The text on this page originally appeared in 2001 on “The Barbra Streisand Music Guide” website and was written by Mark Iskowitz. Thanks to Mark, it is reproduced here ...
Variety's Army Archerd first reported that Barbra Streisand would be the subject of this edition of the popular E! documentary series. E! described the program this way -- "This hour-long episode takes a special look back at the extraordinary musical career of Barbra Streisand, as we trace her astonishing rise from a starstruck girl in Brooklyn to the most celebrated female singer of her time. Celebrity Profile will feature memorable footage from her television specials that haven't been broadcast in decades, including My Name Is Barbra
(1965), Color Me Barbra
(1966), and A Happening In Central Park
(1968). Also included is footage from Streisand's 1986 One Voice
concert, her 1993 concert tour, and her recent farewell concert of 2000. The episode, produced with Streisand's cooperation, features interviews with her close friends including designer Donna Karan, composer Marvin Hamlisch, record producer David Foster, and composers Marilyn & Alan Bergman."
These are truly 50 must-see minutes for Streisand fans, particularly for the rare opportunity to see and hear from Barbra's closest friends and collaborators. Besides heaping generous praise on Barbra, they provide honest and interesting perspectives on creating some of her finest music. The Bergmans recall seeing Barbra perform for the first time in New York and asking her, "Do you know how wonderful you are?" They also remember how Barbra changed the first word in "The Way We Were" from "daydreams" to "memories." Jay Landers, Streisand's current co-executive producer for her recordings, speaks frequently during the hour on Barbra's musical gifts going back to 1955's "You'll Never Know." Also, Orson Bean has much to say regarding Barbra's first Jack Paar Tonight Show
appearance and Funny Girl. Margery Tabankin of The Streisand Foundation offers some interesting insight as well. Record producer and musician David Foster is absolutely floored by Barbra every time she sings and has especially fascinating commentary, including background on 1985's "Somewhere," the hardest producing work he's ever done. Adding a personal touch to the program, Barbra phones Foster while exercising, and the two talk on a speakerphone in his recording studio "to prove he knows her." She also appears on camera backstage at the 2000 Golden Globe Awards and in lengthy music clips from successful TV specials. For Timeless
"On A Clear Day" is excerpted from the beginning, and there are a few shorter clips. E! ran a wonderful FOX commercial for the special during the 2/7 telecast. No movie clips are incorporated, but there are many rare and striking photographs provided by Barbra.
The narrator's final words: "The voice remains one of the treasures of our time."
