Nothing's Impossible Project

Release Me - Brilliant Barbra Music From the Vault

2013-01-06T14:12:00.001-05:00

In these eleven tracks, songs that for one reason or another were not included in previous albums, Barbra shows how she's always been much more than a singer; and yet more than an actress, too.

Barbra Streisand inhabits music, making every song an experience of character, story, atmosphere and being. It's impossible to listen to "Release Me" without uttering the word "Wow" again and again and again. Each track is just that good.

As I analyzed "Release Me," I realized that what made it so satisfying is that it allows Barbra to portray a series of characters. She's Alice as she goes through the looking glass, Dorothy Gale on an adventure in Oz, Fiona in "Brigadoon" and Sharon in "Finian's Rainbow," Esther Hoffman in "A Star Is Born," a loving mother and a frightened child, and other women as unique and memorable as any actress might play if handed a script.

Using her utterly unique musical instrument, a voice that can caress a lyric with tenderness as well as belt an emotion with passion and conviction, Streisand's genius is more than simply the physical beauty of her timeless sound.

There's artistry in her ability to render tears for "I Think It's Going to Rain Today" or to evoke a smile of sadness for a song about the end of a relationship like "If It's Meant to Be."

It's apparent to me that Barbra Streisand's essential gift is more than her ability to create a sound. It's the mind behind the artistry to create that make her so special.

It's the way she can take every ounce of talent she has and infuse it all into the music. There are many, many singers with voices that are appealing and unique. But there is only one Barbra; only one Streisand in song. It's the sound and the mind in combination, and "Release Me" offers a chance to hear that alchemy in all its glory.

"Release Me" opens with Jule Styne/Comden and Green's "Being Good Isn't Good Enough," a real Broadway song from the show "Hallelujah Baby." Originally intended for "The Broadway Album," with an arrangement by Peter Matz and an orchestration by Sid Ramin -- two old pros who excelled whenever they teamed with Barbra -- "Being Good" wasn't a good enough opener for that album once Barbra and Stephen Sondheim conceived of "Putting It Together."

You can understand why they came to that decision -- "Putting It Together" was fantastic -- but that doesn't negate the fact that "Being Good" is also terrific. It's very Streisand, embodying the theme of striving for greatness, challenging yourself to be the best that have distinguished Barbra's career. As the liner notes point out, "Being Good" is reminiscent of "Don't Rain On My Parade" or "You're Gonna Hear From Me" or "Let's Hear It for Me."

But to me, "Being Good Isn't Good Enough" conjured up images of "Yentl." As Barbra sings, "Should I try, am I strong enough? Is there time, have I long enough?" I thought of Barbra in those years she was trying to convince Hollywood to let her direct the film. When Barbra recorded "Being Good" in August 1985, the memories of making "Yentl" were fresh in her mind.

Did she recall how she'd been living with those questions as she planned to direct, produce, write and star in the a big time Hollywood musical? I think those emotions come through in her performance. This is a full-throated and pure Broadway delivery, framed by an arrangement that feels of the time, with an emphasis on the brass and woodwinds -- not a synthesizer in sight. "Being Good" was a great way to kick-off "Release Me."

Jimmy Webb's "Didn't We" is a song familiar to Streisand fans. Barbra's version on "Live Concert at the Forum" is one of that CD's highlights. Here we get "Didn't We" as it was recorded in the studio in March 1970 for the never-completed "The Singer" album. Barbra's rendition is somewhat more introspective than the live version, and listen closely for the way she accents certain words, always in the moment as she sings.

In 1967 for "Simply Streisand," Barbra recorded "Willow Weep For Me," a standard by Ann Ronell, with a lush arrangement by Ray Ellis. It has been patiently waiting in the Columbia vault to be set free on "Release Me" and what we hear now is pure gold. It's the epitome of Barbra's vibrant, urgent and honey-toned vocalizing from the mid-1960s.

This song, like "Right As the Rain" and "Like A Straw In the Wind" creates bucolic images with the lyrics of a different time and place, and Barbra's the woman in the center of the song, living the emotional life of that character. Long after you've finished listening to "Release Me," "Willow Weep for Me" will come back to you again and again.

