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I’m sure you know how it is when you go over to You Tube and make a search for something you want to watch, but then start clicking all the similar topic videos on the sidebar; getting totally distracted and then forgetting why you went there in the first place.

I adore You Tube, but often spend WAY too much time there.

And such as it was earlier this week, when I spent over TWO hours watching various interviews with the legendary, Barbra Streisand.

I could watch and listen to Barbra Streisand read or sing the Philadelphia phone book every day for a month, and never get tired of it. There is a reason they call certain people stars, and as far as I can tell, Barbra Streisand is the quintessential definition of a star. She’s one of those people whose talents and presence contain that ‘extra something’ which makes you stop whatever you’re doing to watch and hear her.

Even if you’re someone who doesn’t care much for Barbra, you have to admit….she’s one-of-a-kind.


I started my love affair with Streisand back in the early 70’s because my partner at the time WORSHIPED her. He had every album she ever recorded, watched every movie she ever made, and had posters of her all over our walls. Our dorm room looked like a sacred shrine dedicated to BARBRA STREISAND. And this was back before they had VHS tapes, or I’m sure he would have had all her movies playing repeatedly on a LOOP.

Anyway, getting back to my watching these interviews with Barbra…..

What I found interesting is that every person who interviewed her ended up asking the same question.

“Why is it that you have a reputation for being demanding, difficult to work with, and a perfectionist?”

And what I found even more interesting is that in all the interviews I watched, which were spread out over a period of 25 years, she answered the question in the exact same calm manner.

She explained that she sincerely doesn’t enter into a movie or music project with an argumentative attitude; intending on being demanding, difficult to work with, or a perfectionist. It’s just that she knows intuitively what needs to be done to get the final result; therefore she follows her inner voice and won’t stop until it’s achieved. She also said that the only mistakes she’s ever made were from not following her intuition, so she’s learned to trust it.


After watching these two hours of interviews, I have to say that I believe what she says. I don’t think that Barbra Streisand expects these things out of being temperamental or egotistical. I believe that she does it because she just knows how it’s supposed to be, and has the courage to stand behind her inner voice and say yes or no. And to tell you the truth, I admire her for that.

If she were a man, no one would question her high expectations. Also, Barbra Streisand hasn’t relied on Hollywood for many, many years because she has her own movie production company and recording studio. If she wants to create something she just does it. And I think that makes a lot of people in the industry green-eyed.

She’s a woman with power.

But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Barbra because when she first started out, no one knew what to do with her. Here was a young Jewish girl from Brooklyn, who had this amazing voice but wasn’t your typical all-American beauty. The voice and the face didn’t match. Where did she belong?

Well, they finally found the perfect starting vehicle for Streisand – Funny Girl.

"Hello, gawgeous!"

And from that moment on….she became a legend in her own way.




Have a fantabulous weekend everyone!
X


38 comments:

  1. I have watched Funny Girl a million times
    when she sings My Man everything else just ceases to be
    you're so right that if she were a man she'd never be questioned about her high standards
    I adore her
    her interview with Mike Wallace was a gem
    I loved when she told him he was mean and that she had been hesitant to ever speak to him again
    they were fine after that and it's considered one of his best

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  2. What a fabulous tribute, Ron! There's no doubt that you're a fan. I like her views on intuition and how "only mistakes she’s ever made were from not following her intuition." God, these words are so true for all of us, no matter what we do for a living. Thanks for the shout out to Brooklyn--Barbra is one our hometown girls who made good in a huge way! Have a great weekend, buddy!

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  3. Good morning Ronnie,

    I am not what they call a Barbra fan, but I do admire her talent. Listening to her song "My Man", makes the emotion well up in me. That is what a marvelous voice she has. When I was young, the song "The way we were" was very big, and I remember that so well, like many of her films.

    The statement that really stuck out in your text was thIs paragraph::

    "It’s just that she knows intuitively what needs to be done to get the final result; therefore she follows her inner voice and won’t stop until it’s achieved. She also said that the only mistakes she’s ever made were from not following her intuition, so she’s learned to trust it."

    Following one's inner voice and trusting it and any other extrasensory message you may get. In my experience, I tended to "erase" this inner voice when I was younger(trying to be adult and logical) but, I am coming back to it more and more.

