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GRAMMYs

Barbra Streisand in the 1968 film adaptation of "Funny Girl"

Photo: Mondadori/Getty Images

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Barbra Streisand's golden debut in "Funny Girl"

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Fifty years ago, Barbra Streisand garnered accolades and critical acclaim for her role as Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl" on Broadway
Paul Grein
GRAMMYs
May 15, 2017 - 2:36 am

It was 50 years ago today that Barbra Streisand opened on Broadway in "Funny Girl." None of the opening-night reviewers actually said "She's like buttah" (to borrow Linda Richman's [aka Mike Myers'] famous line from SNL's "Coffee Talk" sketch), but that's definitely the impression they left.

Time raved, "Some stars merely brighten up a marquee; Barbra Streisand sets an entire theater ablaze. … Actress, songstress, dancer, comedienne, mimic, clown — she is the theater's new girl for all seasons."

In his column in the Daily News, Ed Sullivan wrote, "Barbra Streisand in 'Funny Girl' is the greatest thing to hit Broadway in too many seasons."

Writing in the New York Journal-American, society columnist Suzy Knickerbocker flatly said, "Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice is the star of the decade."

Celebrities who attended the opening night party at the Rainbow Room also sang Streisand's praises. Lauren Bacall raved, "I absolutely saw the best thing I ever saw in my life in that girl. She can act. She can sing. She has an electric personality. Which is what makes a star."

Sophie Tucker, who was a peer of Brice's in the '20s and '30s, enthused, "She has everything that I will call a star. She is star material from now on. Nothing will stop Barbra Streisand."

Fred Robbins, who hosted the "Robbins Nest" radio show on WNEW-FM in New York, interviewed Streisand in her dressing room at the Winter Garden Theatre on opening night. "In your wildest dreams, did you think it would happen to this dimension?" he asked her.

"Of course," Streisand quickly replied. "I always wanted to be famous and rich and [a] star. And I'm not that rich yet, and I'm not that famous, so I still have more to go."

Streisand was already a star by the time "Funny Girl" opened on Broadway on March 26, 1964. Each of her first three albums had made the Top 10 on the Billboard 200. Her second album had climbed all the way to No. 2.

But "Funny Girl" took Streisand to an even higher level. On April 10 she appeared on the cover of Time. On May 12 she won her first two GRAMMY Awards: Album Of The Year and Best Vocal Performance, Female, both for her debut album, The Barbra Streisand Album. That spring, Streisand was also nominated for an Emmy (for her legendary 1963 appearance on "The Judy Garland Show") and a Tony (for "Funny Girl"). Streisand was nominated for three of the four major show business awards in the space of just a few months — an astonishing degree of success for any performer, much less one so young: Streisand was just 22.

Producer Ray Stark had worked on developing a musical based on the life of Fanny Brice (who was his mother-in-law) for a decade. "It's been a long pull," he told The New York Times in December 1963, when the show was in rehearsals prior to its out-of-town opening in Boston. "And I can't deny that there were times when I was ready to give up. But the idea wouldn't let me rest. Casting always was a problem. But I'm happy now. Whom else could you want for Fanny than Barbra Streisand? From the moment you saw her in [1962's] 'I Can Get It For You Wholesale,' you knew she was it."

Streisand told WNEW's Robbins that she intentionally didn't research Brice's life, or listen to her recordings. "I didn't want to approach it as an imitation or anything like that," she said. "They hired me because [of] whatever organic things we had similar. … I'm not singing 'My Man.' And this is not really truthful, the story, I mean it's based on the truth, but it's a writer's play, it's not a biography. … I'm approaching it as a character in a play who could have been any woman who was torn between a career [and] marriage and has problems of her own."

Broadway veterans Jule Styne and Bob Merrill co-wrote the score, which yielded two of Streisand's signature songs: the exquisite "People" and the exhilarating "Don't Rain On My Parade."

Nonetheless, the show had a bumpy road on its way to its Broadway opening. Previews in Boston drew tepid reviews (though the critics all praised Streisand). The headline for Billboard's review of the Boston opening lacked poetry, but got the point across. "Barbra Great As Fanny, But Show Tedious Stuff."

With the Broadway opening looming, the company regrouped. The show's director, Garson Kanin, left the production. Jerome Robbins was brought in to oversee the show (his credit was production supervisor). The Broadway opening was pushed back a month as the show, especially the second act, was reworked and tightened.

The show went on to receive eight Tony nominations — second only that season to "Hello, Dolly!," which amassed 11. But "Funny Girl" went 0 for 8. It lost to "Hello, Dolly!" in five categories, including Best Musical and Best Score (Composer and Lyricist).

Interestingly, the "Funny Girl" original cast album fared better than the "Dolly" caster at the GRAMMYs, probably because of Streisand's recording pedigree. Funny Girl was nominated for Album Of The Year at the 7th GRAMMY Awards. ("Hello, Dolly!" wasn't.) And it beat "Hello, Dolly!" for Best Score From An Original Cast Show Album.