"Try to Win A Friend" is a Larry Gatlin song, one of Barbra's few forays into country/western music. She recorded it for "Streisand Superman" in 1977, and according to the notes, this was a melody she learned while studying how to play guitar for "A Star Is Born." It's hard to imagine how this song would have fit sound on "Superman," but it feels just right on "Release Me."

Her vocal is heartfelt and sincere, but never veers into schmaltz or over sentimentality. It's like she can toe the line to melodrama without crossing it. As such, "Try to Win A Friend" resonates not only for Barbra's gentle reading of the lyrics, but also the honesty of the emotion.

The most unplugged performance on "Release Me" is "I Think It's Going to Rain Today," a collaboration between composer Randy Newman (on the piano) and Barbra. There's nothing embellished about this take. It's pure and unadorned. By being so stark and simple, the sadness of Newman's song is underscored. Barbra's reading touches you in the gut and you'll feel moved by the plaintive sorrow of the song as you're captivated by Newman's visual wordplay.

"With One More Look At You" is well known from "A Star Is Born," and this recording was done in February 1977, after the film had been completed. Produced by Gary Klein, seemingly for inclusion in "Superman," it's a lighter, almost-pop version of the same song which characterizes Esther's despair over John Norman's sudden death in the movie.

Considering how amazing her performance is in the movie of that finale, with Barbra's eyes filled with tears and her heart in her throat as she sings, "I want one more look at you," a sweet, happier version of this brighter interpretation just can't compare. Ironically, though, I think if this "With One More Look At You" had been released prior to "A Star Is Born" -- like an advance single -- it would have been a hit.

If there's one track on "Release Me" that took me completely by surprise, it was "Lost In Wonderland." I didn't know the song and had no inkling what Barbra was even singing about until I heard it. For the second time in her career (the first being "I'm Late" in the "My Name Is Barbra" TV special), Barbra channels Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland."

This Antonio Carlos Jobim tune is a roller-coaster ride samba married to a mélange of lyrical imagery, from butterflies to crystals and spangles by Marshall Barer. Barbra's inventive interpretation of the song has her flying up and down the scale in a veritable Olympic trial of musicianship, fitting in every syllable and note in the sprightly vocal exercise of fantasy. Among the many treats on "Release Me," this 1968 gem, arranged by the brilliant Peter Matz, is high on the list.

Unlike "Lost In Wonderland," "How Are Things in Glocca Mora"/"Heather On the Hill" is a medley that I've known -- and adored -- for years. Barbra herself mentioned that it's been on YouTube for years and she finally decided to put it out on an album. Familiarity, however, cannot tarnish the superlatives of this outstanding Rupert Holmes arrangement.

It has always amazed me that nobody ever thought to put these songs together before. After all, "Finian's Rainbow" and "Brigadoon" opened in the same year on Broadway -- 1947 -- both with gorgeous scores. Fortunately for Barbra, nobody else ripped off the medley and recorded it over the years and now. with "Release Me," her medley will become the definitive version…because it is. This is top-notch singing, beautifully enacted and not the version that's been on YouTube. That octave leap on "but they won't be the same, they'll come AND go…" makes the number!

"Mother and Child" was originally going to be part of an ambitious project created by Barbra with Michel Legrand and Marilyn and Alan Bergman called "Life Cycle of a Woman" (or "Between Yesterday And Tomorrow"). Recorded in 1973, "Mother and Child" offers Barbra in two roles.
As Mommy, she's in lullaby mode, crooning sweetly as her "little love" is drifting off to dreamland. But in the other role, Barbra's every little kid who ever needed a nightlight to feel safe in the dark and had nightmares about the flying monkeys in "The Wizard of Oz." It's a masterful musical duet, Barbra singing with herself, something that nobody does better than she does.

"If It's Meant To Be" was apparently a song earmarked for last year's Bergman tribute album, "What Matters Most," but it wasn't quite ready when that CD was released. Fortunately, it seems completely apropos that it be on "Release Me."