    Thank you for this pleasant moment spent with you and Barbra.
    Happy weekend, buddy xox.

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  4. Hellooooooooo Gawgeous Dianne!

    "I have watched Funny Girl a million times
    when she sings My Man everything else just ceases to be"

    I agree! And I didn't realize (until I watched the interviews on You Tube) that was the only song in the movie she didn't lip sync to, she sang it LIVE!

    "you're so right that if she were a man she'd never be questioned about her high standards."

    Amen!

    "her interview with Mike Wallace was a gem
    I loved when she told him he was mean and that she had been hesitant to ever speak to him again"

    HA! Don't you love her???? I think I DO remember seeing that interview a while back, but I'm going to have to go on You Tube this weekend and watch it again.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, dear lady. Have a supa' weekend!

    X to you and the gang!

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  5. Hey there Rob~

    Yeah, can you tell I'm a HUGE fan? HA!

    " God, these words are so true for all of us, no matter what we do for a living."

    AMEN! I can't tell you how many I times I didn't follow my intuition and thought, "Damn!"

    "Thanks for the shout out to Brooklyn--Barbra is one our hometown girls who made good in a huge way!"

    Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay BROOKLYN!!!!!

    *and you know my LOVE of NY!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a super weekend!

    X

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  6. I could listen to Barbra sing anytime.

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  7. Bonjour Barb~

    "I am not what they call a Barbra fan, but I do admire her talent. Listening to her song "My Man", makes the emotion well up in me."

    Doesn't it give you chills?

    " When I was young, the song "The way we were" was very big, and I remember that so well, like many of her films."

    OMG...I love that movie AND song!!!! It reminds me of my senior year in high school! I actually have the movie on DVD and will watch it a few times a year. She and Redford were faaaaaaaabulous!

    "Following one's inner voice and trusting it and any other extrasensory message you may get. In my experience, I tended to "erase" this inner voice when I was younger(trying to be adult and logical) but, I am coming back to it more and more."

    I agree, Barb. I didn't follow my inner voice as much when I was younger either. But as I've gotten older, I've learned to trust it. Even when it doesn't seem logical.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a wonderful weekend!

    X to you and D!

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  8. Good morning Pearl~

    "I could listen to Barbra sing anytime."

    AMEN! Isn't she faaaaaabulous?

    Have a gawgeous weekend, m'dear! Thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  9. Ron, Barbara is an icon. She's not your typical "Hollywood" beauty but she IS beautiful. Her voice is unbelievable and like you, I could listen to it all day.

    "If she were a man, no one would question her high expectations."

    I totally agree. She's a woman, so if she bucks the system, she's a bitch. That's wrong. She's successful because she has bucked the system. She has surpassed many men and I think too many people give her a bad rap.

    Thanks Ron! I love these biographies!

    Have a fantabulous weekend!

    ((YOU))

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  10. Ooooh Ron, 'Come Tomorrow', Don't Throw it all Away', 'Letting go', 'Memories' ... need I go on. Yes, I adore Barbra. She was once criticised for not ever coming to the UK. As if it mattered! She did come at least once after that but I don't think it had anything to do with the critics' comments. I'm glad she is as she is, at least she's a woman we can respect... oh... and by the way.... I love her voice. Thank you so much for this post. Have a splendid weekend.

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  11. Hello there Pamela~

    "Ron, Barbara is an icon. She's not your typical "Hollywood" beauty but she IS beautiful."

    You said it, she IS beautiful! And I also think she's sexy. The blend of her looks, talent, and energy makes her very attractive to me.

    "She's a woman, so if she bucks the system, she's a bitch. That's wrong. She's successful because she has bucked the system. She has surpassed many men and I think too many people give her a bad rap."

    *jumping up and down; applauding you*

    A-MEN!

    You are sooooooooooooo right - she's successful BECAUSE she has bucked the system and that threatens a lot of people.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, dear friend. I've been thinking about you a lot and sharing MUCH energy with you!

    ((((( You ))))))

    Have a fantabulous weekend!

    X

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  12. Good morning Valerie~

    "Ooooh Ron, 'Come Tomorrow', Don't Throw it all Away', 'Letting go', 'Memories' ... need I go on."

