuous beachside house, and found myself among 14 other guests, including Donna Summer, legendary U.S. TV presenter and game-show host Regis Philbin and Dr Phil, the male version of Oprah Winfrey in America.

At 8pm, the great lady herself, Ms Streisand, swept into the room.

‘Mr Morgan,’ she exclaimed, ‘I loved that Christine O’Donnell interview!’

We were seated next to each other at the dinner table, and for the next two hours we barely exchanged a word with anyone else.

It’s so rare to meet a personal hero who lives up to expectation, but Barbra was if anything even more impressive than I imagined: smart, funny, warm, engaging and politically astute.

Halfway through the meal, David Foster suggested I sing to the group. He was joking, but I seized the moment, dropping on bended knee, grasping Barbra’s hand and launching into a quite spectacularly bad rendition of The Way We Were – the movie is one of my all-time favourites – as Foster rapidly accompanied me on the piano.

As I wailed away, I caught sight of Donna Summer grimacing in a way that suggested either sudden acute appendicitis or sheer agony induced by the power of my vocal range.

‘That was very... nice, thank you,’ said Barbra, trying to be gracious, before exploding into fits of giggles.

‘Will you sing for us later?’ I asked.

‘Nooooo,’ she replied, firmly. ‘I never sing at parties.’

‘Why not?’

‘I feel uncomfortable performing to an audience where I can see the faces looking at me. I’ve always suffered from stage fright, but as long as I can’t see the faces, I’m usually OK. Singing at a dinner party like this would freak me out!’

I, tragically, have no such qualms.

Later in the evening, during an impromptu group sing-song, I performed again, belting out Let It Be on the piano until I was howled down.

Fortunately, the night was saved by Donna Summer singing Amazing Grace, Regis crooning Sinatra and Foster’s hot new act, a very talented group called the Canadian Tenors, performing an exclusive set just for us.

‘How about an interview?’ I asked Barbra as we left.

She smiled. ‘Maybe.’

Then came the immortal words: ‘Piers, can I have your phone number?’

I scrabbled for a pen and paper.

‘I’ll be in touch,’ she purred.

Streisand Pays Tribute to Songwriting 'Family'

2011-08-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

Associated Press -

Oscar-winning songwriting greats Alan and Marilyn Bergman rarely wrote a song with Barbra Streisand in mind.

In fact, Streisand was often the one who had to approach them when she found a Bergman song that she wanted to claim as her own.

"Normally, over the years, we have never played her songs; she just heard them elsewhere," recalls Marilyn Bergman. "Once she saw a song sitting on the piano, and saw the title, (and) she's says, 'What's that?'"

Yet Streisand turned out to be one of the greatest interpreters of their iconic songs. Over the decades, she put her stamp on such memorable tunes as "The Way We Were," ''You Don't Bring Me Flowers" and "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" from her musical "Yentl."

"I just love their words, I love the sentiment, I love their exploration of love and relationships," Streisand said. "They understand the craft of songwriting, the art of songwriting."

On her new CD, "What Matters Most," Streisand pays tribute to the songwriting couple by recording an album full of their material, including some of their best known songs, such as "Nice 'n' Easy," made famous by Frank Sinatra, and "The Windmills of Your Mind," the esoteric theme from "The Thomas Crown Affair."

"It's interesting; I never understood the song until I heard Alan sing it," Streisand said of the Oscar-winning song, which Dusty Springfield made a classic. "Then I started relating to it in terms of my own jumbled mind, with so many crazy thoughts going through it."

Streisand is one of the greatest interpreters of songwriting greats Alan and Marilyn Bergman's iconic songs. She put her signature stamp on such memorable tunes as "The Way We Were," "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" and "Papa Can You Hear Me" from her musical "Yentl."

With the release of the album, Streisand has recorded over 60 songs by the Bergmans.

"We love to hear her sing what we write. How lucky can you get?" Marilyn said.

But the relationship between Streisand and the Bergmans runs far deeper than that of songwriter and artist.

"They're like my parents in a way," explained Streisand, 69, during a phone interview from her home last week.

"They're certainly my role models as to how relationships ideally should be. They have an amazing marriage and they're so kind to one another, and so respectful. ... They adore each other. They've been so good to me as a friend."

Streisand noted one time when she wasn't feeling well. The Bergmans did more than check on her. "They came over in the middle of the night, and Marilyn slept on the couch in my bedroom, and Alan stayed downstairs."

"That's the kind of friends they are," she added. "We're family. You can't pick your family, but you can pick the family you'd like to have. Those are very strong relationships."

The trio likes to say they were fated to be friends; they are all from Brooklyn, from lower- middle-class families, and were born at the same hospital (though in different years). The Bergmans met Streisand when she was a burgeoning young singer in New York City. Streisand's performance brought Marilyn to tears, and they quickly became close friends.

"It is a unique relationship," Marilyn explained. "We met when she was very young; there's a kind of sister/daughter relationship. The age difference was probably more parent than now. At a certain point you become contemporaries."

Although the Bergmans sent Streisand a list of songs to consider for her new album, it was Streisand who decided what she would sing. She decided to choose material she'd never tackled before instead of reinterpreting old hits. "Why would I do that? ... The past is the past. I'm always looking to do something new, something I haven't done before."

The Bergmans were surprised at some of her choices, like "Nice 'n' Easy," which was a Sinatra special. "She approached it in an entirely different way, in a seductive way," Marilyn notes.

"She's a storyteller, and that comes from not only her inner soul, but her directing," says Alan.

Besides the new album, she's also starring in "My Mother's Curse" with Seth Rogen, a film she describes as a comedy with serious undertones; it will be released next year.

Streisand hopes to perform those new Bergman songs, as well as her many classics, with a new tour. Her last was in 2006, and that came after a 12-year absence from the road.

She also wants to direct a movie; would like to write a sequel to her home decorating book, "My Passion for Design," published last year; still has eyes on a remake of the film "Gypsy" ("I don't think the movie did the play justice. I think it could be done better," she sniffs); and still plans a duets album (names like Beyonce, Seal and Yo-Yo Ma have been thrown into the mix).

"It seems like there's not enough time in the day, there's not enough time in the year," she sighs.

Elle.com Feature

2011-08-24T11:48:00.001-07:00

Tips for watching "Barbra Streisand: A Happening at Starbucks"

2011-08-24T00:38:00.000-07:00

Barbra's never-before-seen MusiCares performance is now live exclusively at Starbucks across the US! Here are some tips if you're at a Starbucks now and trying to watch "Barbra Streisand: A Happening at Starbucks":

Log on to the Starbucks in-store Wi-Fi network. In most stores, it is called "attwifi," but check with any of the baristas if you are having trouble figuring out which network to join.

Once you log on to the Starbucks Wi-Fi network, you'll automatically be sent to the Starbucks Digital Network homepage at starbucks.yahoo.com.

From the Starbucks Digital Network, click on the orange ENTERTAINMENT button at the bottom of the screen.
If you're STILL having trouble finding the show, visit the Barbra Streisand: A Happening At Starbucks page on Facebook and post your questions there. We'll be checking it regularly and doing our best to help you see this fantastic and rare concert from Barbra. Enjoy!

Liz Smith reviews Barbra's New Album

2011-08-22T00:39:00.000-07:00

I have it in my hand, the gorgeous deluxe edition of Barbra Streisand’s “What Matters Most” album. This is her self-produced tribute to her old friends, the great lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman. If the Bergmans didn’t quite “invent” Barbra, in the manner of John Kander and Fred Ebb, a la Liza Minnelli, they are responsible for so many of Streisand’s signature tunes—including the score for “Yentl”—that they have become vital to Barbra’s enduring legend. The Bergmans know her voice, her personality, her heart. (As for Liza, I think out of her fondness for Kander and Ebb, she has somewhat exaggerated their impact—after all, she was singing!)

“What Matters Most” is a two-disc set. The first disc is ten Bergman songs never recorded by Barbra, the second disc contains ten more familiar tunes—“The Way We Were,” “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” “Papa, Can You Hear Me?”
But it is on the first disc that Barbra truly soars. Listen, it’s worth the price just to hear Barbra a’capella on the first bars of “The Windmills of Your Mind.” Barbra has retained the exquisite upper register of her voice, but the tones have deepened—beautifully. Age has not withered her gift and life experience has given it much more resonance.
In a world of phony, over-hyped “talent,” I’m glad a true artist like Barbra is still here, working and reminding us that “perfectionist” is not a dirty word.

USA Today Interview: Here's 'What Matters Most' to Barbra Streisand

2011-08-21T15:26:00.001-07:00

By Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY

Barbra Streisand has long enjoyed the luxury of taking on only those projects that she's passionate about. But her latest album , she insists, is a particular "labor of love."

What Matters Most: Barbra Streisand Sings the Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman, out Tuesday, features 10 songs by the beloved husband-and-wife team, Streisand's longtime collaborators and friends. All were recorded by the singer for the first time — a notable detail, as Streisand, 69, had covered more than 50 of the duo's songs before.

A follow-up to 2009's acclaimed, chart-topping standards collection, Love Is the Answer, the new album was produced by the singer and includes such familiar titles as The Windmills of Your Mind, Nice 'n' Easy and That Face, as well as lesser-known tunes. The Bergmans, both in their 80s, "were at every session," Streisand says. "They've written for movies, so they write for stories and characters. I relate to them as an actress and a person."

Streisand has a new film due next year, My Mother's Curse, in which she plays Seth Rogen's mom. The part is her "first starring role in many years" — though she may have another on the horizon. Before writer/director Arthur Laurents died at 93 last May, he had discussed a new film adaptation of his classic musical Gypsy, with Streisand cast as infamous stage mama Rose. Those plans are still intact, she says.

"We just have to find our team and a writer. It's too bad, because I was looking forward to working with Arthur," who directed Streisand in her Broadway debut. "I had seen him a few months before that, and he seemed so strong and healthy."

Streisand also plans to revisit her theater roots in 2012, albeit as an observer. The first Broadway revival of Funny Girl, the 1964 musical that helped secure her stardom, is due next spring. Lauren Ambrose of Six Feet Under fame will step into Streisand's shoes, playing comedian/actress Fanny Brice.

Streisand hadn't been familiar with Ambrose, but she's curious: "I saw a clip on YouTube of her singing My Man," delivered by Streisand's Fanny in the 1968 film adaptation. "But it was uptempo, so I couldn't judge it. It doesn't matter because she doesn't sing it in the show."

Streisand is already thinking ahead musically. She's planning a duets album, considering Seal and Beyoncé among potential partners. "The timing will depend on whether I do (concert) dates, and if and when I do Gypsy," Streisand says.

"And I want a holiday," she adds. "I'm always torn between laziness and wanting to be creative. To work or not to work — it's always a pull."

Barbra on CBS Sunday Morning - Watch now.

2011-08-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

For those of you who missed Barbra's interview this morning on CBS, you can watch it here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/CbsSundayMorningCBS#p/a/u/0/Tna7Vk0znHU

You can also watch outtakes from the interview here:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7377586n&tag=contentMain;contentBody

And if you still haven't ordered the album - WHY NOT?! :-) It's released on Tuesday - and you can order here:

TV/Press Spots (USA)

2011-08-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

Entertainment Tonight - Tonight (Thursday 18 August) - small feature on album including interview and performance footage from MusiCares Event in February this year.

CBS Sunday Morning - TV Interview - Sunday 21 August.

USA Today Feature - Tomorrow (Friday 19 August).

People Magazine - "Pick of the week".

Elle.com - Monday 22 August (PM).

Starbucks Exclusive - Visit any Starbucks (US Only) between 23-30 August with your WiFi enabled laptop or device - and watch Barbra perform songs from the new album. Watch the trailer here: www.barbrastreisand.com/us/starbucks

New York Times / LA Times - Print adverts running Sunday 21 August.

Starbucks Exclusive

2011-08-17T15:27:00.000-07:00

In February 2011, Barbra performed an intimate concert at the MusiCares annual benefit gala including selections by Alan & Marilyn Bergman. Only a lucky few witnessed this historic event, and now you can too!

Visit a Starbucks store between August 23rd and 30th with your WiFi-enabled laptop computer, phone, or other mobile device and log on to the Starbucks Digital Network. From there, you'll be able to see Barbra perform some of her greatest hits plus two songs from What Matters Most which she's never before sung live... right from your own mobile device and only in Starbucks. Watch the trailer of the concert now!

When Barbra Streisand Sings "What Matters Most" Is A Consummate Collection

2011-08-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

By Allison Waldman - Barbra Streisand Examiner

With her last studio album, "Love Is the Answer," Barbra Streisand not only delivered a beautiful song set and re-embraced the jazz-cabaret clubs of her youth, she also achieved the kind of legendary success that's made her the star of stars. "Love Is the Answer" debuted at the top of the charts, giving America's First Voice the distinction of having had number one albums -- not songs -- in five decades, from the 1960s to the 2000s.

Well, it's now the 2010s — and if there is any justice, Streisand's new CD, "What Matters Most: Barbra Streisand Sings the Lyrics of Alan & Marilyn Bergman" will equal or surpass the success of her last number one. Quite simply, Streisand has delivered a ten-song collection of the work of her dearest friends, the lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman, with the kind of respect, love and passion that imbues her best work.

"What Matters Most" comes as almost a surprise; an album of songs which she's never sung before. A gift that was meant as a tribute to the Bergmans, but becomes a treat for the listener. If you love good music, if you long for songs that say something about life, love, relationships and what is this thing called love, if you want Streisand in her balladic best tradition as an actress in song, then don't wait. Go now online and buy "What Matters Most" and be good to yourself.

Produced by Barbra herself, "What Matters Most" shows us that she continues to possess the voice of a wondrous Stradivarius, the skill as a consummate actress and the intelligence of a fine director -- all wrapped up in one amazing package. Song by song, she's both the character and the music, essaying the Bergmans deceptively straightforward lyrics with a depth that few singers can match.

Therefore, let's take it song by song:

"The Windmills of Your Mind" -- How do you start an album like you never have before? For Barbra Streisand, that's a tough question. But the answer is the audacious, a cappella opening to "The Windmills of Your Mind." Do you wonder about the Streisand voice, how it sounds as she approaches age 70? Listen to this song and be prepared to be wowed. Pure, strong, tone intact, subtle and vibrant, Barbra has retained the diamond quality and enveloping tone that we have loved since "Happy Days Are Here Again." This Oscar-winning song by Michel Legrand and the Bergmans has been sung and recorded by countless other artists. And yet, Barbra waited to do it now and, thus, it sounds completely new. The lyrics to "Windmills" are like a Salvador Dali dream, what do they mean? What are the images evoking? Barbra's interpretation punctuates the words that are the most important like the way she says "over" in "When you knew that it was over." And on her lips, "the color of his hair" is an allusion to Steve McQueen who starred in the film for which the song was written, "The Thomas Crown Affair." Another point to admire in "Windmills" are the specific choice of words the Bergmans use; in "the world is like an apple, whirling silently in space," it's not spinning, it's whirling. And "pictures hanging in a hallway in a half-forgotten dream," it's half-forgotten that's haunting in its wordplay. By the end of Streisand's almost minimalist approach, "The Windmills of Your Mind" has become a song of profound sadness that you will not soon forget.