It's a grown-up love song in the style of "Where Do You Start" and "All Of My Life" (also with Bergman lyrics), as well as "Send In the Clowns." The Brian Byrne melody is tinged with sadness and regret, matching the words that speak of a love that has faded away over time.

Recorded in 2011, Barbra's voice is a wonder as she emotes every trace of wistfulness from the song, and she seems to understand the essence of the theater-oriented lyrics deep in her bones. Listening to this track should erase any question of her prowess in the studio; Barbra's never sounded lovelier.
"Release Me" ends with "Home" from "The Wiz." It's another of those songs that die-hard fans have heard over the years on bootlegs cassette tapes, wondering why Barbra never released it and wishing for a cleaner copy. Finally, here, she's brought back the musicians she'd worked with before to improved the arrangement and make the finished product just as she'd imagined it to be.
"Home" is epic Streisand belting, holding the big note at the end, giving it her all, the ultimate power balladeer. "Home" concludes "Release Me" on a high note, matching the overall quality of the entire album.

It is now quite evident to me why "Release Me" was not a box set. If there was a collection of twice this many Barbra songs of such depth and quality, it might actually be too much. It would be like having a chocolate soufflé for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Too rich, too overwhelming, too delicious.
As it is, "Release Me" feels like a wonderful buffet of delights -- not too much and not too little. It's just enough. And knowing that Barbra is already contemplating further editions of "Release Me" -- the liner notes talks of another "Release Me" already in the works as well as a future Broadway album -- just reinforces my appreciation of this first set as a musical tour-de-force.

Being Good Isn’t Good Enough [3:33] [from Hallelujah, Baby!]
(Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Jule Styne)
Didn’t We [2:39] (J. Webb)
Willow Weep For Me [3:33] (A. Ronell)
Try To Win A Friend [4:09] (L. Gatlin)
I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today [3:29] (R. Newman)
With One More Look At You [3:42] [from A Star Is Born] (P. Williams / K. Ascher)
Lost In Wonderland [3:36] (Marshall Barer / Antonio Carlos Jobim)
How Are Things in Glocca Morra? [4:37] [from Finian’s Rainbow]/Heather On The Hill [from Brigadoon] (B. Lane, E.Y. Harburg / A. Lerner, F. Lowe)
Mother And Child [5:06] (A. & M. Bergman / M. Legrand)
If It’s Meant To Be [4:11] (A. & M. Bergman / B. Byrne)
Home [3:37] [from The Wiz] (C. Smalls)

Change Can Come on Tip-toe...at $2 a week

2012-12-01T12:44:00.000-05:00

Dear friends --

Last week I posted my Sunday With Ally/Barbra Streisand videocast, explaining to you about my harrowing week in the hospital. If you missed it, here's the webcast:

As many, many of you know, my health issues are an ongoing issue for me. Although I work very hard as a freelance journalist, my medical expenses outpace my income. I'm doing all I can to keep up, but setbacks like last week -- and my recent broken wrist -- complicate matters. I don't mean to cry or pout, I'm just trying to explain the reality of my situation.

And I'm hoping that you will come to my aid in whatever way you can. With the added insurance co-pays and charges, plus chemotherapy treatments each month, and my premium rising in 2013, I'm struggling to make ends meet, searching for ways to keep up. With that in mind, I'm seeking the help of friends.

If you enjoy my work and are entertained by the Sunday With Ally webcasts, would you consider making a small, weekly donation of perhaps $2 (more if you're able).

With as many people as are now viewing the weekly installments, that little bit of money each week, would add up to a great help for me every month. Just $2 every week -- less than the price of a Starbuck's frappacino! :> Change can come on tip-toe...

And if there's something more that I can share with you -- a Barbra photo gallery, a PDF of some rare sheet music, something from my collection that you would like to have a copy of, I will do that for you.

I'm happy to share my Barbra "stuff" you, especially something I can email right away. So consider me a source of Streisand goodies.

