Thursday, 24 February 2011
Barbra at Nomad Two Worlds Exhibition
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.
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
LITTLE FOCKERS coming to DVD and Blu-ray
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:
BLU-RAY™
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
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.
- GAG REEL
- DELETED SCENES
- NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN ALTERNATE OPENING AND ENDING
- 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!
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
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Barbra Sets the Record Straight
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."
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."
Saturday, 12 February 2011
Barbra Is MusiCares Person of the Year
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.”
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.”
Thursday, 10 February 2011
MusiCares honors Babs - Streisand takes event to next level
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.
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
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."
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
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.'"
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.'"
Monday, 7 February 2011
Barbra to perform at Grammy Awards
Barbra will perform at The Grammy Awards in LA this Sunday, for the first time since 1980.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Win Two Tickets to MusiCares where Barbra Streisand will be honored as Person of the Year.
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.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Stars To Honor Barbra Streisand at Musicares Event
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.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Interview: Barbra Streisand's Change of Heart
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
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
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Join Barbra in Supporting the Cedars-Sinai Women’s Heart Center
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
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
Saturday, 11 December 2010
New TV Interviews
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
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
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Harpers Bazaar. Barbra's Dream House Photo Shoot
"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.
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.
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
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)
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.
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.”
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.”
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Press Piece: Barbra Details Love of Design in New Book
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
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
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Barbra Attends Opening of "The National Museum of American Jewish History".
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.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Upcoming Press for November 2010.
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
Monday, 15 November 2010
Barbra on Oprah
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.
(c) 2010 Harpo Productions, Inc./All Rights Reserved./Photographer: George Burns.
Sunday, 24 October 2010
Barbra contributes to The Shriver Report.
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
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
Sunday, 17 October 2010
New Behind-The-Scenes LITTLE FOCKERS Trailer.
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:
(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).
Friday, 1 October 2010
My Passion For Design Deluxe Limited Edition (Leather Bound)
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%
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%
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Barbra in New York!
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).
Friday, 17 September 2010
Playbill.com Article on Marty Erlichman.
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!
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!
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Josh Brolin on Barbra.
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
MEET THE FOCKERS COMING TO BLU-RAY NOVEMBER 30
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.
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 UK Album Coming October.
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
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.
Barbra Streisand receives an Award at The Women Making History luncheon. Senator Boxer presented the award to Barbra and to Senator Dianne Feinstein.
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