"Nice and Easy" -- With the wonderful "Nice and Easy," Streisand wisely applies her take on a song that's completely Frank Sinatra's domain. In Old Blue Eye's version, the song is about falling in love; it's bright, bubbly, finger-snapping and playful. In Streisand's reading, "Nice and Easy" is about making love…from a woman's point of view. If Frank was singing of a date, Streisand is singing of a seduction. He was dancing, she's in bed. The difference only makes the song that much more fun. Two masters who've given the same lyric completely viable renditions -- and then sang them beautifully. Barbra's emphasis on certain words and phrases, take on new meaning, like "hold your horses" and "falling into place." And her warm, rich vocal is, well, just like buttah! And if you don't think she's having fun with it, listen close to hear her vamp with the horns. That's a singer at home with the music.

"So Many Stars" -- So many popular singers just don't take to singing in a different language, but for Streisand, it's just another arrow in her quiver, another way for her to elevate a song to something more. With the Sergio Mendes tune "So Many Stars," Barbra's in a Brazilian beat, swaying to the enchanting music, and going for the gusto as she takes the Bergman lyrics into Portuguese. Just for the record, that makes eight different languages for Barbra music; she's already sung in English, French, Spanish, Latin, Italian, German and Hebrew. But it's not the foreign phrases that give "So Many Stars" its élan. It's the almost "Yentl-esque" quality of the Bergmans and Barbra's collaboration. Singing "Which star is meant for me" Barbra reminds us of Yentl questioning the universe as she prayed in "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" But here, the song is not a prayer, it's a dance. Streisand glides. She's so fluid and into the beat… she must do an album of samba music.

"Something New In My Life" -- Bergman songs have heart. They mean something. As sung by Barbra on this CD, "Something New In My Life" becomes a love song to a child. It may not be what Streisand will confess, but this is a love song to her son, Jason Gould. It is hard to not imagine that words like, "Whatever else I may do in my life, you'll always be the something new in my life, from now on…" are not her dedication to him, the most constant love of her life. In a lifetime of accomplishment and great works, to this day, Streisand will point to Jason as her grandest feat. That's love, and "Something New in My Life" is her way to say it with music.

"That Face" -- Just like "Nice and Easy" will always be Sinatra's, "That Face" is just so Fred Astaire. But Barbra finds herself right at home in Fred's jaunty idiom. "That Face" soars. It swings. It's buoyant and fun and "intox-ox-oxicating" on many levels. Again, the song may be about nobody in particular; she's a singer and may simply be imagining what Alan was thinking when he used the song to ask Marilyn to marry him. And still I think the face in Streisand's song is Jim Brolin's; the face she sees on her pillow every night.

"Alone In the World" -- Love songs are a Barbra stock in trade, and in "Alone in the World," she shares with us another relationship of want and need and connection. Accompanied by trumpet soloist Chris Botti, Barbra takes us to that secret place where we can pretend we're all alone in the world with one special person.

"Solitary Moon" -- Another gorgeous love song, another undiscovered gem. With that soulful, samba beat, Barbra seduces us with this one, teasing with the words as she sings of romance like few singers can. There's a joyful, sensuous quality here that calls for rapt attention.

"I'll Never Say Goodbye" -- You can almost imagine that Barbra Streisand heard "The Promise" ("I'll Never Say Goodbye") and stashed it away as a song to do in the future. The future is now and here it is, a big fat great love song. It's intense, romantic and deeply satisfying. Barbra pushes a bit, and doesn't have super radial-tire strength to belt at the top as she did when she was singing about parades, but the emotional kick of "The Promise" packs a wallop when sung through her prism. She makes you believe with the actress she is. She is in the moment. It's the right effort. "I'll never say goodbye…" and she holds the note — on an octave leap —as if forever.

"The Same Hello, the Same Goodbye" -- In many ways, this is like "Where Do You Start?" another wonderful Bergman lyric, another examination of how hard it is to stay in love and not just fall in love. This song was going to be Sinatra's, but as much as he loved it, he never got around to singing it. For Barbra, it's another showpiece moment, a chance to give the Bergmans words resonance, as there's so much more to the words than just what's being sung. With a beautiful John Williams tune, Barbra takes us into the heart of a complicated relationship where there are no easy answers.

"What Matters Most" -- There was nothing subtle about the over-emotionality of the Jon Voight film "The Champ," which is where the song "What Matters Most" derives. But here, Barbra's take on "What Matters Most" is a paean to friendship. This one is truly for the Bergmans; this is their journey. And in the 50 year collaboration, encompassing 63 songs, "What Matters Most" is not the hits or the awards or the fortune they've shared together and singer and songwriters, what matters most is that they loved each other through it all. The Bergmans were there when Barbra was 18; they're there for Streisand now at 69. But in between has been a lifetime of love and collaboration and accomplishment. "What Matters Most" sums it all up and, as Barbra hoped, it leaves us with the lingering thought. That is, all great friendships should be like theirs.

And for me, my final lingering thought… how lucky we are that we live in the time of Barbra Streisand, an artist who continues to grow, evolve, entertain and illuminate. I can't wait to hear and see what she does next…but until then, I'll be playing "What Matters Most" again and again.

On my rating scale, "What Matters Most" is an "A" all the way.

Barbra Streisand's favorite songwriters

2011-08-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

by: M.G. Russell - AARP.

Read the article here:

http://www.aarp.org/entertainment/music/info-08-2011/barbra-streisand-favorite-songwriters.1.html

Barbra Streisand Tackles Portuguese in Newest Single

2011-08-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

by Sofia M. Fernandez - HollywoodReporter.com

She teamed with composer Dori Caymmi for the Bossa Nova-tinged "So Many Stars."

Barbra Streisand delves into the catalog of songwriters Alan and Marilyn Bergman in her upcoming Columbia Records release, What Matters Most: Barbra Streisand Sings the Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Out Aug. 23, the two-disc collection includes her take on "Nice 'n' Easy," "That Face," "Alone in the World" and "Solitary Moon."

It also features a recording of "So Many Stars," which was a hit for Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66 when it came out in 1968. Streisand's never recorded the song before and adds a Portuguese twist to it for her new album.

STORY: Barbra Streisand in 'Heated' Talks for Columbia Records Deal Renewal

She told the New York Times she felt it was the right time to record the tune in Mendes' native tongue, "I love Bossa Nova music and the Bergman's wrote 'So Many Stars' with Sergio Mendes. There's never been a Brazilian translation of the song actually but I felt I should sing some of the lyric in Portuguese."

Streisand was briefed on singing in Portuguese by Brazilian composer Dori Caymmi, who coached her on the lyrics at the 11th hour, "The day before I recorded it I asked Dori Caymmi to come up with a translation for part of it. It was fun to do.

"The Way We Were," "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," and "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" are also included on Streisand's latest collection.

Pre-orders for What Matters Most: Barbra Streisand Sings the Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman are being accepted now on Streisand's official website and include instant downloads of "That Face" and "Windmills of Your Mind." Pre-order customers will also be automatically entered to win a trip to the spring 2012 U.S. premiere of Streisand's new film, My Mother's Curse.

A Love Song For Barbra

2011-08-15T08:54:00.001-07:00

By Alan and Marilyn Bergman

On August 23, Columbia Music will debut Barbra Streisand's new album "What Matters Most," in which she performs only songs with lyrics by noted award-winning (Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, Cable-Ace) lyricists, Alan and Marilyn Bergman. They write below:

To hear Barbra Streisand sing a song we've written is to know why we chose to become writers.

She always gets exactly what we mean in a lyric. And more. The actor that she is, the director that she is, the singer that she is gets it. And more. Shadings, feelings, nuances emerge that never fail to surprise and thrill us. How do you sing a question mark? A smile? How do you sing the text and sub-text of a song while never sacrificing musicality for meaning or meaning for musicality? Never choosing style over substance or substance over style?

She was eighteen-years-old when we first saw her. Appearing at a club in New York's Greenwich Village. She stepped on the small stage in an outfit of her own creation: a full-sleeved white chiffon blouse, a vest and long skirt of menswear herringbone. An original. Everything about her was original. Then she sang, "My Name Is Barbara" (a song of Leonard Bernstein's). The sound of her was unique. The beauty of her was unique. Everything was within her and before her.

We met backstage that first night. She had a tiny dressing room which she shared with Phyllis Diller (who was the headliner). One of us asked, "Do you know how wonderful you are?" She didn't answer, but she had to know. You can't be that wonderful and not know. That was 50 years ago. We've never been out of each other's lives since then.

Two years ago the Motion Picture Academy of Arts & Sciences had an evening in tribute to us. Quincy Jones was the host. Many friends and colleagues took part in it. Michel Legrand came from Paris. Dave Grusin came from Santa Fe. John Williams from Boston, Marvin Hamlisch from New York and Barbra. We talked informally with Quincy and Barbra for a short while and Barbra quite suddenly announced: "My next CD is going to be a tribute to you guys." We were speechless!

Not too long after, she began thinking about which songs she would include (she's already recorded over 50 songs of ours). She knew she wanted to do songs that she'd never sung before. She asked us to make a list for her consideration. Then her work of selecting, conceptualizing, singing began. Perhaps unconsciously, creating a dramatic context for herself for each song, as an actress would for a character or a scene.

Once she decided on the songs, with the brilliant orchestrator Bill Ross, the arrangement, the musical environment for each song was decided upon. Then came the most focused, careful work at her recording space which she calls "Grandma's house" -- a small cottage on the grounds of her Malibu home. Rehearsing, discovering the songs.

Finally, the day of the first session arrives. The eponymous Streisand Scoring Stage at Sony Studios was filled with Hollywood's finest musicians. The familiar sounds of setting up, tuning up and chatter in anticipation of the first downbeat and Barbra's arrival. She walks into the studio and the air changes. Bill Ross steps onto the podium. The room quiets. There's excitement mixed with respect. It is always an event when Barbra Streisand sings -- even for these musicians who have heard them all.

After the take, the orchestra responds spontaneously. They know we've all just heard a singer at the peak of her artistry.

She will make suggestions to Bill before the next take. They both know how to make it better. And that's what it's about, making it better. These are artists at the top of their game with the same goal: getting it as close to perfect as possible. And so it goes. She did four songs that first day. And five the next session several weeks later.

How many times have we experienced that rare alchemy of words, music, Barbra? It's always as if it were the first time. And now this CD. How to put into words what we feel when we listen to it? Perhaps if there were a melody, we could find the words. It would certainly be a love song.

"Do you know how wonderful you are?"

BroadwayWorld.com Reviews WHAT MATTERS MOST

2011-08-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

By Pat Cerasaro

Only once in a lifetime does a talent like hers arise and only one in a billion of us ascends to this level of legendary as far as history is concerned - yet, here with an anomalous, unique new album to go with the seventy that have come before it is the voice of a generation, Barbra Streisand. The new album, WHAT MATTERS MOST: Barbra Streisand Sings The Lyrics Of Alan & Marilyn Bergman, is as much a touching tribute as a touchstone in her unparalleled career in the recording industry. Never before - not even on GUILTY or WET - has Barbra sounded this lush, loose, relaxed and, well, sexy. There is a mood to this album that is entirely unique in her catalogue and the ebbs and flows and waves and crashes and climaxes are all here to hear and experience. It is a romantic getaway of an album- a weekend, alone, off the grid. It would seem impossible for a performer of Streisand's stature to do something new while carrying it off so effortlessly - as with almost all aspects of her multi-dimensional talents - but she does so on this album. It is elegant, carefree, yet passionate and moving. It has moments of playful courting, coursing emotions and some off-the-course frolics. While Disc 1 is superb, the true experience comes along with the Deluxe Edition with Disc 2 and all of the classic Bergman tracks she has recorded over her forty-year-career. Once is not enough for so many of these classic songs. You'll want to hear them repeatedly- and the first disc is the ideal companion. Together? An ecstatic coupling, if ever there were any.

What We Were & Are, Again & Again

Once is not enough. When you are the singular musical talent of your generation you have no one to impress anymore. It has been a particular joy since the turn of the century to see Barbra Streisand begin to reveal her laid-back, relaxed side on albums such as A LOVE LIKE OURS and last year's simply flawless double-disc LOVE IS THE ANSWER, as well as her endearing appearances on OPRAH, LARRY KING and elsewhere. Yet, after last year's beyond-reproach Diana Krall-produced collection of jazz and Broadway standards, we are lucky enough to have ten new tracks to go along with ten classic tracks from the pens of the married friends who happen to have been dear friends of Ms. Streisand's for many years, the Bergmans. Believe it or not, an album so seemingly spontaneous in its conception, while absolutely pristine in its polished, precise delivery on record (as is always to be expected, though Barbra sounds the best she has since BACK TO BROADWAY nearly twenty years ago here, which is certainly saying something significant in and of itself). Lest we forget, THE WAY WE WERE album, not to be confused with the soundtrack of the motion picture of the same name though they both share the Marvin Hamlisch/Alan & Marilyn Bergman title song, was originally intended to be a concept album of sorts with music entirely by Michel Legrand and lyrics entirely by Marilyn & Alan Bergman. While the grand collaborative project of their dreams would not be realized until YENTYL, the album yielded a handful of the most lushly romantic and eerily evocative album cuts of her entire career - the majority of which have been ported over to this new release's second disc (although, to be perfectly honest, I would have liked "Summer Me, Winter Me" to be included in lieu of YENTYL material or "The Island"). From the very first moments of Disc 1, it seems clear that the idea of a concept album tracing a relationship from its first glances over candlelight through the entire journey of a relationship to its eventual end has finally been enacted. Evidently, the first track states the theme - as happens in many great symphonies - and then the story the songs tell reveal their ecstasies as the album plays out to its conclusion.

Song order is surely essential to the listening experience, and hearing the entire two-disc set as summer comes to a close like I did and it is - particularly with the aforementioned first track surprise stand-out stunner, along with the haunting Legrand composed "The Summer Knows" playing out near the end of Disc 2 as its parallel, in its way - it feels quite like a summer romance always destined to be. Just like this. And, like all great affairs: doomed to end, as well - with a longing, heartfelt, tender kiss goodbye. But, first: hello (gorgeous).