So, if you are able and would like to help, just click on the PayPal button and make your donation; include any message and if you have a secret wish that I could fulfill for you.

As I said, if you've enjoyed my videos, like my writing on Examiner.com, in books, on TheBarbraFiles.com and want to help out a Barbra friend, please respond today. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Receive Great Barbra CD and Help Ally Waldman Fight Cancer

2012-10-07T13:21:00.000-04:00

It was a true honor to see my review of Barbra's new album -- "Release Me" -- quoted on BarbraStreisand.com as well as Barbra's Twitter feed. It's nice to know that my work is appreciated by Barbra and her people, as well as all of you who've been so supportive of my books, "Barbra Memories" et. al., and my other Barbra projects.

I'm hoping you will again come to my aid in whatever way you can. As you all know, I am undergoing chemotherapy to combat my cancer. The treatments have been successful, thankfully, but I am in desperate straits financially.

Aetna is raising my health insurance premium again. That means I'm back in scramble mode, searching for ways to make the payment. With that in mind, I'm again seeking the help of friends. But I want you to get something in return...

If you make a donation of at least $35 (more if you're able), I will share with you a CD of some fantastic Barbra photos...and clippings, too. If you've received these in the past, you can be assured that I have a wonderful collection and I'm happy to share these images with you.

Just click on the PayPal button and make your donation; include your name, email and address and I'll send the CD within a couple of weeks.

If you've enjoyed my videos, like my writing on Examiner.com, in books, on TheBarbraFiles.com and want to help out a Barbra friend, please respond today. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Sunday With Ally - 8/5/12 The Barbra Streisand Videocast

2012-08-06T08:15:00.001-04:00

It's time for Sunday With Ally -- for 8/5/12 The Barbra Streisand Videocast -- all the Barbra news, Guilt Trip, Brooklyn, Barbra Memories book project and more.

Enjoy!

The Barbra Streisand Videocast 7/29/12 - Sunday With Ally

2012-07-29T15:22:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends --

Check out the latest edition of Sunday With Ally - The Barbra Streisand Videocast for July 29, 2012!! Let me know what you think of my idea for the Brooklyn videocasts...

Best,
Ally

The Genius of 'Yentl'

2012-07-26T18:56:00.001-04:00

There's no question in my mind that of everything Barbra Streisand has done as an actress, singer, director, writer and entertainer, Yentl is her masterpiece. Nearly 30 years have passed since it was in movie theaters, but it remains a timeless classic. Those years that Barbra spent pondering, planning and preparing for her interpretation of the Singer story was all worth it because the greatness endures.

It's interesting, though, to note that there was a lot of time, effort and real hard work that went into the creation. Below is an excellent video put together by Arne Z. of the Barbra News message board, using clips from the movie and a rehearsal recording of Barbra singing "The Way He Makes Me Feel." It's illuminating and ultimately satisfying to appreciate the journey of Yentl…how the final version of the picture came to be. Enjoy -- and thank you Arne for your hard work.

Sunday With Ally - Barbra Streisand Videocast for July 22, 2012

2012-07-22T21:31:00.003-04:00

The latest Barbra Streisand Videocast for July 22, 2012 -- all about Barbra Memories, Guilt Trip, Gypsy, Back to Brooklyn and more!!

Happy Birthday James Brolin, Barbra's Spouse!

2012-07-19T20:07:00.000-04:00

Today, the man who's shared Barbra's life for more than 16 years, James Brolin, is celebrating his 72nd birthday. You know that saying, "You're not getting older, you're getting better"? Well, it seems to apply to Jim. Aside from being a supportive and loyal partner for Barbra, his career remains active, he's a proud father and grandfather and -- from the outside -- looks to be a man who's comfortable in his own skin and happy with the life he's living. We're all curious about his relationship with Barbra, and I think my favorite line about how they get along is this one. When asked about directing, Jim told Parade: "I could direct [my son] Josh, and he could direct me. I’m not sure about my wife. She’s so much of a director herself. I would be blessed if she directed me. I’m putty in her hands anyway.” In that same article, Jim also said, "I don't believe in divorce." Nice...because I believe that Barbra deserves only the best at this point in her life, and she's seemingly found it with Jim. Happy Birthday, Mr. Brolin!