    HAHAHAHAHAHA! So you love her too????

    " She was once criticised for not ever coming to the UK. As if it mattered! She did come at least once after that but I don't think it had anything to do with the critics' comments."

    Wow! I no idea about that?!? I would have thought she had come to the UK MANY times.

    "I'm glad she is as she is, at least she's a woman we can respect... oh... and by the way.... I love her voice."

    Meeeeeeee too! Isn't she faaaaaaaaabulous????

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, dear lady. Have a splendid weekend too!

    X

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  13. What wonderful tribute to on one of my favorite singers/actress of all time, Ron! I too could listen to her read or sing the phone book every day for a month and never get tired of it. I think Funny Girl and The Way We Were are my two favs of hers. I also have a copy of her performance in Anaheim, after not singing live for so many years. It gives me chills.

    True, I doubt very much if she were a man that people would judge her high expectations as being too demanding. You're right, she's a woman with a great deal of power. But she's worked for that power and deserves it.

    Have a wonderful weekend, Ron.

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  14. Hola Denise~

    After watching TWO hours of Barbra being interviewed, I knew I wanted to share a post about it. I was enthralled with watching her speak.

    "I also have a copy of her performance in Anaheim, after not singing live for so many years. It gives me chills."

    OMG! OMG! OMG! I've seen that video many times and loved it! The part that gives me the chills is when she first steps out onstage and the audience goes WILD! Chills!

    "she's a woman with a great deal of power. But she's worked for that power and deserves it."

    You said it, she deserves it. She's made her own way by making her own choices.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Wishing you an AWESOME weekend!

    X

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  15. I too am a barbra fan. i have always loved her ability to be who she is. and i admire her tenacity to stand behind her "knowingness" no matter what the others say. also i have read she has a mortal stage fright and is ocd about thing onstage, around stage, whatever stage be exactly the way she needs them so she can make it work for HER. i loved that. an occasional xanax doesn't hurt either.

    anyway, love her! thanks for this post. xxx

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  16. Helloooooooo Linda~

    *smiling*

    I had a feeling you were a fan of Miss Barbra!

    " i have always loved her ability to be who she is. and i admire her tenacity to stand behind her "knowingness" no matter what the others say."

    Amen!

    "also i have read she has a mortal stage fright and is ocd about thing onstage, around stage, whatever stage be exactly the way she needs them so she can make it work for HER."

    Yes, spoke very openly in the interviews about her tremendous stage fright. But you know something? A lot of actors are, especially when it comes to performing LIVE.

    And did you know that she is a TAURUS??? Yup, she is. I think she and Shirley Mac Laine have the same birthday. That's another actress I love!

    Thanks oodles for stopping by, dear Linda. Have a wonderful weekend!

    xoxox

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  17. Ironically, I posted a blog entry all about music today, and though I didn't mention her specifically BARBRA (weird spelling of her name, btw) plays into my earliest childhood memories because my mom was a huge fan in the 70s and anytime I hear her music I am reminded of our years spent living in Ohio.

    I have to admit, even as a non-gay male, I think she's got some good songs!

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  18. Howdy Mark~

    "Ironically, I posted a blog entry all about music today..."

    OMG, I just this SECOND checked my reader and started to read your post about MUSIC and DIED! We must be on the same wave-lengths today!

    Yes, it is a weird way she spells her name. She took the other "A" out years ago. She did it when she was first starting out because everyone in business told her to have her NOSE changed because it was too big. So rather than change her nose, she changed her name - HA!

    "I have to admit, even as a non-gay male, I think she's got some good songs!"

    HA! It's funny you mentioned that because my brother Tom asked me once, "What do gay men LOVE Barbra Streisand so much???"

    I said, "Because she's faaaaaaaaaaaaaaabulous!"

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a super weekend!

    X to you and Tara!

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  19. Well, I'm not as HUGE a fan of Barbra as you are, but I do like and admire her. I actually enjoy her acting too - she's very natural. And she's one of those women who has blossomed into her looks. She still looks great!

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  20. Hey there Matt~

    "Well, I'm not as HUGE a fan of Barbra as you are..."

    HA! I know, I'm a Barbra Streisand FREAK FAN!

    " I actually enjoy her acting too - she's very natural."