"The Windmills Of Your Mind" from THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR is one of the most instantly-recognizable soundtrack themes from films of the 1960s, so for Streisand to reinvent it in a stirring, dramatic and satisfying way such as this is actually merely the very first of its multitude of glories. The second, no doubt, is the sensitive, sensuous arrangement. Opening in silence; then, the word round, as the first verse plays out in a stark, nearly unadorned arrangement; the evocation is at once hypnotic and high drama. As the melody spirals like the lyrics it intones, the violins and strings work alongside Streisand's voice and they then enter into a sensual, erotic dance. Yet, above all else, it is the timbre and tone of her instrument- here and throughout Disc 1 (and the classic tracks on Disc 2, natch) - and the way she paints the surreal story of the psychedelic lyrics - what matters most to Barbra when recording a song; and, without question, what fans want most from her new recordings - is what really makes "Windmills" perhaps her finest single of the new century. It undoubtedly ranks with the very best - the highest echelon - of Streisand's work, which is to say: WHAT MATTERS MOST is one of the finest listening experiences of her recording legacy for those tuned-in and turned-on to her timeless talent. Listen to the opening track for yourself as a sample and see if you don't agree - and then let the rest arrest you with its seductive, softly insinuating songs and soundscapes. All of this adulation, and that's just the first ten percent! Unquestionably, a superlative recording as strong as "Windmills" could have been released as a stand-alone single, solo, without an album attached to it and still pack a powerful punch. More than many - maybe any - Streisand recording to date, the enunciation of every sibilance and syllable gives it the added layer of allure and sensuality. It is without a doubt the perfect introduction to the alternately moody, moving, majestic, titillating and touching material that makes up WHAT MATTERS MOST.

Equal parts arresting, assured and arousing - each track continues on from "Windmills" to illustrate a story of passion, joy, appreciation and spiritual transcendence. Following the stirring drama of the opener, the next selection sets the tone for many of the tracks to come with an impassioned and expressive rendering of the powerful "Something New In My Life". Next the mood moves to sweet anticipation and longing lust in a sumptuous and supremely sexy "Solitary Moon". Then, amidst oh-so-playful intimacy, the story's coupling reaches its apotheosis in "Nice N Easy". "Alone In The World" is the appreciation for the satisfaction gained and received and returned through love, experience and mere chance in this relationship (and Barbra‘s) - the emotion is almost overflowing, but tenderly. So tenderly. By half way through Disc 1 you realize that not only does Streisand sound the best she has in decades - which is certainly the highest compliment that can be paid to the absolute best recording artist alive, then and now - but, also, it is amply evident that she has a palpable affection for the material she is singing on WHAT MATTERS MOST and that, in particular, brings the entire affair that extra special element of magic that makes it really soar. For example, take the "Sleep inside my arms / Kiss the world away" section of the aforementioned "Alone In The World" and you have a passage to rank alongside her very finest recorded work of the last fifty years. This is a pinnacle. There are many moments of heart-stopping brilliance throughout and the entire tone and mood and theme is sustained in such a measured and exacting way as to create a real mood piece - a concept album with the emphasis on conception - particularly when taking into consideration the addition of all the songs on the second disc; each singularly masterful and singled out as such.

But, back to the rest of WHAT MATTERS MOST: "So Many Stars" displays Barbra's light, breezy side and the bossa nova beat compliments her seemingly casual but surely studied interpretation of the lyric in a particularly seductively swinging way - think chic 1960s cocktail hour. Bonus points for the caliente reading of the Portuguese lyrics! This may be many listener‘s favorite song to go along with the first. You‘ll instantly know why when you hear it - it captures, if only for a fleeting moment, the feeling of those great recordings from the start of her career - just as LOVE IS THE ANSWER sporadically managed to do last year. It‘s gold. "The Same Hello, The Same Goodbye" is the type of song only the Bergmans seem to write anymore - and who better than the prime interpreter of the Great American Songbook material to sing it? Some may snipe at the overriding saccharine sweetness, but the mature sophistication that Streisand brings to material that could so easily become treacherously maudlin in almost anyone else's hands and chords is one of the many, many pleasures that her Third Age of recording has brought. I mean, the "Must you and I / Say the same goodbye / Again?" is yet another example of a moment to stand tall, arm in arm, with the best of her catalogue. She is in it to win it this time - and you can tell. And hear it. And feel it. And, it's so exhilarating in exaction and exceptional on reflection. The close of the album comes in a triptych: "That Face" starts as a "Smile"-esque daydream before majestically morphing MGM-style into a raucously appealing cool jazz tune - with Barbra amping up the build with enough belting to buoy the notion that she is a Broadway baby, through and through, to this very day - now and forever. "I'll Never Say Goodbye" and "What Matters Most" are the thoughtful, introspectively intrinsic entities that bring the entire album all together- a bit like a chocolate box and roses unexpectedly arriving to you the morning after; love note attached - and, additionally, give it a healthy supply of spiritual and philosophical gravitas in the span of two inspiring and succulent songs. The collective impact of emotions, thoughts and ideas expressed in this exceptional selection of songs is even greater and richer and more moving than the individual parts taken together - but, oh, what engrossing and enlivening individual entities!

On WHAT MATTERS MOST, Barbra Streisand adds yet another major masterpiece to stand alongside MY NAME IS BARBRA, THE BROADWAY ALBUM, THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM, THE WAY WE WERE, and last year's deluxe edition of LOVE IS THE ANSWER, as the finest full-length albums of her recording career.

All in all, what really matters most here and now is that Barbra Streisand is back in the studio, somehow better and more committed to her craft than ever before - and making music that astounds, confounds and arouses as it wraps its arms around us. A throwback to her albums of the 60s and 70s - and something new, too.

It's an enveloping and lingering hug - made especially for those among us who are more than merely friends....

Read more: http://broadwayworld.com/article/SOUND-OFF-Barbra-Streisand-WHAT-MATTERS-MOST-20110810#ixzz1V75jybaR

THE SONG WRITERS WHO MATTER MOST TO BARBRA STREISAND

2011-08-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

Express.co.uk - By Jane Clinton.

THEY met her when she was an 18-year-old new kid on the block performing in a tiny club. Wearing an outfit of her own creation (a white blouse and a long herringbone skirt) she opened her mouth, began to sing and brought one woman in the audience to tears.

“I started to cry and I did not stop throughout this little gig in Greenwich Village,” says celebrated lyricist Marilyn Bergman who was with her husband and co-lyricist, Alan Bergman.

“It was awe-inspiring. I had never heard or seen anything like it before. She was so original. She had an original beauty, an original sound. I was overwhelmed.”

Her name? Barbra Streisand. Now 50 years since that first meeting Streisand has recorded 10 of the Bergmans’ songs for a new album, What Matters Most. It will bring the number of their songs she has recorded to 63 and the album is, according to Streisand, a homage to their working relationship and to their friendship. Streisand refers to their lyrics as “like miniature three-act plays…they have a poetic grace that’s completely unique”.

The couple, who have been married for 52 years and working together for 54, in turn see the singer as their greatest inspiration. “She is our muse, she is sometimes a daughter,” says Marilyn. “She is sometimes a sister but always beloved friend. In truth she is a tough person to encapsulate because she has so many facets to her.”

Barbra Streisand has recorded 10 of the Bergmans’ songs for a new album

The Bergmans who write for the stage, film and television are responsible for some of the most memorable lyrics of recent times and have worked with some of the great composers, including Michel Legrand and John Williams.

They put words into the mouth of Frank Sinatra with Nice ’n’ Easy and wrote the classic lines in The Windmills Of Your Mind and You Don’t Bring Me Flowers. Then there was The Way We Were from the eponymous film.

They also wrote lyrics for the film Tootsie starring Dustin Hoffman and the score for the Oscar-winning Yentl in which Streisand both starred and made her directorial debut. Alongside that Oscar are a clutch of Emmys and Golden Globes.

Streisand says in the sleeve notes for What Matters Most that the Bergmans’ lyrics work so well because the couple are “truly in love”.

“Their spectacular marriage gives their lyrics an authenticity making them both deeply personal and, at the same time, completely universal,” she adds.

The Bergmans who are in their 80s, live in Beverly Hills and by a quirk of fate were both born in the same Brooklyn hospital as 69-year-old Streisand.

Alan starts every day with a spot of tennis and then he brings Marilyn breakfast in bed, a system she jokes which is the secret to a happy marriage. Then they pop off to their room in the back of their house to write. “It’s like a tree house and we do that every day. We prefer to get the melody first and then the writing process is like pitching and catching.”

Alan says: “One is the creator and the other is an editor and these roles can be reversed.”

So who do the couple rate as lyricists today? “We really liked Amy Winehouse,” says Marilyn. Alan adds: “Yes she was at the beginnings of being a very important artist and writer.”

There are lots of artists they would like to write for although they will not reveal them. “We don’t want to look like we’re touting for work,” they joke.

Working with Streisand at the studio she calls Grandma’s House (it is a property on her home in Malibu, California, on the shores of the Pacific and gets its name, says Marilyn, because it looks like a granny lives there) continues to be a special experience for the Bergmans.

“She is such a perfectionist and that can be used in a pejorative sense but with her it is such a pleasure,” says Marilyn. “She works so hard to get it right and she does get it right.

“Her voice just seems to get better and better yet she is more critical of her performance than anyone else. She has ears that hear everything.”

Alan and Marilyn are now working on a musical and a film, Broadway Chicken, about a chicken who becomes a Broadway star.

They are a couple in harmony anticipating what the other is about to say. Such an unspoken communication is something they share with Streisand too.

“It is a very curious thing,” says Alan. “Yes,” adds Marilyn, “I think: How does she know that? How does she do that? We really are like a family. It is a very special relationship and we treasure it.”

When they heard the album, What Matters Most, from beginning to end for the first time they admitted it was a “deeply moving experience”.

“It was like listening to a life’s work,” says Marilyn. “Once again there were tears just like that very first gig all those years ago.”

Barbra Streisand’s new album What Matters Most is released on August 22 on Sony Music.

Entertainment Weekly Review New Album

2011-08-15T08:46:00.001-07:00

Streisand dialed down the diva 'tude for 2009's Love Is the Answer, a relatively restrained collaboration with jazz star Diana Krall that led to the legend's first club date in decades. Here Babs goes bigger, singing the natural-fiber stuffing out of 10 dramatic tearjerkers by her old pals Alan and Marilyn Bergman (''The Way We Were,'' ''You Don't Bring Me Flowers''). On ''So Many Stars,'' she even does a few bars in Portuguese, just because she can. B+

QVC Exclusive: 2 CD + DVD.

2011-07-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

Order the 2 CD set with QVC - and get a FREE 21 minute behind-the-scenes DVD.

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.F09537.desc.Barbra-Streisand-What-Matters-Most-2CDDeluxe-Edition-wDVD

Meeting Barbra Streisand - Album Pre-Order Contest.

2011-07-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.barbrastreisand.com/us/news/what-matters-most-pre-order-contest-winners-meet-barbra-set

http://www.nyc2suburbia.com/2011/07/main-event-meeting-barbra-streisand_22.html

Order the album with QVC - and get a special bonus DVD!

2011-07-25T14:13:00.001-07:00

Click here for details:

http://www.barbrastreisand.com/us/news/richard-jay-alexander-once-again-appear-shopping-channel-qvc-promote-barbras-forthcoming-album-

Hollywood Royalty meets British Royalty.

2011-07-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hollywood royalty met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at a glittering Bafta dinner last night (Saturday).

William and Kate met the stars of Tinsel Town who came out in support of British creative talent last night.

Some of the biggest names working in Los Angeles, including Barbra and Jim, were received by the world's most famous newlyweds.

The royal couple have become the toast of California after jetting into America on Friday for a whirlwind three-day visit, which comes after a successful tour of Canada.

Barbra looked stunning in a Morgan Lefay dress...with a Bonnie Strauss jacket... and antique jewelry from her own collection.

Some people "twittered" from the event:

Josh Brolin looking very handsome at the BAFTA event tonight in Los Angeles! Barbra Streisand gets prettier by the year. Talent is beaut…

@piersmorgan: Chatting to J-Lo and BarbraStreisand, waiting for Wills and Kate to come in.

Barbra Streisand exits her car to resounding applause- legacy in action

Streisand and Kidman both make the first move and stick their hands across the table to greet the royals

Here are some photos from the event:

Your Chance To Meet Barbra...

2011-07-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

This is specific to those in the USA. You are not authorized to participate in the Sweepstakes if you are not located within the 48 continental United States or the District of Columbia. Void in the State of Rhode Island.

Have you always wanted to meet Barbra but never thought you'd have the chance? Thanks to The Official Barbra Streisand Music Store, now you do!

Pre-order any configuration of her new album What Matters Most - Barbra Streisand Sings the Lyrics of Alan & Marilyn Bergman from The Official Barbra Streisand Music Store and you'll be automatically entered to win a trip for two to meet Barbra on the set of her new movie, "My Mother's Curse."
Pre-order now and you will also get to hear two selections from the album before anyone else! All pre-orders include two free instant MP3 downloads of Barbra's new recordings of "The Windmills of Your Mind," the Academy Award-winning song from the 1968 movie The Thomas Crown Affair, and "That Face" which was first recorded by Fred Astaire.

The Sweepstakes will begin on June 27, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. EDT and will end on July 5, 2011 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT

Official Pre-Order Link: http://myplay.me/7wc

Contest rules: http://www.columbiarecords.com/barbra/whatmattersmostsweepstakes/official-rules.html

Track Listing for "What Matters Most".

2011-06-28T03:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a first look at the track listing for the new album, along with the listing for the bonus CD.

Disc: 1
1. The Windmills Of Your Mind
2. Something New In My Life
3. Solitary Moon
4. Nice n Easy
5. Alone In The World
6. So Many Stars
7. The Same Hello, The Same Goodbye
8. That Face
9. I'll Never Say Goodbye
10. What Matters Most

Disc: 2
1. The Way We Were
2. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?
3. You Don't Bring Me Flowers
4. Papa, Can You Hear Me?
5. Pieces Of Dreams
6. The Island
7. The Summer Knows
8. How Do You Keep The Music Playing?
9. After The Rain
10. A Piece Of Sky

Click here to PRE-ORDER this album with Amazon.

Pre-Order "What Matters Most" - Barbra's New Album

2011-06-27T06:39:00.001-07:00

STREISAND'S FIRST ALBUM OF SONGS WRITTEN BY HER LONGTIME COLLABORATORS, ALAN & MARILYN BERGMAN, TO DEBUT ON COLUMBIA RECORDS AUGUST 23, 2011

* * * * *

June 27, 2011 (Los Angeles) -- The incomparable Barbra Streisand's long-cherished desire to release an album of music with lyrics exclusively written by her collaborators and friends, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, will be achieved with her latest release What Matters Most- Barbra Streisand Sings the Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman for Columbia Records. The ten song album, and deluxe edition, will be available August 23, 2011.