Happy Birthday, Phyllis Diller...and the Barbra Connection

2012-07-18T15:05:00.001-04:00

     Today is Phyllis Diller's 95th birthday! Happy Birthday, Phyllis! As most of you know, Phyllis was the star at the Bon Soir in 1961 when Barbra Streisand was the singer on the bill. As this video from Barbra's AFI Lifetime Achievement tribute shows, Phyllis recalls that Barbra was her opening act! Hard to imagine what it must have been like for Phyllis to have to follow Barbra's song set. The audience had to have been buzzing about Barbra, going on about "A Sleepin' Bee," "I Had Myself A True Love" and other great ballads. But they were also tickled by comedy numbers like "Value" ("I'm In Love With Harold Mengert") and "Come to the Supermarket." So, not only was Barbra slaying them with her voice; she was making them laugh with her natural comic gifts! By all rights, Phyllis Diller should have HATED Barbra Streisand! How dare she be so damn good!

     …But she didn't hate her; not at all. Phyllis had great affection for 19-year-old Barbra. She felt protective and wanted to help her She even took Barbra shopping for a black cocktail dress to wear when she performed so she'd get out of the thrift shop clothes. Phyllis didn't realize Barbra preferred her vintage schmattas to expensive, new duds.

     In Us Magazine, Diller remembered Barbra's Bon Soir days: "She went out and did her numbers and when she hit about the third note, every hair on my body stood up. It was unbelievable. She opened with ‘Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf,’ and I thought, Oh, my God, what a fabulous choice. She also sang Harold Arlen’s ‘A Sleepin’ Bee,’ which really showed off that voice. It was scary. I knew she was going places."

    Phyllis was right about Barbra. And while she never went to the same places Barbra did, Phyllis has had her own wonderful career. And get this -- Barbra and Phyllis once played the very same role! Know what it was? Dolly Levi! Yep, Phyllis Diller was one of the many women who's appeared in Hello Dolly! Hmm…you think they ever compared notes?

Sunday With Ally - Barbra Streisand Videocast 7/8/12

2012-07-08T14:49:00.001-04:00

All the latest news -- Sunday with Ally -- The Barbra Streisand Videocast for July 8, 2012! Enjoy, friends.

Ally

Star-Spangled Barbra

2012-07-06T20:26:00.001-04:00

Today is the 4th of July, Independence Day in America, and a national holiday. In honor of the holiday, two of my favorite Barbra images. On the right, the photo Barbra did for George magazine, in which she was "dressed" as Betsy Ross. Ross, for those who may not know, sewed the first American flag. To me, this was not only a clever, creative "acting" assignment for Barbra, but the execution was flawless. Barbra looks gorgeous and the joke is perfectly realized. Bravo! To read the article, it's at Barbra-Archives. Now, for a second helping of holiday fireworks (!), watch Barbra's dynamic performance of "America The Beautiful" from I Love Liberty. For those who don't know much about the TV special, let me explain. It was a terrible show; clunky and obvious and a liberal response to the conservative based entertainment of the time that was saying, "America, love it or leave it." Barbra was not in America at the time; she was deep in preproduction of Yentl in England. Nevertheless, when producer Norman Lear asked her to contribute to the show, she got together with Joe Layton (who'd worked on Barbra's TV specials) to stage her version of "America The Beautiful." Filmed in the UK, it was dropped into the TV show and, quite simply, was the best thing in it! I love how Barbra looks in this clip, her long permy hair growing out, the chestnut color so much like Yentl. And the passion of her performance is incredible. It's further proof that Barbra never throws it away; she gives 100% if it's something that matters to her. America -- her country and mine -- matters a lot and you can hear it in her vocal. I still get goose bumps hearing this rendition by Barbra.