    Oh, I do too! I think she has SUCH a natural ability. I think that about Cher too. In fact, I like Cher more as an actress.

    "And she's one of those women who has blossomed into her looks. She still looks great!"

    I TOTALLY agree! She still looks AWESOME. There's something sexy about her.

    Have a great weekend, buddy. Thanks a bunch for stopping by!

    X

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  21. Jimmy SutherlandFriday, August 03, 2012

    Hey Ron, Excellent post Buddy, you gotta Love Barbara Streisand.

    Now you don't have to be modest, and give your partner back then credit for turning you on to Barbara, we all know as big a fan as you it was most likely the other way around with you turning him on to her.

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  22. Hey there Jimmy~

    Thanks, buddy. After watching TWO hours of Babs being interviewed I felt inspired to write about it. She's just such so interesting to listen to; not only about her career, but also her political views and spiritual beliefs.

    "we all know as big a fan as you it was most likely the other way around with you turning him on to her."

    HA! No, I really wish I could take the credit, but it truly was HE who turned me on to HER. I always liked her, but after being around him for so may years, I became just like he...I HUGE fan!

    Thanks for stopping by, Jimmy. Have a wonderful weekend!

    X to you and Cindy!

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  23. *laughing* Himself is NOT a fan of Barbara's......I, on the other hand adore her tenacity.
    How could I not?!

    The gal can belt 'em out, that's for certain. It's the passion that she exudes whenever she closes her eyes that grabs me. You know she's there--on the mark, putting her whole being into whatever she's doing.

    And on that note--I'll find another one to play. Himself is rolling his eyes, of course. But he's a Monty Python fan so that just about explains it all, eh? LOLOLOL

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  24. *waving*

    Hiya Mel!

    "*laughing* Himself is NOT a fan of Barbara's......I, on the other hand adore her tenacity.
    How could I not?!"

    Ha! I agree, but I also know that there are many people who are NOT a fan of Babs. Oh well, to each his own, right?

    "It's the passion that she exudes whenever she closes her eyes that grabs me. You know she's there--on the mark, putting her whole being into whatever she's doing."

    You said it PERFECTLY. That's it! You know she's THERE...putting her WHOLE being into it! And as Dianne shared, when she sings (particularly My Man) everything else just ceases to be.

    "I'll find another one to play. Himself is rolling his eyes, of course. But he's a Monty Python fan so that just about explains it all, eh? LOLOLOL"

    HAHAHAHAHAHHA! Mel, you CRACK ME UP!!!

    Have a super-duper weekend, dear lady. And thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  25. What can I add? Not a lot really. Barbra Streisand is a brilliant talent!
    In my experience, any woman who knows what she wants and expects quality is classed as a prima donna. I also don't like the fact that Hollywood dictates what beauty is. I think Barbra Streisand is beautiful.

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  26. Hey there Babs~

    "What can I add? Not a lot really."

    Oh, yes you have. I LOVED your comment!

    "In my experience, any woman who knows what she wants and expects quality is classed as a prima donna. I also don't like the fact that Hollywood dictates what beauty is. I think Barbra Streisand is beautiful."

    Any woman who knows what she wants and expects quality is classed as either a prima donna, a diva, or a bitch. Yet when a man expects these same things, it's never even classified because it's just accepted. Truthfully, I think a women who are strong and are not afraid to speak up are a threat to many men. Especially a woman with power.

    Yes, I think Barbra is beautiful too. And her beauty is not only physical, but also internal.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Babs. And thanks for your adding your thoughts to this post. Hope you're enjoying a great weekend!

    X to you and Mo!

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  27. I think my only exposure to Barbara Streisand is Yentl and Meet The Fockers. Man, I guess I've been living with my head in the sand. Sorry. Heh. But hey, at least Barbara is worthy of worship, unlike some other big name stars who are impossible to work with (I'm looking directly at you, Christian Bale).

    And now that you mention it, it's hard to imagine a time before VHS. I know I lived through it, but I guess I blocked it out like a bad memory. Where would I be without my movies?!

    Awesome post!