"What Matters Most" is Ms. Streisand's first new album since the September 2009 release of "Love Is The Answer," which debuted at Number One, making her the only artist to achieve number one albums in five consecutive decades.

The new album, which Streisand personally produced, is comprised of ten Bergman songs which Streisand has never previously recorded. Included in the set are the Academy Award winning songs "The Windmills of Your Mind" (from the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair); "So Many Stars" (originally a hit song for Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66); "Nice 'n' Easy" (popularized by Frank Sinatra); and "That Face" (first recorded by Fred Astaire) . The CD will be packaged in a jewel box with a 24-page color booklet.

The deluxe edition CD will include ten previously released performances of Barbra singing the lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman including "The Way We Were", "You Don't Bring Me Flowers", "Papa Can You Hear Me?" and "Pieces of Dreams".

Reflecting on her long-held desire to devote an entire album to the amazingly varied and consistently inspired music of the Bergmans, Streisand noted, "Alan and Marilyn Bergman have a remarkable gift for expressing affairs of the heart."
The affection and respect between lyricists and artist is quite wonderful. "When we write a song, we hear Barbra," said lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman. "She makes the connection from the heart to the mind, and it emerges through her voice."
According to the RIAA, Barbra Streisand is the #1 best selling female recording artist in history and the only woman to make the Top 10 all time best selling artists list, which includes Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Over the course of her career, Streisand has recorded 50 gold, 30 platinum and 13 multi-platinum albums, all records for female performers. An artist of unparalleled accomplishments in multiple entertainment fields, Streisand has made her mark as an award winning actress of stage and screen, recording artist, concert performer, movie producer, film director, author, photographer and songwriter. (She won an Academy Award for writing the music to "Evergreen" – the theme song from "A Star Is Born")

Having earned two Oscars (Best Actress and Best Song), five Emmys, ten Golden Globes, eight Grammys, a special Tony Award (in 1970 as "Star of the Decade"), and two Cable Ace awards, she is the only performer to hold honors from all of those institutions. In addition, Streisand is a recipient of the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award, the National Endowment for the Arts Medal, two prestigious Peabody Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Grammy Legend Award. She's also received the Kennedy Center Honors and most recently the MusiCares Person of the Year Award.

During their distinguished career Alan and Marilyn Bergman have been nominated for sixteen Academy Awards, winning three for "The Windmills of Your Mind" (1968) "The Way We Were" (1973) and the score for "Yentl" (1984). "The Way We Were" also earned a Golden Globe and two Grammys.

# # #

Barbra and Jim - 15 Years Together.

2011-06-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

On Friday 1 July - Barbra and Jim will celebrate 15 years together, 13 of them as a married couple.

I usually shy away from reporting on the personal side of Barbra's life... knowing how private Barbra is... but since 15 years is a sort of milestone - I thought it would be fun to look back at the public side of their life together.

"Lace" is the traditional wedding anniversary gift of 13 years marriage - and "Chrysanthemum" is the official flower gift.

A selection of clips over the years:

Photos:

Barbra Items in Debbie Reynolds' Auction.

2011-06-19T13:51:00.001-07:00

You can see the final totals here:

http://www.icollector.com/Debbie-Reynolds-The-Auction_as20092?p=1&ps=50&kw=streisand

What Matters Most: Barbra Streisand Sings The Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman

2011-06-14T03:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, PBS broke the news that Barbra's new album will be titled "What Matters Most: Barbra Streisand Sings The Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman".

The announcement came during the ad-break of Barbra's 2009 Village Vanguard Concert which was airing on PBS at the time.

PBS announced that the album will be released in August, and will feature 10 tracks including:

•The Promise (I'll Never Say Goodbye).
•Solitary Moon.
•Windmills of your Mind.
•The Same Hello, The Same Goodbye.
•Alone in the World.
•What Matters Most.

BarbraNews Exclusive: New Photos of Barbra on Set of 'My Mother's Curse'.

2011-06-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

Exclusive Photos: Barbra and Seth Rogen On Set.

2011-05-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

Here's an exclusive look at Barbra and co-star Seth Rogen on the set of "My Mother's Curse". The movie will be released in March 2012.

Photos courtesy of On Location News - and must not be saved or copied.

Barbra's New Movie - "My Mother's Curse".

2011-05-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

Matt Howe at Barbra-Archives has created a wonderful page dedicated to Barbra's new film - which she's currently filming.

Click here for the page and to see photos of Barbra on set.

Barbra Remembers Arthur Laurents

2011-05-08T14:34:00.001-07:00

From BarbraStreisand.com:

Arthur and I go way back to "I Can Get It For You Wholesale" in 1962. Then we did "The Way We Were" in 1973 and we were about to do "Gypsy" together.

He created people you care about because he cared about people. I spoke to him a few weeks ago and he sounded so strong, as always. He was lucky to have lived a full and creative life up 'til the very end.

I'll miss working with him again. - Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand and Larry Kramer trade blame for failed 'Normal Heart' film

2011-05-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

Entertainment Weekly Exclusive

Film legend Barbra Streisand and gay activist Larry Kramer would both like to set the record straight about their failed attempt to bring The Normal Heart — Kramer’s 1985 play about the dawn of the AIDS epidemic — to the big screen. The problem is, each of them says it’s the other’s fault. In an exclusive interview with EW, Streisand calls Kramer “brilliant, courageous, stubborn, and self-destructive.” The writer’s response? “She never put her money where her mouth is.”

“I love this play, and I love its cause,” says Streisand, who first purchased the film rights to The Normal Heart after seeing its original Off Broadway incarnation in 1985. (A Tony-nominated revival is currently running at Broadway’s John Golden Theatre.) Over the next ten years, she worked with Kramer and another screenwriter to adapt the story, which focuses on the struggles of writer Ned Weeks (Kramer’s literary alter ego) during the early days of the AIDS crisis in NYC. Streisand intended to direct the film and take the part of strong-willed Dr. Emma Brookner, a supporting role in the play.

But a movie never materialized. According to Streisand, Kramer was unwilling to allow adjustments that were necessary to make the script more cinematic. “I was using the best of [the play]. But there are certain things you do for film,” she tells EW. “Larry only wanted to use his screenplay. I couldn’t have my hands tied artistically.”
Kramer has another version of the story. He says Streisand rewrote the script to make her character the star, marginalizing the gay characters who are at the center of the play. “She cut Ned’s part so much that when she offered the movie to a major star who had played the part on stage, he said, ‘I can’t play this. The character has no motivation anymore,’” claims Kramer. “She subsumed all of the motivations into her part, as the doctor.” (A rep for Streisand did not immediately reply to request for comment on Kramer’s remarks.)

Streisand also says Kramer rejected a deal from HBO to turn the play into a TV project after major studios balked at its subject matter. “Larry wouldn’t accept their highest offer of $250,000. He wanted a million dollars,” says Streisand. “Larry held out for the money. I didn’t. Why not advance your cause? Why keep this movie unseen for all these years?” Kramer claims he never heard about such an offer and says Streisand repeatedly abandoned the project to work on other movies.
Even after the rights to the play reverted back to Kramer in the mid-nineties, Streisand says she never stopped supporting the project. Then, last year, Kramer posted a missive on the website of AIDS-awareness organization ACT UP, calling Streisand a “hypocrite” for failing to make The Normal Heart. “When he printed that diatribe on the web, I was very hurt by it, because it’s not true. I started to write [a response] but then decided not to do it,” says Streisand. “It was wonderful to read some of the comments from the gay community about this. They fought the battle for me. It was really lovely for all these people to come to my defense.”
Streisand says she was most upset by Kramer’s accusation that she had sabotaged the fight for gay rights. “At a time when we are all pulling together to achieve such giant steps for gay equality, it is anguishing to me to have my devotion to this cause so distorted. I think my efforts for the gay community and my immersion in securing its constitutional entitlement and other equitable rights is quite evident and a matter of record.”

On that point, at least, the two agree. “She’s a mighty force, and I certainly agree she has done a good deal for the gay world,” says Kramer. “She just wasn’t going to make this movie right.”
But there’s still hope for fans who dreamed of seeing Streisand in a movie version of The Normal Heart. The Oscar winner says she would consider playing Brookner in Glee creator Ryan Murphy’s planned adaptation starring Mark Ruffalo, although it would be difficult for her to let go of her creative vision for the movie. “If I could direct it today, I would direct it today,” Streisand says. “Because it’s been very hard for me to find a piece that I feel as passionate about. I mean, I love this play.”

Barbra Streisand Mentor Arthur Laurents Dies at 93

2011-05-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

By Allison Waldman - Examiner.com

Arthur Laurents was a man of enormous talent, the writer of "Gypsy," "West Side Story" and "The Way We Were," he was also a theater director and one of his claims to fame was directing Barbra Streisand in "I Can Get It For You Wholesale." Today, May 6, Arthur Laurents died at the age of 93. He'd lived a rich life and even in these last months of his life, he was intimately involved in a proposed film version of "Gypsy" that would star Streisand.

There are many obituaries about Laurents being published today and there will be tributes to the man who left behind a legacy of amazing work. In addition to the aforementioned works, he also directed the Broadway version of "La Cage Aux Folles" in 1983, wrote the Alfred Hitchcock film "Rope," and penned the screenplay of "The Turning Point." There seemed to be nothing much that Laurents couldn't do if he set his mind to it.

Arthur Laurents' life was interwoven with Barbra Streisand's in many ways, not the least of which was his first spotting her talent in "I Can Get It For You Wholesale." It was at that juncture in Streisand's career when her vast talent and ambition were yet harnessed by her or anyone else. She was a brilliant, but undisciplined performer. Working in a Broadway musical, under Laurents' direction, Streisand learned. It was a contentious collaboration and the two butted heads. However, both got what they wanted from "Wholesale." Streisand catapulted to instant fame by stopping the show every night of the run. Laurents got a star turn that held together a ramshackled musical that would have closed in a week if not for Streisand's "Miss Marmelstein" solo.

Whether they clashed professionally, it didn't matter when all was said and done. "Wholesale" succeeded in buliding a friendship between Barbra and Arthur, one that would last decades. Laurents had taught Barbra many things in "Wholesale," things she would later use when she became a director herself. And Laurents saw in Barbra a once in a lifetime performer. He knew he wanted to work with her again, and he made it happen.

Laurents wrote "The Way We Were" for Barbra Streisand. The character of Katie Morosky was based on a woman he'd known in college -- a woman ironically named Fanny Price -- but she was pure Streisand. Laurents had captured Barbra's soul with that character. When Barbra received the 50-page treatment he'd written, she knew instantly that she had to play Katie…and so she did.

"The Way We Were" wasn't all Arthur Laurents had wanted it to be, and he loudly complained that Barbra and director Sydney Pollack and producer Ray Stark had mucked it up. His vision was less glamourous. He wanted more politics and less love story. Whatever his regrets, though, Laurents could not deny the film's success. Nearly 38 years after it arrived in movie theaters, "The Way We Were" remains one of the greatest romantic movies of all time. In the dozens of biographies of Laurents that have been published today, "The Way We Were" is as much a part of his legacy as "West Side Story" and "Gypsy."

Currently, Barbra has just begun filming "My Mother's Curse," a comedy in which she'll play Seth Rogen's mother. It'll be in theaters next spring, and perhaps after that, Barbra's interpretation of "Gypsy" will be filming or in post-production. Maybe yes, maybe no. Hopefully it will be yes. And if it is, I look forward to seeing it and watching for the film's dedication which should and -- in my opinion -- must be to Arthur Laurents.

Walking Streisand Encyclopedia Discusses “America’s First Voice”

2011-04-12T04:33:00.000-07:00

Streisand Historian and BarbraNews-Friend, Allison J. Waldman, talks to Michael Roman of Simply-Showbiz in a GREAT interview:

http://simply-showbiz.com/blog/archives/4217

Barbra Streisand Presents President William Jefferson Clinton with Public Counsel's William O. Douglas Award

2011-03-22T14:11:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone -- On the 49th anniversary of Barbra's opening on Broadway in I Can Get It For You Wholesale.

(Remember, It was just after Marty discovered Barbra in the neo-natal unit of Brooklyn hospital!).

I have added Barbra's speech from Friday night along with the approved photographs here:

http://www.barbrastreisand.com/us/news/barbra-streisand-presents-president-william-jefferson-clinton-public-counsels-william-o-douglas

Gypsy: Don't Believe What You Read.

2011-03-21T11:13:00.001-07:00

One thing I've learned since becoming a Barbra fan is never believe what you read. Barbra wrote a song with those very lyrics in 1977 on her multi platinum album 'Superman' - and I always remind myself of those very words when I read an article relating to Barbra.

Earlier this year, Barbra confirmed to the LA Times that she would be doing her first musical since Yentl in 1983 by starring in a new big screen version of Gypsy -- it would be a bookend to Funny Girl.

Since the LA Times interview, there has been a flurry of reports and articles stating that Gypsy is dead in the water.

It's worth reminding yourself of those 1977 lyrics again - as Gypsy is far from dead.

Sources close to Barbra are telling me it's a very active project - and Barbra will play Mama Rose. All being well, and once contracts are signed off, the film will be made at Universal Pictures.

The way Barbra's life and career is reported in the media should never be taken as gospel... and the truth alert section of her website is a very valuable tool. This is one of those occasions when writers should have waited for something more official to be announced, instead of jumping on the band wagon and not giving Gypsy the chance it deserves.

I look forward to seeing Barbra Streisand as Mama Rose in 2012/13. No doubts.

Barbra Presents Clinton with Award...

2011-03-19T03:03:00.001-07:00

Streisand presents Clinton with the 2011 William O. Douglas award at the Public Counsel's 40th anniversary event in Beverly Hills

2002 Barbra/Barry Manilow Duet "I Won't Be The One To Let Go" - To Be Released on New Album

2011-03-03T07:49:00.001-08:00

Order: Duets

Barbra to introduce Bill Clinton at Award Ceremony

2011-03-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

President Bill Clinton to Speak at Public Counsel's Annual Event Celebrating 40 Years of Service for American Families, Youth and Veterans

Forty-second President Will Receive 2011 William O. Douglas Award Presented by the Legendary Singer/Actress Barbra Streisand

LOS ANGELES, March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and the 42nd President of the United States, will receive Public Counsel's 2011 William O. Douglas Award at its annual event on March 18. The former president will be introduced by actress/singer Barbra Streisand.

"Public Counsel is thrilled to honor President Clinton as we celebrate 40 years of fighting for the rights of families, persecuted immigrants and veterans," said Hernan Vera, Public Counsel's President and CEO. "Our nation faces huge challenges in educating our children, protecting our returning veterans, and helping Americans hurt in the economic crisis get back on their feet. We are proud to share President Clinton's vision for America as a land of opportunity and equality for all."