The Las Vegas Barbra Show I Never Got to See

2012-07-04T10:29:00.001-04:00

Recently, someone posted this mock-up of Barbra's image as she looked in 1970 when she performed at the Riviera Hotel. It conjured up a memory for me. I recall reading about Barbra doing Vegas, but as a 14-year-old kid in Miami, how was I going to get the money to fly across the country to see her? Well, in my desperate Barbra mania, I had to try...right? I went to a travel agency and asked for brochures for The International and Riviera, where I knew Barbra was performing. I figured out the airfare and even estimated a hotel room. Then I went to my mother and begged, cajoled, pleaded and did handstands to get her to agree. My mother wasn't budging. We just didn't have the money; that was that. I knew only one thing that would make her reconsider. I said, "If I lose weight, a lot of weight, will you take me?" With a knowing smile, she said, yes. You see, Mom had watched me diet and fail so many times, it was a safe bet! Maybe subconsciously I knew I was fighting a losing battle, that even if I lost 50 lbs., she still wouldn't have the money. I gave up the plan and didn't see BJS live until 1994! Sigh...what might have been, eh? Check out a song from that show, "No Easy Way Down."

Is Gyspy the Biggest Risk Ever for Barbra?

2012-07-03T19:20:00.003-04:00

Recently, there was a discussion on the Barbra News message board about whether or not Gypsy is a big gamble for Barbra. The overwhelming votes, based on the comments, is that YES, Barbra is risking a lot by taking on the role of Mama Rose at this point in her career. You can read some of the comments here.
   I don't think it is a risk, and I'll tell you why: Barbra Streisand's built a 50 year legacy of accomplishment that's unmatched by anybody else in the business. Nobody's done what she's done. There is nobody you can name, however great or brilliant, who's achieved like she has?
     Remember that HuffPost editorial recently? That writer talked about Barbra's career thus far, pointing out that Sinatra never won an Oscar for composing, Garland never directed a film, Madonna has no grand slam of awards, Minnelli can't sell out an arena in 10 minutes, Elvis never wrote a book… Streisand has reached for the stars and gathered them up like diamonds! She's the ultimate superstar who is nonpareil, without equal.
     She's now choosing to play one of the most iconic roles in the history of American musical theater. If she succeeds, it's yet another feather in her cap. If, for whatever reason, it's not amazing, glorious and universally hailed as the greatest musical of all time, Barbra will be all right. She'll have made the picture she wanted to make and played Rose as she wanted to play her. And, chances are, her loyal audience (us), will still support the film and her.
     So, what can she lose? Will the fate of Gypsy change the greatness of Funny Girl? The enduring brilliance of Yentl? The beloved memories of The Way We Were? Will her CDs cease being treasures that we can listen to time and again and never grow tired of?
     In my opinion, Barbra can't lose with Gypsy. It's poised to be a crowning achievement -- the bookend success that Barbra envisions. To me, the deck is stacked in her favor. Let's deal the cards and play the hand because Barbra's not about to fold and walk away from the table! Am I right or just a fan with rose-colored glasses?

For the Love of Yentl

2012-07-03T19:16:00.002-04:00

I love Yentl and I always will. It's not just the movie, which I think is perhaps Barbra's greatest feat of all time, it's the woman she presented in the film. Make no mistake, friends, Barbra's Yentl was not Isaac Singer's girl. She was Barbra's interpretation of the bare-bones he wrote of in his short story. Thanks to Barbra, Yentl became a woman with a soul, not a girl with an angry streak. If you think I'm wrong, go back and read Singer's story and you'll find yourself turned off by Yentl's attitude. It took Barbra's vision to not just humanize Yentl, but to give her dimension and direction. Singer couldn't see past Yentl's desire to study the Talmud, making her in many ways a one-note character. Barbra chose to age her -- she's 28 in the film and already deemed a spinster -- and wanting more than just books. "Where Is It Written," the opening song by Michel Legrand and Alan and Marilyn Bergman, encapsulates perfectly that Yentl seeks more from life. She wants those "every sweet imagined possibility," and because she does, Yentl becomes a character that we can relate to and love. Just like Fanny sings of her desires in "I'm the Greatest Star," this is Yentl's declaration. It's a powerful number, beautifully filmed and Barbra's performance is peerless. I dare you to watch this and not want to watch the enitre film tonight!