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  28. whew, i thought you were confessing and your name was really barbara. hahhaha. ron, why can't i be serious?

    clears throat and starts all over again.

    hey ron! i can't think of one streisand movie i've seen, but i do love her voice. the way we were is probably my favorite song, actually heard it today.

    i do agree with the other comments, great tribute and write up to barbara. i will need you to write my obituary. thanks, in advance of course.

    i need help.

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  29. What a great tribute to a great lady! Ron, I've been a fan of Streisand ever since I saw The Way We Were, with Bob Redford. I always thought of her as only a singer, but after seeing that movie I realized that she could act. And act WELL!

    Enjoyed the clip of Funny Girl. God, it's been ages since I've seen that movie.

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  30. Hey there Robert~

    "I always thought of her as only a singer, but after seeing that movie I realized that she could act. And act WELL!"

    I agree! When I first started my love affair with Babs, it was initially as a singer. But as time moved on, and I began to see more of her movies, I realized what I fine actress she is as well. It's the same way I feel about Cher. I saw her in the movies, Mask and Suspect, and thought...."MY GOD, THIS WOMAN CAN ACT!!!"

    Glad you enjoyed the clip. I love the way she sings that song!

    Hope you had a super weekend, buddy. Thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  31. Howdy Herman~

    "I think my only exposure to Barbara Streisand is Yentl and Meet The Fockers. Man, I guess I've been living with my head in the sand. Sorry. Heh."

    HA! No, you haven't been living with your head in the sand, it's just some people, like me, see EVERYTHING she's ever done because we love her so much. I think everyone has different actors/actresses that we feel really strong about, and Streisand is one for me. It's funny because Yentl is not one of my favorites of hers. I liked it, but didn't LOVE it. But I LOVED Meet The Fockers!!! Ben Stiller was a RIOT!

    "But hey, at least Barbara is worthy of worship, unlike some other big name stars who are impossible to work with (I'm looking directly at you, Christian Bale)."

    WOW...I hadn't heard he was impossible to work with, but somehow I don't find that hard to believe.

    "it's hard to imagine a time before VHS. I know I lived through it, but I guess I blocked it out like a bad memory. Where would I be without my movies?!"

    Not only VHS, but 8-tracks as well! And can you believe that I still have movies on VHS???

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Hope you and the family had a grrrrrrreat weekend!

    X to you, Karin and Mr. Tyler!

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  32. Hey there V Girl~

    "whew, i thought you were confessing and your name was really barbara."

    Bwhahahahahahahahahaha! You know what? After I decided to use that as my post title, I thought, "What if people think my name really IS Barbra?????"

    " i can't think of one streisand movie i've seen, but i do love her voice. the way we were is probably my favorite song, actually heard it today."

    Mine too! I actually own that movie and watch it several times throughout the year.

    " i will need you to write my obituary. thanks, in advance of course."

    CRACKED ME UP!!!! Okay, I promise :)

    Hope you had a faaaaaaaabulous weekend, girl. Thanks for stopping by!

    X,
    Barbra

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  33. P.S. FYI Robert, I just purchased the movie, The Way We Were today. Thought of you!

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  34. Oh noooo... my comment didn't go thru?!! Hmm.... maybe I wandered off on one of the links and never came back? I thought I left you something. OH heck, I don't know now. I commented in my mind anyway. LOL
    Barbra is fabulous. Such a beautiful voice and a great actress too. Loved her in 'Meet the Fockers'!

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  35. Hey there Mary~

    OMG, I'm so sorry I didn't get your previous comment, but this one came through. I don't know what happened to the other one because I didn't see it in my mailbox. It's odd because I've already pre-approved your name and email address (along with many other of my readers) on my Disqus format to go through without moderation, but for some reason YOUR comments are not going through without moderation. I don't know what's up with that?

    Anyway, sorry about that neighbor.

    "Barbra is fabulous. Such a beautiful voice and a great actress too. Loved her in 'Meet the Fockers'!"

    Isn't she faaaaaaabulous? And I loved her in 'Meet The Fockers!" In fact, I loved all those movies!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping back. Really appreciate that. Hope you're enjoying a great week. Hasn't this heat been HORRIBLE??

    X

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  36. Oh hell yes. I have always LOVED Barbra Streisand. And I always will!

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  37. Don't you ya just LOVE Babs?

    "Hello....gawgeous!"

    X

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