"Funny Girl" was the first Broadway cast album to receive an Album Of The Year nomination. In all the years since, only one other cast album — Jesus Christ Superstar — has equaled the feat. (The original cast album is slated for release April 29 as a special 50th anniversary deluxe edition on CD and vinyl LP, with a 48-page booklet of exclusive photos.)

The show's standout song, "People," was nominated for both Record and Song Of The Year. Streisand's performance of the ballad brought her another GRAMMY for Best Vocal Performance, Female.

"People" was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame in 1998. Funny Girl was inducted six years later.

Streisand remained with the show until Dec. 26, 1965. (Her replacement was Mimi Hines, who played the role until the show concluded its Broadway run on July 1, 1967.) In spring 1966, Streisand took the show to London for a 14-week run.

In 1968 Streisand starred in the film adaptation of "Funny Girl." The movie (unlike the stage show) included some of Brice's old hits: "My Man," "Second Hand Rose" and "I'd Rather Be Blue Over You (Than Happy With Somebody Else)." The movie received eight Academy Award nominations. Only one movie got more that year — "Oliver!" led with 11.

On April 14, 1969, Streisand won the best actress Oscar in a tie with Katharine Hepburn. It was the first (and remains the only) time that an actress has won an Oscar for playing a role that she had originated in a Broadway musical.

In accepting the award, Streisand noted, "Sitting there tonight, I was thinking that the first script of 'Funny Girl' was written when I was only 11 years old. Thank God it took so long to get it right!"

(Paul Grein, a veteran music journalist and historian, writes regularly for Yahoo Music.)

Mariah Carey in 2019

Mariah Carey

Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

News
N.Y.C. Benefit To Feature Mariah Carey, J.Lo, More rise-new-york-covid-19-relief-benefit-feature-mariah-carey-jennifer-lopez-tina-fey-bon

"Rise Up New York!" COVID-19 Relief Benefit To Feature Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Tina Fey, Bon Jovi & Many More

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Tina Fey is hosting the star-studded May 11 TV special raising money for the most in-need New Yorkers during the coronavirus crisis
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
May 4, 2020 - 1:47 pm

On Mon. May 11, famous New Yorkers will gather together virtually to share music, jokes and stories to support their most in-need neighbors on behalf of local non-profit Robin Hood's COVID-19 Relief Fund. "Rise Up New York!," an hour-long fundraising special, will be hosted by Tina Fey and feature performances from GRAMMY-winning legends Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Mariah Carey and Sting. Jennifer Lopez, Barbra Streisand, Ben Platt, Bette Midler, Idina Menzel, Trevor Noah and many more are also slated to appear on the show.

https://twitter.com/RobinHoodNYC/status/1257294962363949058

Rise Up New York! will be broadcast on all New York City TV stations,@iHeartMedia and @Entercom broadcast radio stations, @News12, @NY1, @SIRIUSXM & nationally on @CNBC. Learn more about our relief and recovery work and give today: https://t.co/LouVYHKHh3

— Robin Hood (@RobinHoodNYC) May 4, 2020

More performers will be revealed, but iconic director Spike Lee, actors Chris Rock, Christopher Jackson, Robert De Niro and Jake Gyllenhaal, along with NY Giants Super Bowl champs Eli Manning Michael Strahan, will also make cameos. N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and N.Y.C. Mayor Bill de Blasio, as well as some of the city's brave frontline workers, will also speak.

More Benefits: Tommy Shaw of Styx & Ed Roland Of Collective Soul: Legacy Lounge Livestream To Benefit MusiCares

According to their website, Robin Hood is the biggest poverty-fighting organization in N.Y.C., working with over 250 local non-profits that support food, housing, education, legal services, work opportunities and more. Their COVID-19 Relief Fund was created to ensure that the city's most vulnerable can survive the harrowing pandemic, with 100% of donations going directly to the orgs working on the frontlines, as overhead costs are paid by board members.

With "Rise Up New York!," which is co-hosted by iHeartMedia, Robin Hood is aiming to raise $10 million for the fund. They are asking for $10 donation from individuals and hoping to get at least 1 million out of over 8.5 million New Yorkers on board.

And Another One: Fonseca, Juanes, Maluma & More Team Up For Colombia Cuida Colombia Benefit Livestream

"New York City is at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis has created a whole new set of challenges for the millions of New Yorkers who already struggled to make ends meet," Robin Hood CEO Wes Moore said in a statement. "This is a moment where we must all come together and rise up together as a community in support of our neighbors and in support of one another."

The show will air on Mon., May 11 at 7 p.m. ET on all local TV stations, iHeartMedia and Entercom broadcast radio stations, News 12, Spectrum News NY1, SiriusXM and nationally on CNBC.