Sunday with Ally-Barbra Streisand Videocast 7/1/12

2012-07-01T22:43:00.001-04:00

The latest news, friends -- Sunday with Ally for 7/1/12 -- Barbra and Jim's Anniversary, Larry Kramer kvetching, Barbra Memories news and more.

The Passing of Nora Ephron

2012-06-29T18:35:00.003-04:00

I was really sad to read last night that Nora Ephron died at the age of 71. She'd been battling leukemia for six years and, ultimately, cancer won and the director of Sleepless In Seattle and the writer of When Harry Met Sally is gone. Rest in peace, Nora; you left behind a legacy of wonderful work. I know that I still stop to watch Sleepless every time I see it on TV, even though I have the DVD and can watch it whenever I want to. Barbra never worked with Nora, but they did have at least one public connection.

In 1968, Nora did an interview with Barbra for Good Housekeeping. You can read a copy at Barbra-Archives.com. It's a terrific piece, a great look at Barbra at that time. Nora wrote that when she went to Barbra's home in Beverly Hills, a rental at the time, she expected a kooky Barbra, the girl that the press had depicted as a crazy kook. What Nora found was a nice Jewish girl, raising her two-year-old son. They talked about… "such zany things as motherhood. And Dresden china. And dieting. And the price of cooperative apartments in New York."

Long before I appreciated Nora for her films, I admired that interview with Barbra. She got Barbra and presented her as a real person. I think Nora realized that Barbra was a lot like her, only with this super talent that we all are in awe of.

In 2010, Nora offered this very sage advice about growing older. I hope we all learn from these words: "You do get to a certain point in life where you have to realistically, I think, understand that the days are getting shorter, and you can't put things off thinking you'll get to them someday. If you really want to do them, you better do them. There are simply too many people getting sick, and sooner or later you will. So I'm very much a believer in knowing what it is that you love doing so you can do a great deal of it."

Sunday With Ally 6/24/12 - The Barbra Streisand Videocast

2012-06-29T18:32:00.000-04:00

With my computer problems behind me, I'm back with all the Barbra news! Even info about "The Normal Heart" a week before Barbra and Larry Kramer got into it in the news again!

Sunday With Ally - Barbra Streisand Videocast 6/16/12

2012-06-29T18:30:00.001-04:00

The latest on the Barbra Memories project, Gypsy, Brooklyn and more!

Sunday With Ally - The Barbra Streisand Videocast 6/10/12

2012-06-11T19:36:00.001-04:00

Hi Friends --

Check out the latest Barbra news -- Gypsy stuff, The Guilt Trip, Brooklyn concerts and TheBarbraFiles.com and the Barbra Memories book project!

Come back next week for more!

Best,

Ally

Maybe It Wasn't 'My Man' That Won the Oscar for Barbra?

2012-06-11T19:26:00.003-04:00

     For the longest time, conventional wisdom and those who think they know have said that when Barbra won the Oscar for Funny Girl (in a tie with Katherine Hepburn), it was because of the final song in the movie. As we all know, that was Barbra's knockout version of "My Man," sung dramatically on a bare stage. It was just Fanny -- in black -- facing the audience (whom we do not see), singing of her undying love for Nick. It was definitely a tour-de-force performance, the first time a Streisand movie would end with such an emotional, musical flourish.

     However, I think we're giving "My Man" too much credit. Funny Girl has brilliant Barbra scenes one right after the other, at least four of which are musical scenes that are just as dynamic as "My Man." "My Man" is like the cherry on top of the sundae. In fact, on a purely personal level, the number that still gets me every time is "I'm the Greatest Star." But if push comes to shove, the ultimate musical number in the film, the one that is really legendary, and the one that might have truly won her that Oscar was..."Don't Rain On My Parade." On every level, acting, singing, theatricality...it has it all.

     And Barbra's performance is unmatched. She captures every nuance of Fanny's urgency, desire and determination. It's ultimate Streisand on film -- just watch! Then, tell me what you think about my contention.

Remembering Brandeis and Barbra's Honoray Doctorate

2012-06-09T10:26:00.004-04:00

It was on May 21, 1995, at Brandeis University that Barbra Streisand received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. While it was an honorary degree, there's little question that Streisand was deserving of the honor, and although she'd been offered similar designations over the years, it was only from Brandeis that Barbra accepted the honor.

Not surprisingly, when she received the degree and had her moment to speak, Barbra was gracious and humble. She turned the tribute to her accomplishments into a reminder that she is her father's daughter. Here's what Barbra said in her brief address:

"I do want to thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful show of support. I would just like to say this honorary degree means so much to me because my father was a teacher and he died when I was very young, but…I am very proud to be affiliated with this prestigious, international university, and I know my father would be proud, too."

I recently wrote an article for Examiner.com about Barbra's intelligence. She's extremely smart and has a genius IQ; her brilliance has shown through in all aspects of her career. So, here's the thought of the day: do you think Barbra Streisand would have been more successful if she had graduated Erasmus Hall High in Brooklyn and then gone to college for four more years? Perhaps a Bacherlor of Arts from Brandeis back in 1960? For me, the answer is clear. She didn't need the degree because she has been a student of life and never stopped learning. A degree wouldn't have made her smarter, but it might have delayed her success.

Joel Silver's Memorial Day Party 5/28/12

2012-06-07T20:10:00.005-04:00

Higher and Higher

2012-06-06T20:13:00.002-04:00

How successful was Higher Ground? Take a look at how well it did...

A Song for Barbra

2012-06-06T15:12:00.002-04:00

In honor of Barbra's birthday... I wrote this poem for her. This is the uncut edition.

On the 24th of April in nineteen hundred and forty-two,
a child was born with little hair, but dazzling eyes of blue.

Her name was Barbara and by the time she could speak,
There wasn't another quite like her, she was definitely unique.

She dropped the extra "A" to stand out from the crowd
and when she made music, she always sang proud.

The daughter of Diana, Manny's golden girl,
she made her mark early and was heard 'round the world.

But more than just music, the girl had a glow,
she captured the light when she starred in a show

She dazzled and sparkled when cast on the screen
As Fanny and Katie, Yentl and Lowenstein

Composing, directing and taking control,
the gifts she possessed were a thing to behold

Who could imagine this slip of a thing,
had so much more to share than the songs she could sing?

Here for her birthday, because we all care,
are birthday messages and wishes for our lady so fair.

Dear Barbra, our Barbra, who gives us so much,
whose lifetime of artistry is imbued with her touch.

We cannot wish you more than all of the best,
that you have a long life and continue your quest.

Your legacy is regal, you've been quite supreme,
you've succeeded, it seems, with every kind of dream.

As devoted admirers, we applaud all your feats,
and we stand by again, to rise from our seats.

In arenas or theaters, whatever you do,
we are with you, dear Barbra, our devotion is true.

So enjoy this occasion, bask in the glow,
and know we love you, much more than you know.

What Is This Photo Really All About!

2012-06-06T08:13:00.003-04:00

For years since this picture appeared in a woman's magazine, showing Barbra in the back of a limo surrounded by food, fans have wondered what it was all about? Well, I think I know. All the stuff around Barbra screams NEW YORK CITY! She's reading the New York Times. The bottle of cel-ray soda, the Italian ices in her hand, the candy bars on the side, salty pretzel sticks, the Italian bread, and that shopping bag is brimming with the stuff to make old-fashioned chicken soup!

Add to that the toys on Barbra's right -- a paddle ball and jump rope -- are very much city games. So, the stylist for this photo was obviously trying to show that Barbra's still a city girl at heart, i.e. you can take the girl out of Brooklyn, but you can't take Brooklyn out of the girl! Do you think I'm right? Write me with your thought about My Thought of the Day! Ally