Public Counsel will also honor CBS Television, which will receive the Corporate Achievement Award, and the law firm of Irell & Manella LLP, which will receive the Law Firm Pro Bono Award.

What: President Bill Clinton to be honored at Public Counsel's William O. Douglas Dinner

Actress/singer Barbra Streisand to introduce President Clinton

When: Friday, March 18, 2011
5:00 P.M. Arrivals and Red Carpet
6:00 P.M. Dinner

Where: Beverly Hilton Hotel
9876 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

About Public Counsel: Public Counsel was founded in 1970 and is the nation's largest nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services through a partnership with the nation's top law firms. We provide free legal services to more than 30,000 people every year, including children in the foster-care system, persecuted immigrants seeking asylum and American military veterans. The William O. Douglas Award is named for the late Supreme Court justice noted for his support for civil rights and freedom of speech. Learn more at www.publiccounsel.org

SOURCE Public Counsel

Barbra at Nomad Two Worlds Exhibition

2011-02-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

Designer Donna Karan, Photographer Russell James and Barbra Streisand at Nomad Two Worlds Exhibition Opening Celebration Hosted By Donna Karan And Russell James held at 59 Pier Studios on February 22, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

LITTLE FOCKERS coming to DVD and Blu-ray

2011-02-22T12:54:00.000-08:00

BEN STILLER AND ROBERT DE NIRO RETEAM WITH THE HILARIOUS CAST OF BELOVED CHARACTERS IN THE #1 COMEDY BLOCKBUSTER LITTLE FOCKERS. COMING APRIL 5, 2011.

Arrives on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD - Featuring an Alternate Opening and Ending - as Well as on Digital Download and On-Demand From Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

Both the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and the DVD are packed with extras, including deleted scenes, a hilarious gag reel, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Little Fockers and a never-before-seen alternate opening and ending not shown in theaters! The two-disc Blu-ray™ Combo Pack offers fans three different ways to catch up with the Focker family. The set includes a Blu-ray™ and DVD copy of film; and for a limited time only, a digital copy of the movie that can be viewed on an array of electronic and portable devices anytime, anywhere.

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO BLU-RAYTM:
BLU-RAY™ EXCLUSIVE FEATURETTES:

Bob and Ben: Cast members Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro reflect on their history and their characters’ evolution throughout the Meet the Parents trilogy.
Ben and Owen: On average, every 1.3 years Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller share the silver screen. Little Fockers marks their 10th movie together. In this dual interview, Ben and Owen reveal the secrets of their shared success.

BLU-RAYTM and DVD BONUS FEATURES:

GAG REEL
DELETED SCENES
NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN ALTERNATE OPENING AND ENDING

BEHIND THE SCENES:

MAKING OF A GODFOCKER: A behind-the-scenes look at Little Fockers. Everyone’s back in this knock down, drag out third installment of the Meet the Parents Trilogy and this piece brings it all together. Featuring the return of cast members, Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Owen Wilson, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand, Blythe Danner and Terri Polo and newcomers, Harvey Keitel, Jessica Alba and Laura Dern.
BOUT TIME: A fun behind-the-scenes look at the climatic fight scene where Greg and Jack finally throw down the gloves.
THE FOCKER FOOT LOCKER: A string of clips from the film of every time someone utters a version of “Focker.”
THEATRICAL TRAILERS AND MORE!

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
BLU-RAY™

Street Date: April 5, 2011
Running Time: 1 Hour 38 Minutes
Picture Format: Widescreen
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles
Sound: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Spanish DTS Surround 5.1, French (Canadian) DTS Surround 5.1

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD

Street Date: April 5, 2011
Running Time: 1 Hour 38 Minutes
Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles
Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French (Canadian) Dolby Digital 5.1

Barbra Sets the Record Straight

2011-02-13T13:35:00.001-08:00

1. Regarding those absurd rumors that Barbra demanded the Staples Center be closed as she rehearsed for the Grammy Awards on Friday... she "tweeted" the following on Twitter:

How ridiculous to read that I shut down Staples Center during my rehearsal. Then who were the hundreds of people I was singing to?

2. Clarification on her 'Glee' statement to reporter at MusiCares Concert:

When asked if I would ever appear on ‘Glee, I should have said, “You never know.” It was wrong to say, “Not if I can help it.”

What I meant was that I’ve been overwhelmed preparing for my performances on MusiCares, the Grammys, recordings, and two movies. So I couldn’t take on any more work, and besides that, I wasn’t asked.

I’m so honored that a lead character on “Glee” is so admiring of my work. In my speech at MusiCares, I thanked them “for exposing young people to music they might otherwise not hear today: Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, and Darren Criss…you’re all so gifted."

MusiCares Photo Slideshow

2011-02-13T08:05:00.001-08:00

Barbra Is MusiCares Person of the Year

2011-02-12T04:40:00.000-08:00

Barbra stepped out in LA last night to accept the MusiCares Person of the Year Award, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The honor is handed out annually by the Recording Academy to artists for their artistic and philanthropic achievements

Barbra, who attended the event with hubby Jim Brolin, son Jason Gould, and other close friends and business associates, even walked the red carpet... a part of showbiz she usually shies away from.

An eclectic range of singers and presenters took to the stage to entertain the crowd. Here's what they performed:

Darren Criss & The Warblers from GLEE - 'What Kind of Fool'
Diana Krall - 'Down With Love'
Seal - 'Guilty'
Leona Lewis - 'Somewhere'
Herbie Hancock & Nikki Yanofsky - Medley of 'On a Clear Day' and 'Lazy Afternoon'
Lea Michele - 'My Man'
Jeff Beck, LeAnn Rimes and BeBe Winans - 'Come Rain or Come Shine'
Faith Hill - 'Send in the Clowns'
Kristin Chenoweth & Matthew Morrison - 'One Less Bell to Answer / A House is Not a Home'
Barry Manilow - 'Memory'
Tony Bennett - 'Smile'
Stevie Wonder - 'People'.

"She's one of the greatest talents we've ever had" - Manilow.

He went on to say... "Neither one of us know what the heck the lyric means," referring to the Cats song 'Memory'. Later, Streisand said, "I think it's about a vampire."

"When I was 12, I wished she could be my girlfriend because she sounded so good" - Stevie Wonder.

"There was never a picture of her getting out of a car without her underwear on," - Comedian Bill Maher.

As Barbra took to the stage to close the evening, she joked "I'm stuck with the leftovers!".

Leftovers they might have been, but Barbra was really left with some of the biggest signature tunes of her career, opening with 'Happy Days Are Here Again', segued into 'The Way We Were', 'What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?', 'Evergreen', 'I Finally Found Someone', and then coming full circle back to 'Happy Days Are Here Again'. She followed the medley by singing 'Make Someone Happy' - a song from Love Is The Answer.

Barbra concluded her performance with two songs from her forthcoming un-named album, which she has been recording since last month in LA... a tribute to Alan and Marilyn Bergman (who were there last night). Barbra sang "The Windmills Of Your Mind" and "I'll Never Say Goodbye".

Barbra thanked a handful of her colleagues for being there... especially Marty Erlichman, who she joked "discovered me in a neonatal unit of Brooklyn Hospital".

In a speech that came straight from her heart, Barbra said "I love music for what it does for the soul. It let me express myself when I had no other outlet."

“I love music for what it does to the soul, how it elevates the moment, the emotions. I love music for what it's given me. It gave me a job when I couldn't get a job as an actress. It let me express myself when I had no other outlet. I love how music binds us together. It also reflects the times we live in.”

Barbra at the Grammy Awards - Through The Years.

2011-02-10T12:18:00.001-08:00

MusiCares honors Babs - Streisand takes event to next level

2011-02-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

By MELINDA NEWMAN - Variety.com

As one of the most decorated entertainers in show business history, Barbra Streisand -- one of those rare birds who has scored an Oscar, Emmy, Tony and multiple Grammys -- is notoriously shy about her public performances. In fact, it took 27 years for her to commit to a concert tour following her Broadway, West End and Hollywood triumphs as Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl" and a series of celebrated TV specials. Her record-breaking concert appearances have been sporadic since the mid '90s.
And so when Streisand agreed to perform as the Recording Academy's MusiCares Person of the Year at tonight's gala, as well as making a rare singing appearance at Sunday night's 53rd Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center -- where she concluded her last U.S. tour in 2006 -- Recording Acad president/CEO Neil Portnow admits he felt like one of the luckiest people in the world to have landed Babs.

"There are a few that are even beyond your dreams in terms of the night you might have," he says. "You want to be able to present names and personalities that become irresistible in terms of selling tickets and tables and (program) ads. Who better than Barbra Streisand? No one."

The annual benefit raises funds for members of the music community who require emergency financial and medical assistance; in other words, people who need people.

As most charities struggle to regain lost ground from the recession, Streisand provides MusiCares with a wide reach when it comes to soliciting support. With her ties to the music, film, television, theater, book and political worlds, "this is someone that has an incredibly broad following and a lot of them want to be in the room," Portnow says.

An invite has been extended to President Bill Clinton, who attended in 2003 when Bono was honored. Portnow says Clinton, for whom Streisand helped raise millions during his initial presidential campaign, will likely provide a taped message.

MusiCares hopes to top the more than $4 million raised from last year's event honoring Neil Young. Tonight's program, being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, has sold out with attendance capped at 2,400. It is believed to be the highest attendance since MusiCares was established in 1989, according to Portnow.

"For me, being able to create is both a gift and a responsibility, and I have seen firsthand the power of philanthropy to make the world a safer, healthier and more peaceful place," Streisand said in a statement. "I have so much respect for the work (MusiCares) does to create a lifeline of resources...for music people in times of need."

Among the artists feting Streisand will be Tony Bennett, Jeff Beck, Seal, Donna Summer, Herbie Hancock, Leann Rimes, Diana Krall, Barry Manilow, Faith Hill, Leona Lewis and members of the cast of "Glee" (including Lea Michele, who has made no secret of her love for "Funny Girl."

"Barbra Streisand is a renaissance woman of incomparable voice, creativity, invention, integrity and magic," Hancock tells Variety. "She is also a compassionate fighter for what's best for the world and the planet."

Grammy winner T Bone Burnett, who was honored Wednesday by the Recording Academy's Producers and Engineers Wing, recalls a revelatory performance by Streisand in his youth. "When I was a kid, she went on 'The Tonight Show' (in 1962) and sang 'Happy Days Are Here Again.' She sang it with the greatest sadness. We all knew that song as a song that helped rally the country out of the Depression and the fact that she was able to take that song and show how much pain was in all of that and how much we lost redefined the song. I employed (that) when I did 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend.' You take an old song and look at it from this way or look it from over here. She taught me that. That was her artistry. That was a genius moment by her."

Courting Streisand -- who is reportedly prepping for a feature remake of the musical "Gypsy," which would be her first film role since 1996's "The Mirror Has Two Faces -- for MusiCares has been a multi-year process. Portnow has regular lunches with Streisand's longtime manager Marty Erlichman. "It's always something on my mind and he knows this," Portnow says. "When we did our annual lunch this (past) year to catch up and talk about things, he said, 'You know, this might be a good year. She might want to do this.'"

Streisand's longtime collaborator Jay Landers and multiple Grammy-winning producer Phil Ramone are producing the event.

Past MusiCares honorees include Bennett, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones. Portnow would not say who remains on his wish list, other than "Anyone who hasn't been on the stage" as an honoree.

Streisand is also a previous recipient of the Grammy Legend and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Barbra Streisand draws A-list to MusiCares gala

2011-02-10T11:54:00.001-08:00

By Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY.

Barbra Streisand didn't supply a wish list of performers for Friday's gala honoring her as MusiCares Person of the Year. "I wanted to be surprised," she says. "I didn't know who would be there."

An estimable and eclectic bunch, as it turns out. Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, LeAnn Rimes and Glee castmates are among those scheduled to salute Streisand, 68, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The honoree will sing as well, though "I'm not saying what." She'll perform again at Sunday's Grammy Awards (CBS, 8 p.m. ET/tape delay PT), where her Love Is the Answer is up for best traditional pop album.

The pre-Grammys event pays tribute to an artist who has had an influence creatively and philanthropically. Previous icons recognized by MusiCares, which helps musicians and industry professionals in need, include Bono and Luciano Pavarotti.

Through her Streisand Foundation, she's raising money for the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center on Crowdrise.com; she'll match the first $5 million. "Heart disease kills more women than all cancers. Research has focused on men, but there's new work. Female stem cells may help men more. It's always the mother, nourishing."

Actually, Streisand may play one of the least nourishing mothers on record, Momma Rose, in a new film adaptation of the classic musical Gypsy. "We're still in negotiations, but Arthur (Laurents, the show's librettist) let the cat out of the bag."

For now, Streisand will portray Seth Rogen's mom in the comedy My Mother's Curse. She's also working on an album celebrating the lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman.

The eight-time Grammy winner is, of course, looking forward to Sunday. "My lucky number is 24. I was born on the 24th and had my son at 24. When I won my last Grammy, I said, 'Maybe I'll see you in 24 years.' That was 24 years ago. We'll see."

Grammy preview: MusiCares to honor Barbra Streisand Friday

2011-02-10T11:51:00.001-08:00

By Susan King - Los Angeles Times.

Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder and the cast of 'Glee' are among the stars who will perform the singer's hits at the benefit, where Streisand will be lauded for her 'creative accomplishments and philanthropy.'

She's recording a new album and getting ready to star in a remake of the musical "Gypsy," but Barbra Streisand isn't too busy to be honored this week by MusiCares, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences foundation that aids musicians in crisis.

"I love musicians," she explains. "I love people who create music, play music, sing music — whatever. It is a very unified profession. We admire each other's work."

Tony Bennett, Jeff Beck, LeAnn Rimes, Seal, BeBe Winans, Stevie Wonder, Diana Krull, Barry Manilow and the cast of "Glee" are among the performers who will be offering their interpretations of Streisand's classic recordings at the benefit Friday evening at the L.A. Convention Center, two nights before the Grammy Awards. The annual MusiCares person of the year event honors an artist for his or her "creative accomplishments and philanthropy."

An eight-time Grammy winner who is nominated again this year for best traditional pop vocal album for "Love Is the Answer," Streisand, 68, will be performing at the conclusion of the tribute. "I am singing and talking for about 12 to 15 minutes," she said over the phone from her Malibu home, which she wrote about in her bestselling coffee-table book, "My Passion for Design." A portion of the book's proceeds go to the Barbra Streisand Women's Cardiovascular Research and Education program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

But that is all she will reveal about her appearance. "I want it to be a surprise!"

What isn't a surprise is that two of the tribute's co-chairs are Streisand's longtime friends, the Oscar-winning lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman, who penned the lyrics to "The Way We Were" and the songs from Streisand's 1983 directorial debut, "Yentl," among numerous other renowned tunes ("The Windmills of Your Mind," "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?," "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," "I Believe in Love").

"I have sung 52 of their songs," Streisand says.

But there are others she hasn't yet sung, so she's recording an album of them. "I had the most wonderful session a few weeks ago," Streisand recalled. "It was lovely to walk into the Sony scoring stage, which is now called the Barbra Streisand Scoring Stage. It was great."

Ever the designer, Streisand had Sony redesign and redecorate the stage. "It is such a beautiful space — the height of the ceiling and the size of the room," said Streisand.

"The artist's booth used to be way across the orchestra. So every time you want to go into the booth, you would have to run across all of these people and the instruments. The bathroom was outside in the street! So I remember saying it would be fabulous if the artists who recorded there have their booth right by the control booth and a separate bathroom. It was such a treat to work in the room. I worked with so many people I loved — the incredible arranger William Ross; Jay Landers, my longtime A&R man; Marty Erlichman [her manager, who discovered her] and Marilyn and Alan Bergman, who I have known since I was 18. We have a third of an album done."

Streisand said she was singing at the Bon Soir night club when she was 18 when she met the Bergmans.

"I guess they were in the audience," she said. "Marilyn told me this later, that she was crying through my set. I remember the door opening to this tiny little dressing room that I shared with Phyllis Diller. You could hardly turn around to change your dress. The door opened and she said to me, 'Do you know how wonderful you are?' And I didn't. I was always very uncomfortable with compliments for many, many years."

The following year, the couple were present with her at the apartment of composer Jule Styne, who, with Bob Merrill, would write the legendary 1964 Broadway musical "Funny Girl," which made Streisand a superstar as Fanny Brice and for which she won the lead actress Oscar for the 1968 film version.

"I had come there because he wanted to play a song for me," Streisand said. "I was 19 and I was in 'I Can Get It For You Wholesale.' Marilyn tells the story in great detail. I always forget these stories and she reminds me. I was designing clothes then and so I designed myself a black mink cape lined with the paisley that was on my couch — the leftover fabric — a black Russian Cossack-like hat and boots. She remembers I had long, dark fingernails. I asked for a sandwich. She said when they were playing the music for me I never looked up. I was just eating my sandwich."

But Streisand did look up when they finished. "I said, 'You know, that is not right for me. It's right for Carol Burnett.' She said what was amazing to them was that Julie had told them this [musical] was originally written for Carol Burnett. She said I proceeded to describe the kind of musical I would like to do. She said it was like describing 'Funny Girl,' which wasn't around at that time."

Though she has appeared in "Meet the Fockers" and the recent sequel, "Little Fockers," Streisand hasn't done a major film since starring in and directing 1996's "The Mirror Has Two Faces," and she hasn't done a movie musical since "Yentl." But last month, news broke that she would be starring in a new version of the Styne-Stephen Sondheim 1959 Broadway classic "Gypsy," playing the ultimate stage mother, Mama Rose.

Rosalind Russell had the role in the 1962 film version; Bette Midler played it in the 1993 CBS-TV adaptation.

The news leaked "a little early, because the deal wasn't finished," Streisand said. "I am not sure about directing it. It may just be too much. I know I will be playing the part. It's like a bookend starting with 'Funny Girl.'"

Barbra to perform at Grammy Awards

2011-02-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

Barbra will perform at The Grammy Awards in LA this Sunday, for the first time since 1980.

Win Two Tickets to MusiCares where Barbra Streisand will be honored as Person of the Year.

2011-01-13T13:37:00.001-08:00

1. HOW TO ENTER: Go to www.Crowdrise.com (the “Website”) and follow the on-screen instructions to a) Join Barbra Streisand’s “Cedars-Sinai Women’s Heart Center” project team on Crowdrise (http://www.crowdrise.com/barbrastreisand/fundraiser/barbra) and b) Raise the most money for your project on Crowdrise from January 13, 2011 at 10:00am eastern time to February 7, 2011 at 11:59pm eastern time on Crowdrise (minimum amount to raise: $500.00) and you will win two tickets to MusiCares where Barbra Streisand will be honored as person of the year. Donations must be made online through Crowdrise. Offline donations do not count.

2. SELECTION OF WINNERS: The fundraiser who raised the most money for Barbra Streisand’s “Cedars-Sinai Women’s Heart Center” project (http://www.crowdrise.com/barbrastreisand/fundraiser/barbra) on Crowdrise will be selected as the winner (minimum amount raised needs to be $500.00). Only online donations can be made to your project. Offline donations do not count. The winner announcement will be held on February 8, 2011. The Drawing will be conducted by representatives of Sponsor whose decisions are final on all matters relating to this Sweepstakes. Winners will be notified by email at the email address assigned to their Crowdrise account on or about one (1) day after the date of the Drawing.

Stars To Honor Barbra Streisand at Musicares Event

2011-01-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

Jeff Beck, LeAnn Rimes, Seal, and BeBe Winans added to performance lineup for GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute.

Current GRAMMY nominees Jeff Beck and LeAnn Rimes, and GRAMMY winners Seal and BeBe Winans are the latest performers announced for the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute to Barbra Streisand, to be held during GRAMMY Week on Feb. 11 in Los Angeles. They join previously announced performers Tony Bennett; singer/actress Kristin Chenoweth; GRAMMY-nominated "Glee" cast members Darren Criss, Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison; Herbie Hancock; Diana Krall; Barry Manilow; Donna Summer; Stevie Wonder; and singer Nikki Yanofsky. Streisand, an eight-time GRAMMY-winning artist and current nominee, will close the evening with her own special performance. Additional performers will be announced soon.
Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute, now in its 21st year, provide essential support for MusiCares.

The event, a private charity fundraiser, is attended by industry VIPs and others who help support the work of The Recording Academy-affiliated MusiCares Foundation, which offers programs and services to members of the music community, including emergency financial assistance. The MusiCares MAP Fund provides access to addiction recovery treatment and sober living resources for members of the music community regardless of their financial circumstances, and MusiCares Safe Harbor Rooms offer a support network to those in recovery while they are participating in the production of televised music shows, such as the GRAMMY Awards, and other major music events.

The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. The celebration culminates with the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The telecast will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. ET/PT. For information on purchasing tables and tickets to the event, please contact Dana Tomarken at 310.392.3777.
Past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include Tony Bennett, Bono, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Luciano Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt, Paul Simon, Sting, James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, and Neil Young.

Interview: Barbra Streisand's Change of Heart

2011-01-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

What the famous singer, actor, and director is doing to change the state of women's heart health.

WebMD the Magazine - Feature.

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

On screen, Barbra Streisand's newest role as therapist Rozalin Focker (seen in Little Fockers, which opened in late December 2010) alongside Robert DeNiro, Ben Stiller, and Dustin Hoffman, shows just how in tune the legendary performer is with matters of the heart.
But in real life, the two-time Academy Award-winning actor, director, and singer takes her commitment to a whole new level with her highly public role helping to raise funds for research at Cedars-Sinai's Women's Heart Center in Los Angeles. Recently, the eight-time Grammy Award winner wrote out these answers in response to WebMD's questions about why she's pulling out all the stops to transform women's cardiac health.

Q: Of all the important health issues to champion, what inspired you to advocate for women's heart health?
A: I have always been an advocate of women's issues working with my foundation, and I have been outspoken on issues of gender inequality throughout my career. When I discovered that gender inequality still exists in the medical sciences when it comes to research and treatment of heart disease, I was stunned. Given that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in our country, more than all cancers combined, I knew I had to get involved to make a difference.

Q: How are you personally helping transform women's heart health?
A: I have committed to raise $10 million, and I will match up to $5 million of it. These funds will be dedicated for research, treatment, and education on women's
heart health. In addition to raising money, it's also imperative to raise awareness about this issue.
To really engage people around the country, we launched an Internet fundraising campaign with a company called Crowdrise, a new online fundraising community that unites people to raise money and volunteers for important causes. I have never done anything like this before, but we have asked people to donate whatever they can -- $10, $20, $50 -- to crowdrise.com/barbrastreisand. The outpouring of generosity has been wonderful and inspiring to see. We still have a lot of money left to raise, but the early response has been very positive.

Q: Why did you choose to work with Cedars-Sinai's heart center?
A: Although there are other institutions around the country doing gender-specific work in the area of heart disease, the Women's Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai is among the few places leading the way in this effort. Also, the center is led by the brilliant and accomplished C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, who has received numerous awards recognizing her as one of the field's leading experts on preventive cardiology, women's heart disease, and mental stress.
It made sense for me to focus my time and resources at Cedars given that this work was being conducted right in my own backyard at one of the premier hospitals in the country. And the research outcomes conducted by Dr. Merz and her team will help women all over the world.

Q: Do you have a personal connection to a woman with heart disease?
A: I have had both close friends and family members impacted by heart disease. Sadly, I think most people have had someone in their lives who has suffered a heart attack and/or has all the risk factors for cardio-vascular disease.

Q: What's the No. 1 thing you wish women knew about heart health?
A: I want women to know that their hearts are physiologically different from men's and that heart disease in women doesn't always present the same as heart disease in men. Women need -- and deserve -- heart care specific to female hearts. Women with heart problems need cardiovascular screening, risk assessment, and diagnostic testing designed for women. Otherwise, they can be misdiagnosed, which could lead to disastrous consequences.

Q: How is heart disease different in women than in men?
A: Women having a heart attack don't always experience what men usually do -- chest pain associated with exertion. Instead, they may feel chest pressure, indigestion, shortness of breath, or fatigue. For these reasons, the need for gender-specific treatment is obvious and urgent.

Q: In your opinion, why are more women developing heart disease?
A: Today, more women are taking on the stresses of juggling household demands, of being wife, mother, and breadwinner. These modern-day strains add to higher blood pressure, lack of physical activity, quick and unhealthy food choices, and weight gain -- all major contributors to heart disease.
In addition, even though women have broken through some of the hardest glass ceilings, for decades, most heart disease research was done on men.
So, despite the best intentions of the medical community, women with heart disease have often been diagnosed and treated based on research outcomes done mostly on male patients.
Unfortunately, those approaches don't always work for women. And women need to be better educated about recognizing the risk factors for heart disease and how to prevent it. They need to take control of their own heart health by making it a priority to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, eat heart-healthy foods, and reduce stress. Gender-specific heart care and lifestyle changes have the potential to decrease the number of women afflicted with this life-threatening disease.

Q: How would you most like to see women's cardiovascular care change over the next 10 years?
A: I want to see women-centric cardiovascular health care, education, and research become the norm rather than the exception. We need to continue to explore women's heart disease from every angle, looking at risk factors and effective treatments across predetermined biological tendencies, demographics, and lifestyle choices. And we need to concentrate our research efforts where they'll have the most impact -- less invasive approaches to early detection and monitoring, advancements in treating small artery dysfunction, identification of gender-specific genes and proteins that may influence the risk of heart disease, clinical trials of promising new drugs, and lifestyle choices that can have a positive impact.
Through my association with Cedars-Sinai's Women's Heart Center, I've come to know what needs to be done. They're doing it, and I'm supporting them as they shape the future of women's heart care through their innovative work. If you are interested in getting involved and learning more, please visit: http://www.crowdrise.com/barbrastreisand.

Taken from: http://women.webmd.com/features/barbra-streisand-change-of-heart

Join Barbra in Supporting the Cedars-Sinai Women’s Heart Center

2010-12-29T13:42:00.000-08:00

This holiday season, more than one woman treated by the Cedars-Sinai Women’s Heart Center is celebrating with her family because our gender-specific heart care saves lives.

Without the generous support of Barbra Streisand and other forward-thinking donors, we would not be privileged to make this statement. Because Barbra and many others believe in our work, we have made great progress in understanding how women’s hearts are different from men’s and treating women accordingly. But we have more knowledge to gain and more hearts to heal.

As 2010 draws to a close, I am once again asking for your support of Barbra’s most recent initiative on our behalf: her partnership with Crowdrise, an online fundraising community that unites people to raise money for causes they believe in. Over $100,000 has been raised for the Women’s Heart Center through Crowdrise, but more support is needed to meet Barbra’s goal of $250,000.

To those of you who have already given, thank you. If you have not yet had a chance to learn about Barbra’s Crowdrise project, please take a moment to visit www.crowdrise.com/barbrastreisand and consider joining her to defeat women’s heart disease. While you are there, look for the instructions for downloading a new mobile application that provides valuable information on heart disease in women and on ways to stay heart healthy.
Barbra says, “It gives me hope to know that the Women’s Heart Center is here for women.” We are here, and we want to continue to do the research and provide the education and treatment that will help women everywhere win against heart disease.

Again, my sincerest thanks to all of you, and I wish you and your family and friends a healthy and prosperous 2011.

Warm regards,
C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, FACC, FAHA
Medical Director, Women’s Heart Center
Women’s Guild Endowed Chair in Women’s Health
Director, Preventive and Rehabilitative Cardiac Center
Professor of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute

New TV Interviews

2010-12-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

Barbra will be doing some TV Interviews this week - and we thought you'd like to know:

Good Morning America - Wednesday 15 December - 8am ET/PT
Larry King - Wednesday 15 December - 6pm / 9pm / 12am PT
Nightline - Wednesday 15 December - 11.35pm PT

Harpers Bazaar. Barbra's Dream House Photo Shoot

2010-11-30T14:14:00.000-08:00

"Instead of just storing my things in the basement, I can make a street of shops and display them," Streisand says. See the images from the her home here and then see the profile on the diva and her decor as well as the Jennifer Aniston as Barbra cover story.

A French chaise in the Antique Clothes Shop.

A table for wrapping gifts:

The Antique Shop showcases Streisand’s treasures:

Streisand's street of shops:

The doll shop:

Another sign from Streisand's street of shops.

Streisand wore the velvet cape to meet the queen of England.

Fashion moment: A Cecil Beaton costume from On a Clear Day You Can See Forever.

A life-size mannequin in the Antique Clothes Shop:

Part of Streisand's antique shoe collection:

The view from outside Streisand's doll shop:

Welcome to the doll house: Streisand shows off her collection. Shrug, $1,950, and gown, $8,815, Roberto Cavalli. robertocavalli .com. Hair (this page): Soonie Paik at Bruno & Soonie Salon:

With her antique dresses. Gown, $4,335, Alberta Ferretti. 310-652-9000. Shawl, Streisand’s own:

Portrait of the artist. Gown, $6,200, Monique Lhuillier. Bergdorf Goodman; 212-753-7300. Stole, Streisand’s own:

Awards season: Streisand and some of her accolades in the den. Gown, $4,295, Les Habitudes. 310-273-2883. Shoes, Streisand’s own. Hair: Chris McMillan for Chris McMillan Salon; makeup: Pati Dubroff; manicure: Lorri Keefer-Smith; production: Joy Asbury Productions; set design: Rick Floyd.

Barbra's First Book Debuts on New York Times Book List.

2010-11-30T13:54:00.000-08:00

BARBRA STREISAND'S FIRST BOOK, "MY PASSION FOR DESIGN,"
DEBUTS AT #2 ON NEW YORK TIMES "ADVICE, HOW-TO & MISCELLANEOUS LIST"

Barbra Streisand's first venture as an author and photographer, "My Passion For Design," has entered the New York Times bestseller book lists in its first week of publication, registering as Number Two on the Advice, How-To and Misc. list. It is a significant achievement in consideration of the fact that, at a price of $60, it is the most expensive book on the list, according to the volume's publisher, Viking, a member of the Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

The book explores the lifelong passion for design which has motivated the iconic actress, singer, director, screenwriter, composer, producer, designer and now author and photographer, illustrated by the thirteen year process of her personal creation of a dream house barn on her estate in Malibu. A portion of the proceeds of this book will be donated to the Barbra Streisand Women's Cardiovascular Research and Education Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Barbra Streisand details love of design in new book

2010-11-30T13:51:00.001-08:00

By Bob Tourtellotte

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - It's not exactly opening your home to guests at a holiday party, but for film and singing star Barbra Streisand and her fans, it's pretty close.

This week Streisand has seen her first book land in stores, but it's no memoir of star turns in films such as "Funny Girl" or "The Way We Were," nor does it recount the making of albums that have sold over 71 million copies.

For her debut as an author, Streisand has instead written about her love of architecture, art, furniture and landscaping in "My Passion for Design." But don't be fooled by its title because within the pages, the star tells tales from her life and career that influenced the choices she made in designing her dream home in Malibu, California.

"I think it makes it more interesting," she told Reuters about the book's first-person style. "People have been asking me to write my autobiography, but I don't want to go there yet and be that personal. I guess it crept into my own writing."

"This is how I see the world now, and what is beautiful to me," she added.

The coffee table book from Viking publishers takes readers on Streisand's years-long journey planning, building and furnishing the compound that resembles a 19th century New England farm with a barn, mill house, main house, Grandma's house and even a chicken coop.

It is not the first house the singer has designed for herself. In fact, it follows several others including an Art Deco-themed house, and her New York City apartments. But it is the home in which Streisand and her husband James Brolin spend most all their time and it is, in a word, rather comfy.

Adding to the book's personal touches, avid photographer Streisand took most all the pictures herself.

GAMBLING IN BED

In the introduction, readers learn Streisand likes to spend her mornings in bed, with her dog Samantha at her feet. It is there that she writes, reads, eats and even trades stocks.

"It's a way of gambling without having to get dressed," Streisand writes.

She said she doesn't know exactly from where she derived her love of architecture and design, but adds it certainly wasn't from her mother, who covered their furniture in plastic when she was a child to keep it from getting damaged. In Streisand's Malibu home, nothing is sheathed.

The book is divided into separate sections covering the different structures within the compound. She starts in the chicken coop, where she houses hens who lay eggs, and she covers the gardens where she grows her own vegetables.

Her "barn" is a home, really -- no stalls for livestock -- but Streisand is quick to point out that she doesn't live there. The main house is her home. "Building the barn was like completing an art project," she writes.

The design styles span roughly three centuries, from the 18th through the 20th, but the common theme is a love of Americana. There is her "Federal Lounge," that looks like a townhouse in Washington, D.C., her "Bee's Doll Shop," which houses her doll collection, and the Antique Clothes Shop, which shows off her love of vintage clothing.

"It represents all the different parts of my personality," she said of the rooms and their various styles.

In addition to design, Streisand also has a passion for raising money to help fund research for heart disease in women, which she said has impacted her own family. She recently launched a $10 million fund-raising effort benefiting the Women's Heart Center at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. More information can be found at www.crowdrise.com/barbrastreisand.

(Editing by Jill Serjeant)

Up The Sandbox Director Dies. Barbra comments.

2010-11-30T13:49:00.000-08:00

Irvin Kershner, filmmaker, photographer, and mentor to many younger Hollywood filmmakers, died at his home in Los Angeles November 27 after a three and a half year battle with lung cancer. He was 87. Best known for directing “The Empire Strikes Back,” the 1980 landmark sequel to George Lucas’s original Star Wars film, he had a career in film and television that spanned forty years.

Barbra Streisand, a friend of nearly forty years, remarked, “He had the most incredible spirit, an exuberance for life. Always working, always thinking, always writing, amazingly gifted and forever curious. We met doing ‘Up The Sandbox’ in 1972 and remained friends ever since. I loved him.”

Press Piece: Barbra Details Love of Design in New Book

2010-11-27T13:46:00.000-08:00

By Bob Tourtellotte
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - It's not exactly opening your home to guests at a holiday party, but for film and singing star Barbra Streisand and her fans, it's pretty close.
This week Streisand has seen her first book land in stores, but it's no memoir of star turns in films such as "Funny Girl" or "The Way We Were," nor does it recount the making of albums that have sold over 71 million copies.
For her debut as an author, Streisand has instead written about her love of architecture, art, furniture and landscaping in "My Passion for Design." But don't be fooled by its title because within the pages, the star tells tales from her life and career that influenced the choices she made in designing her dream home in Malibu, California.
"I think it makes it more interesting," she told Reuters about the book's first-person style. "People have been asking me to write my autobiography, but I don't want to go there yet and be that personal. I guess it crept into my own writing."
"This is how I see the world now, and what is beautiful to me," she added.
The coffee table book from Viking publishers takes readers on Streisand's years-long journey planning, building and furnishing the compound that resembles a 19th century New England farm with a barn, mill house, main house, Grandma's house and even a chicken coop.
It is not the first house the singer has designed for herself. In fact, it follows several others including an Art Deco-themed house, and her New York City apartments. But it is the home in which Streisand and her husband James Brolin spend most all their time and it is, in a word, rather comfy.
Adding to the book's personal touches, avid photographer Streisand took most all the pictures herself.
GAMBLING IN BED
In the introduction, readers learn Streisand likes to spend her mornings in bed, with her dog Samantha at her feet. It is there that she writes, reads, eats and even trades stocks.
"It's a way of gambling without having to get dressed," Streisand writes.
She said she doesn't know exactly from where she derived her love of architecture and design, but adds it certainly wasn't from her mother, who covered their furniture in plastic when she was a child to keep it from getting damaged. In Streisand's Malibu home, nothing is sheathed.
The book is divided into separate sections covering the different structures within the compound. She starts in the chicken coop, where she houses hens who lay eggs, and she covers the gardens where she grows her own vegetables.
Her "barn" is a home, really -- no stalls for livestock -- but Streisand is quick to point out that she doesn't live there. The main house is her home. "Building the barn was like completing an art project," she writes.
The design styles span roughly three centuries, from the 18th through the 20th, but the common theme is a love of Americana. There is her "Federal Lounge," that looks like a townhouse in Washington, D.C., her "Bee's Doll Shop," which houses her doll collection, and the Antique Clothes Shop, which shows off her love of vintage clothing.
"It represents all the different parts of my personality," she said of the rooms and their various styles.
In addition to design, Streisand also has a passion for raising money to help fund research for heart disease in women, which she said has impacted her own family. She recently launched a $10 million fund-raising effort benefiting the Women's Heart Center at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. More information can be found at www.crowdrise.com/barbrastreisand.
(Editing by Jill Serjeant)
© Copyright 2010 Reuters

BARBRA STREISAND'S FIRST BOOK, "MY PASSION FOR DESIGN," DEBUTS AT #2 ON NEW YORK TIMES "ADVICE, HOW-TO & MISCELLANEOUS LIST"

2010-11-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

Barbra Streisand's first venture as an author and photographer, "My Passion For Design," has entered the New York Times bestseller book lists in its first week of publication, registering as Number Two on the Advice, How-To and Misc. list. It is a significant achievement in consideration of the fact that, at a price of $60, it is the most expensive book on the list, according to the volume's publisher, Viking, a member of the Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

The book explores the lifelong passion for design which has motivated the iconic actress, singer, director, screenwriter, composer, producer, designer and now author and photographer, illustrated by the thirteen year process of her personal creation of a dream house barn on her estate in Malibu. A portion of the proceeds of this book will be donated to the Barbra Streisand Women's Cardiovascular Research and Education Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Barbra Attends Opening of "The National Museum of American Jewish History".

2010-11-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

The stars were aligned Saturday when the National Museum of American Jewish History held a glittering opening celebration of its new $150 million museum on Independence Mall. Among the 1,000 guests attending the black-tie gala were Barbra Streisand, one of 18 Jewish Americans honored in an "Only in America" display, and her husband, James Brolin.

Upcoming Press for November 2010.

2010-11-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

Oprah - 11/16

People / Feature Interview / on stands 11/18

Harper’s Bazaar / Feature interview, December issue on stands 11/23

Ladies’ Home Journal / Q&A, December/January issue on stands 11/22-1/10/11

House Beautiful / December issue on stands 11/23

Barbra on Oprah

2010-11-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME BARBRA STREISAND EXTRAVAGANZA!

A historic television moment: Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford reunite! Plus, intimate secrets from her leading men and a private tour of her dream home.

TUNE in on NOVEMBER 16, 2010 to watch the show.

Barbra contributes to The Shriver Report.

2010-10-24T04:50:00.000-07:00

The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Takes On Alzheimer's — A Groundbreaking Look At This Mind-Blowing Disease And Its Effect On Women As Patients, Caregivers, And Advocates.

Barbra's mother, who died in 2002, suffered from Alzheimers, so this is very close to Barbra's heart.

Links:

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Shriver-Report-A-Woman's-Nation-Takes-On/Maria-Shriver/9781451628999

http://www.alz.org/shriverreport/index.html

New Behind-The-Scenes LITTLE FOCKERS Trailer.

2010-10-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

Universal Pictures have released a new 'Behind the Scenes' video from Little Fockers.

The featurette runs for just over 2 minutes 30 seconds and includes new footage of Barbra as Roz Focker in the movie -- along with brief interview footage, and a first glimpse of Barbra and Dustin Hoffman together again on screen!

Enjoy:

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/universal/littlefockers/

(The featurette is viewable by clicking on the above link, and then clicking 'Watch Now' in the blue tab at the top left hand side of the screen).

My Passion For Design Deluxe Limited Edition (Leather Bound)

2010-10-01T05:26:00.000-07:00

Coming this November.

A Special Deluxe Limited Edition of My Passion for Design by Barbra Streisand.

The long-awaited first book from the inimitable Barbra Streisand is also available as a special deluxe edition in a limited print run of 500 copies. Each numbered and signed copy of this illustrated personal tour of the great star’s homes and collections comes individually boxed and with a beautiful DVD, making My Passion for Design Special Edition the ultimate collector’s item for the true Streisand fan.

• Hardcover book in individual cloth-covered box
• Signed and numbered
• Includes a DVD tour with narration by Ms. Streisand
$500.00 ($550.00 CAN)
ISBN 978-0-670-02286-1
On sale 11/24/2010 Viking

Click here to pre-order and save 29%

Barbra in New York!

2010-09-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

USA - 5th Important Dinner for Women

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 20: (L-R) Deborra-Lee Jackman, Donna Karan, Barbra Streisand and Glenda Bailey attend the 5th annual Important Dinner for Women hosted by HM Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Wendi Murdoch and Indra Nooyi in order to achieve the millennium development goal for girls and woman at the Mandarin Oriental, New York on September 20, 2010 in New York, New York. (Photo by Amy Sussman).

Playbill.com Article on Marty Erlichman.

2010-09-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

By Blake Ross -- Playbill.com

Many moons ago, when I was first getting started in PR, I was given the chance of a lifetime when my former boss, PR honcho Ken Sunshine, said five little words that would change me forever: “You wanna work for Streisand?”

Wanna? Do I “wanna” work for the greatest living legend in all of showbiz? Now, that was a dumb question.

“Ummm…yeah!” I said.

“Good. Be on a call in ten minutes. It’s with Marty,” he warned, “and let me do the talking.” A fair warning — I am of the loquacious variety (to say the least).

I hadn’t yet met Marty but, like Cher and Madonna, no last name was required. I knew who “Marty” was — he was, and still is, Barbra’s manager. And if Marty Erlichman don’t like you — you ain’t working with Barbra. So I knew I had to be on my best behavior.

I remember Ken’s introduction on that faithful call: “Marty, this is Blake. She’ll be helping with tour stuff.” (Mind you, this was in 2006 when we were launching Barbra’s first multi-city national tour in over a decade). I followed orders to be say little and muttered a swift “Hello.”

“How are you? It’s nice to meet you, Blake. How long have you been working for Kenny?” Marty responded warmly. “Fine. A few years.” (Again, keeping it short and sweet.) But Marty would hear nothing of it. He engaged me in a short banter about growing up in New York and other assorted chit chat. He ended our conversation with, “So Blake, are you ready?” I answered “yes” even though I knew the answer was more like “maybe.”

From that phone call, I embarked on what would be a few of the most exciting years of my life working and learning from Marty, Barbra and the rest of the team. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard work, but well worth it. After a tough day at the “office” (whatever venue we played that night) Marty would hold court at the hotel bar, buying everyone drinks, regaling us with backstage stories from his years in show biz.

This past weekend, Barbra threw Marty a party at her Malibu home to celebrate his 80th (well, really 81st) birthday and their upcoming 50-year relationship as manager and star, friends and confidants. Barbra’s gift to Marty? A Mercedes hybrid.

Friends including Don Rickles, Michael Eisner, George Foreman, Clive Davis and others were there, all sharing stories about the man of the hour. Marty’s family, wife Miko and son JJ, were also present.

Barbra gave a performance of Ray Noble’s “The Very Thought of You” commenting that he “always wanted me to record [it], but I just never did.” She then sang a special impromptu version of “The Way We Were” with none other than Marvin Hamlisch accompanying her. She and the song’s original co-writers Alan and Marilyn Bergman had some fun with the lyrics:

“Marty,

With your dwindling role o’dimes,
Making deals and making phone calls, (a reference to Marty’s first office–a phone booth on 53rd and 7th Ave and calls only cost a dime)
You knew that there’d be better times!
You booked and then you, would check the venue
I only checked the menu
That’s the way we were!”
In his signature style, Marty made a quick comment about the affair: “What an evening. There are five lawyers, three agents, three promoters and no doctors.” He addressed the 100 people in attendance to say: “You know I still love it… I wake up every morning and attack each day.”

Happy Birthday, Marty. Here’s to many more!

Josh Brolin on Barbra.

2010-09-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

On his dad's marriage to Barbra Streisand: "The fact that he got together with her and found this solace is such a coup and so wonderful. The guy was so frigging unhappy and lonely. She's always like, 'Come over. We'll have cake or cocktails or soup or ice cream.' I love her and I love what they've created together. I say thank God for her. I grew up with country and western, not her music, so I think she loved it when I said, 'So you're a singer, huh?' When she invited me to her first concert in more than 20 years and she opened her mouth, it was unearthly, from a different galaxy, like Billie Holiday, like Sarah Vaughan."

Barbra throws 81st Birthday Bash for Marty Erlichman.

2010-09-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, September 11, 2010 Barbra Streisand hosted a party at her Malibu home to celebrate the birthday of her long-time manager, Marty Erlichman and the pair's 50 years of working together.

Originally scheduled to take place last year for Erlichman's 80th Birthday, the party was delayed when the two got busy with Streisand's top of the charts release of Love is the Answer and her performance at New York's Village Vanguard and was instead celebrated the night before his 81st birthday.

Read more:

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Barbra_Streisand_Marty_Erlichman_Celebrate_50_Years_Together_20100915#ixzz0zhpGL0rW

Cover Art for New European Hits Package.

2010-09-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Ultimate Collection - The Deluxe Edition is in a beautiful gifting clamshell box. Inside the clamshell is 4 beautifully designed images of Barbra Streisand which she has cleared exclusively for this product.

Click here to Pre-order this special album now.

MEET THE FOCKERS COMING TO BLU-RAY NOVEMBER 30

2010-09-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

Universal Home Video will release MEET THE FOCKERS on Blu-ray this November 30th.

This will be Barbra's second movie to be released in High Definition. The disc will also feature English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (for all you 'technicological' * people)

Extras:

• Bloopers

• Inside The Litter Box: Behind-The-Scenes With Jinx The Cat

• The Manary Gland

• Fockers' Family Portrait

• The Adventures Of A Baby Wrangler

• Matt Lauer Meets The Fockers

• Feature Commentary With Director Jay Roach and Editor/Co-Producer Jon Poll

• Pocket BLU

• Social BLU

*If you don't get my joke -- watch 'The Making of the Broadway Album' DVD!!

Click here to PRE-ORDER.

New Paparazzi Photo...

2010-09-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post these -- but here's a great photo of Barbra attending a Malibu Party last week.

New UK Album Coming October.

2010-09-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

SONY SETS STREISAND “ULTIMATE COLLECTION” CD FOR INTERNATIONAL RELEASE OCTOBER 25
Following powerful sales of Barbra Streisand’s most recent album, “Love Is The Answer,” a number one hit in both the U.S. and the United Kingdom and with high rankings in virtually all other countries, Sony will release “Barbra – The Ultimate Collection” for international release October 25. The new CD will comprise 18 of the artist’s greatest recordings. The selections are drawn from hits that over half a century have become classics transcending all borders.
Included in the “Ultimate” track list are: Woman In Love , Evergreen, The Way We Were, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, Guilty, No More Tears (Enough Is Enough,) Don’t Rain On My Parade, Memory, Papa, Can you Hear Me?, As If We Never Said Goodbye, Tell Him, Stranger In A Strange Land, I've Dreamed Of You, Send In The Clowns, People, Smile, In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning and Somewhere.

Barbra Streisand's career has been marked by bold creative achievements and highlighted by a series of firsts. An unparalleled talent, Streisand is the only artist ever to receive Oscar®, Tony®, Emmy®, GRAMMY, Directors Guild of America, Golden Globe®, National Medal of Arts, and Peabody awards, as well as France's Legion d'Honneur and the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. She is also the first female film director to receive the Kennedy Center Honors and next February will be honoured with the MusiCares Person Of The Year award.

Streisand is the only performer to have a No. 1 album in five consecutive decades. She earned 51 gold, 30 platinum and 18 multi-platinum albums, each of which exceeds all other female singers, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. The RIAA also notes that her 71.5 million album sales top the RIAA list of album sales by a female singer. With the debut of Love Is The Answer at No. 1 in 2009, the time span between her first and most recent No. 1 albums is 46 years — exceeding that of any other performer.

Tracklisting:

1. Woman In Love

2. Evergreen

3. The Way We Were

4. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers

5. Guilty

6. No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)

7. Don’t Rain On My Parade

8. Memory

9. Papa, Can you Hear Me?

10. As If We Never Said Goodbye

11. Tell Him

12. Stranger In A Strange Land

13. I’ve Dreamed Of You

14. Send In The Clowns

15. People

16. Smile

17. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning

18. Somewhere

Barbra Attends 'Women Making History' Luncheon.

2010-09-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

Barbra Streisand receives an Award at The Women Making History luncheon. Senator Boxer presented the award to Barbra and to Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Behind-the-Scenes Photo of Barbra in Little Fockers.

2010-08-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

With Colin Baiocchi who plays 'Little Focker' Henry Focker in the movie, due in theaters this Christmas.

Pre-order My Passion For Design.

2010-08-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

Barbra's new book will be released in November. Here's a few sneak peeks at the book.

Click here to Pre-order this book now.

A lavishly illustrated personal tour of the great star's homes and collections.
For nearly five decades Barbra Streisand has been one of the singular figures in American entertainment. From the cabaret to the Broadway stage, from television and film stardom to her acclaimed work as a director, from the recording studio to the concert hall, she has demonstrated that the extraordinary voice that launched her career was only one of her remarkable gifts.

Now, in her first book, Barbra Streisand reveals another aspect of her talent: the taste and style that have inspired her beautiful homes and collections.

My Passion for Design focuses on the architecture and construction of her newest homes, the dream refuge that she has longed for since the days when she shared a small Brooklyn apartment with her mother, brother, and grandparents.

A culmination and reflection of Streisand's love of American architecture and design between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries, the book contains many of her own photographs of the rooms she has decorated, the furniture and art she has collected, and the ravishing gardens she has planted on her land on the California coast.

In addition to glimpses of her homes, Barbra shares memories of her childhood, the development of her sense of style, and what collecting has come to mean to her. My Passion for Design is a rare and intimate private tour into the world of one of our most beloved stars. It will be welcomed by her many fans and all lovers of the great achievements of American design.

Click here to Pre-order this book now.

Barbra Attends Barbara Boxer Fundraiser.

2010-08-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

Barbra attended a Barbara Boxer fundraiser on Thursday afternoon at the Bel Air home of “Bold and the Beautiful” executive producer Bradley Bell and his wife, Colleen.

In addition to Barbra, the “Women Making History” luncheon honored Boxer’s partner in the Senate, Dianne Feinstein, and Latino civil rights activist Antonia Hernandez.

(Source: Politico.com)

New International Trailer for LITTLE FOCKERS.

2010-08-19T11:00:00.001-07:00

Barbra Attends Cedars-Sinai Benefit

2010-08-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

Bloomingdale's opened in Santa Monica with a chic soiree Wednesday night to benefit the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute’s Women’s Heart Center. It was the first glimpse many people had gotten of the store -- one of the anchor retailers of the revamped Santa Monica Place -- which is scheduled to reopen this weekend after a two-year closure.

The event drew an eclectic crowd -- including Barbra Streisand and James Brolin -- and it’s not often you can say you've seen Rock & Republic co-founder Michael Ball out of one eye, and Diane Keaton out of the other. Dinner kicked off with remarks from Bloomingdale's Chairman Michael Gould and Streisand who served as the honorary event chair.
“They are going to have coffee yogurt here, my fave,” Streisand said, referring to the Forty Carrots Cafe on the store’s second level, before moving on to the more serious topic at hand. “Five hundred thousand women in the U.S. die every year of heart disease. That’s more than die from all cancers combined,” she said, making a pitch for the Women’s Heart Center. “If properly funded, this center can save lives of women around the world. Heart disease is not just a man’s disease anymore.”
She introduced Dr. Noel Bairey Merz, the Center’s cirector, who spoke of the groundbreaking research being done at her institution and others, spotlighting University of Minnesota researcher Dr. Doris Taylor, who found that female stem cells alone, not male, can grow a human heart in a petri dish.
"The biggest challenge with growing a heart is that the cells need to be given some direction," she said. "And male stem cells tend to get lost." After a ripple of laughter moved through the crowd, Merz followed up with an important point.
“So in all likelihood gentlemen, when you need a new organ, or a stem cell, it will come from a woman,” she said.

Barbra Comments on Jennifer Aniston Photo Shoot.

2010-08-05T12:58:00.001-07:00

Jennifer Aniston paid homage to Barbra in a photo shoot that is featured in this month's Harper's Bazaar magazine -- and here's what Barbra said about the photos:

I was very flattered that Jennifer Aniston chose to interpret my style with the photos in Harper's Bazaar. She's a delightful person, and I think she did a wonderful job. If only she had a bump on her nose.

Click here for more on the article: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/aniston

Eight-Time GRAMMY® Winner Barbra Streisand to Be Honored as 2011 MusiCares® Person of the Year

2010-08-04T13:28:00.001-07:00

Barbra Streisand, actress/singer/director/writer/composer/producer/designer/author/activist and eight-time GRAMMY® winner (as well as GRAMMY Legend and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient), will be honored as the 2011 MusiCares® Person of the Year at its 21st annual benefit gala, it was announced today by Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the MusiCares Foundation® and The Recording Academy®, and Paul Caine, Chair of the MusiCares Foundation Board. Proceeds from the dinner and concert honoring Streisand — to be held in Los Angeles during GRAMMY Week on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011, two days prior to the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards — will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

The legendary artist is being honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year in recognition of her renowned creative accomplishments as well as her philanthropic work, which has included an extraordinary range of charitable activities over the years.

"Barbra Streisand is a genuine Renaissance woman, someone for whom artistry and philanthropy go hand in hand," said Portnow. "The enormous talent, passion and dedication she brings to her creative projects — whether film, television or music — are matched by the generosity and commitment she devotes to her charitable causes. It is fitting to celebrate the incredible legacy of Barbra at our 21st Annual MusiCares Person of the Year tribute."

"Barbra is synonymous with artistic excellence," said Caine. "What is truly remarkable is that an artist of her stature also gives back with such open arms. As part of her wide philanthropy, over $21 million was directed to causes she supports from her two most recent concert tours."

"For me, being able to create is both a gift and a responsibility, and I have seen firsthand the power of philanthropy to make the world a safer, healthier and more peaceful place," said Streisand. "It is an honor to be recognized as the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year. I have so much respect for the work they do to create a lifeline of resources — whether it's emergency financial assistance or access to addiction recovery resources — for music people in times of need."

The 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will begin with a reception and silent auction offering an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The reception and silent auction will be followed by a dinner, the award presentation and a star-studded tribute concert. The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute ceremony is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. The celebration culminates with the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011. The telecast will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Barbra Streisand's career has been marked by bold creative achievements and highlighted by a series of firsts. An unparalleled talent, Streisand is the only artist ever to receive Oscar®, Tony®, Emmy®, GRAMMY, Directors Guild of America, Golden Globe®, National Medal of Arts, and Peabody awards, as well as France's Legion d'honneur and the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. She is also the first female film director to receive the Kennedy Center Honors.
Streisand is the only performer to have a No. 1 album in five consecutive decades. She has earned 51 gold, 30 platinum and 18 multi-platinum albums, each of which exceeds all other female singers, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. The RIAA also notes that her 71.5 million album sales top the RIAA list of album sales by a female singer. With the debut of Love Is The Answer at No. 1 in 2009, the time span between her first and most recent No. 1 albums is 46 years — exceeding that of any other performer or act.

For her first motion picture, Funny Girl, she won the 1968 Academy Award® for best actress, the first of two Oscar nominations in that category. With Yentl (1983), her first film as a director, she became the first woman ever to produce, direct, write, and star in a major motion picture. Yentl earned five Oscar nominations and Golden Globes for both Best Director/Motion Picture and Best Motion Picture/Comedy or Musical. The Prince Of Tides, her next directorial feature in which she also produced and starred, was the first motion picture directed by its female star ever to receive a Feature Film nomination from the DGA as well as seven Academy Award nominations. She won a DGA award (Best Director Music/Variety Television Program) in 1994 for her television special, "Barbra: The Concert," which she co-directed with Dwight Hemion.

Her very first Broadway appearance in "I Can Get It For You Wholesale," earned her the New York Drama Critics Award and received a Tony nomination. For her very first solo recording, The Barbra Streisand Album, she won two GRAMMY Awards in 1963 for Best Vocal Performance, Female and Album Of The Year; which made her the youngest artist to have received that award at the time. For "Evergreen," the love theme from her 1976 hit film, A Star Is Born, she became the first female composer ever to win an Academy Award. She was nominated again in 1997 as co-composer of "I Finally Found Someone," based on her 1996 film The Mirror Has Two Faces. The film achieved two Oscar nominations and the best supporting actress Golden Globe for Lauren Bacall. Streisand's first television special, "My Name Is Barbra" (1965), received five Emmy Awards, including one for best performance, as well as her first of two Peabody Awards. This achievement was repeated 30 years later by "Barbra: The Concert," which won two additional Emmy Awards for Streisand among the five for the production. That show was also accorded a Peabody Award, a DGA award and three CableACE awards, and it became the highest-rated musical event in HBO's history. Her 2001 television concert special, "Timeless. Live in Concert," also co-directed by its star, won four more Emmys, including one for Streisand's performance.

DVD releases of her concerts have achieved notable recent firsts. In 2009 her three-disc offering, Streisand The Concerts, reigned in the No. 1 position on Billboard's DVD charts for three weeks. A year later, One Night Only, capturing her heralded performance at the Village Vanguard in New York before an audience of 100 lottery-picked fans and some of her notable friends, opened at No. 1 as well.

Her civil rights activism and philanthropic pursuits are just as impressive. The Streisand Foundation has given millions of dollars through 2,100 grants to nonprofit organizations and she has raised many millions more through her performances. Streisand supports an impressive range of causes from AIDS organizations to nonprofits that work on issues of women's equality, the protection of both human rights and civil rights, the needs of children at risk in society, the preservation of the environment, Jewish/Arab relations, and relations between African-Americans and Jews.

Established in 1989 by The Recording Academy, MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. For more information, please visit http://www.musicares.com/.
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture.

For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization's social networks on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thegrammys ), MySpace (www.myspace.com/thegrammys ), Twitter (www.twitter.com/thegrammys ), and YouTube (www.youtube.com/thegrammys).

For information on purchasing tables and tickets to the event, please contact Dana Tomarken at MusiCares, 310.392.3777.