The Loog Fest Livestream Is Here To Get Your Kids Playing Guitar & Staying Creative During Quarantine

GRAMMYs

LeAnn Rimes

Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

News
your-weekly-grammy-social-roundup-105

Your Weekly GRAMMY Social Roundup

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Beyoncé, LeAnn Rimes and Usher are featured in the 10 tweets and Instagram posts we didn't want you to miss
THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
Sep 2, 2016 - 6:00 am

Ran into the beautiful @halsey at @TheGRAMMYs Recording Academy! pic.twitter.com/SafYVxiFtP

— Corinne Bailey Rae (@CorinneBRae) August 30, 2016

The writings on the wall #WHEREStheLOVE @iamwill @apldeap @bep pic.twitter.com/y4FUdWpGFz

— Taboo Nawasha (@TabBep) August 31, 2016

This is #34 #bdaygirl I'm so blessed and spoiled by my man, family, friends and fans pic.twitter.com/6eQRzYGck9

— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) August 29, 2016

.@AlecBaldwin - You were a fantastic duet partner in the studio on "The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened”. pic.twitter.com/gcD9HcupJ9

— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) August 29, 2016

#Aaliyah15yearsLater I can still hear your Laughter U have inspired SO MANY musically/style u will NEVER b 4Gottenpic.twitter.com/ghu4snsSn7

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 25, 2016

Ready to take on the world

A photo posted by Mary J Blige (@therealmaryjblige) on Sep 1, 2016 at 11:21am PDT

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Aug 28, 2016 at 5:39pm PDT

shot from new jersey house --- @danielgsilbert took this

A photo posted by jack antonoff (@jackantonoff) on Aug 25, 2016 at 10:58am PDT

Olympic medalist.. at least for a day!

A photo posted by Usher (@usher) on Aug 23, 2016 at 2:26pm PDT

You'll see....

A photo posted by Bruno Mars (@brunomars) on Aug 30, 2016 at 4:38pm PDT

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Bid Your Way To Next Year's GRAMMYs

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GRAMMY Charity Online Auctions offer 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards VIP Experience and exclusive music memorabilia
Crystal Larsen
GRAMMYs
Dec 2, 2014 - 4:06 pm

In celebration of the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards, the GRAMMY Charity Online Auctions are open now through Feb. 24. Presented in partnership with Kompolt, the auctions provide bidders an opportunity to bid on approximately 100 exclusive items, including once-in-a-lifetime VIP experiences, memorabilia from world-renowned celebrities, and official GRAMMY merchandise autographed by artists during GRAMMY Week.

Featured items will be available for bid in two cycles, including a 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards VIP Experience for two, including Platinum-level GRAMMY tickets, GRAMMY Celebration tickets, GRAMMY rehearsal passes, and 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute tickets; a private guitar lesson with Orianthi, recording artist and guitarist in Michael Jackson's This Is It; and official GRAMMY merchandise autographed backstage at the 53rd GRAMMY Awards rehearsals and telecast by celebrity participants. This year's performers include Justin Bieber, Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, and Katy Perry, among others.

Additional auction items include VIP concert and meet-and-greet experiences with Kathy Griffin and Maroon 5; VIP lounge tickets to the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals; guitars autographed by Jeff Beck, Bruno Mars, Tom Petty, Slash, and Train, among others; and music memorabilia autographed by Bon Jovi, Mariah Carey, Daughtry, Jay-Z, Ke$ha, Barry Manilow, Pink, Carlos Santana, and Barbra Streisand, among others.

To place your bid on items featured in the GRAMMY Charity Online Auctions, visit www.ebay.com/grammy. All proceeds will benefit MusiCares and the GRAMMY Foundation.

GRAMMYs

Donna Summer

Photo: Larry Marano/WireImage.com

News
stars-pay-tribute-barbra-streisand

Stars To Pay Tribute To Barbra Streisand

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"Glee" cast, Herbie Hancock, Barry Manilow, and Donna Summer among artists to perform at 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute during GRAMMY Week on Feb. 11
Crystal Larsen
GRAMMYs
Dec 2, 2014 - 4:06 pm

(For a complete list of 53rd GRAMMY Awards nominees, please click here.)

The Recording Academy and MusiCares announced performers for the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year event honoring iconic artist and philanthropist Barbra Streisand, taking place Feb. 11 in Los Angeles, two days prior to the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Artists scheduled to fete the legendary artist are Tony Bennett; singer/actress Kristin Chenoweth; members of the GRAMMY-nominated "Glee" cast Darren Criss, Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison; Herbie Hancock; Diana Krall; Barry Manilow; Donna Summer; Stevie Wonder; and artist Nikki Yanofsky. Streisand, a multi-GRAMMY-winning artist and current GRAMMY 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 allows 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, at events such as the GRAMMY Awards, offer a support network to those in recovery while they are participating in the production of televised music shows 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, 2011, 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.

 

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Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy.