Barbra Streisand Biography: Barbara Joan “Barbra” Streisand born April 24, 1942) is an American singer, actress, songwriter, producer, and director whose career has spanned over six decades. She is the first performer to win all four major American entertainment awards—an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT). Streisand began her career in the early 1960s, performing in nightclubs and on Broadway. After several television appearances, she signed with Columbia Records. In a notable deal, she accepted lower pay in exchange for full artistic control—a condition she maintained throughout her career. Her debut album, The Barbra Streisand Album (1963), earned a Grammy for Album of the Year. Over the years, she has released 31 albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including People (1964), The Way We Were (1974), Guilty (1980), The Broadway Album (1985), and Higher Ground (1997).
Barbra Streisand Biography
Barbra Streisand is an American singer, actress, director, and producer, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and influential figures in show business. She holds the unique distinction of being the only individual to receive all of the following honors: an Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy, Golden Globe, CableACE Award, National Endowment for the Arts recognition, and a Peabody Award. In addition, she has been awarded the Kennedy Center Honor, the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Chaplin Award. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1942, Streisand was the daughter of Diana Kind (née Ida Rosen), a singer who became a school secretary, and Emanuel Streisand, a high school teacher. Her father passed away when she was just 15 months old. She has an older brother, Sheldon, and a half-sister, Roslyn Kind, from her mother’s second marriage.
Barbra Streisand Biography 2025 Details
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Barbara Joan Streisand
April 24, 1942 New York City, U.S.
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| Education | Erasmus Hall High School |
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| Children | Jason Gould |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Barbra Streisand
Barbara Joan “Barbra” Streisand is an American singer, actress, songwriter, producer, and director. With a career spanning over six decades, she has achieved success across multiple fields of entertainment, being the first performer to earn Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards.
Barbra Streisand Wiki
- Born: 24 April 1942 (age 83 years), Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Spouse: James Brolin (m. 1998), Elliott Gould (m. 1963–1971)
- Children: Jason Gould
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role ·
- Height: 1.65 m
Early Life and Family
Barbra Streisand was born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, to Diana Ida (née Rosen) and Emanuel Streisand, both born in 1908. Her mother had once aspired to a musical career as a soprano but later worked as a school secretary. Her father was a high school teacher at the same school where they met. Streisand was raised in a Jewish household. Her paternal grandparents emigrated from Galicia, part of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire (now Poland and Ukraine), and her maternal grandparents came from the Russian Empire—her grandfather had been a cantor.
Tragedy struck early when her father died in August 1943, just after Barbra’s first birthday, due to complications from an epileptic seizure, possibly related to a prior head injury. His death left the family in financial hardship, with her mother working as a low-paid bookkeeper. Streisand later described feeling like an outsider during this time, saying, “Everybody else’s father came home from work at the end of the day. Mine didn’t.”
When did Barbra Streisand realize she could sing?
Although Barbra Streisand originally aspired to be an actress, both she and those around her recognized her extraordinary vocal talent by the time she was just five years old. In an interview with The New York Times, she recalled singing in the hallway of her Brooklyn apartment building because of its echo. “I was known as the girl on the street with the good voice. No father, good voice. That was my identity,” she said.
How did Barbra Streisand begin her music career?
Streisand was a naturally gifted singer who never underwent formal vocal training. As a teenager, she won a singing contest at a small club in Manhattan and began performing regularly in New York City clubs—often opening for comedian Phyllis Diller. Her powerful performances earned her a growing fanbase. In 1962, Columbia Records took notice and signed her. Her debut album, The Barbra Streisand Album, was released in early 1963 and became a massive success, marking her official breakthrough.
Is Barbra Streisand a billionaire?
No, Streisand is not a billionaire, but with a net worth of approximately $400 million, she is certainly one of the most financially successful figures in entertainment history.
How much does Barbra Streisand earn per concert?
Streisand’s earnings per concert can vary depending on the venue and event. For example, during her 2017 Magic Tour, she earned about $3.6 million for a single performance, and the tour itself grossed over $50 million.
Does Barbra Streisand have perfect pitch?
Yes, Streisand has perfect pitch—a rare ability shared by notable musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Yo-Yo Ma, and Mozart. This natural talent is one of many factors that contributed to her vocal success.
Can Barbra Streisand read music?
Despite her legendary musical achievements, Streisand has said she cannot read music. In a 2009 interview with The New York Times, she explained, “I don’t read music. Not even essentially. Not even nonessentially.” However, she often hums or vocalizes parts to convey arrangements to her orchestra.
What was Barbra Streisand’s first hit song?
Her first major hit was “People” from the Funny Girl original cast recording in 1964. The single reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of her signature songs.
What is Barbra Streisand’s best-selling album?
Streisand’s best-selling album is Guilty (1980), a collaboration with Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. The album has sold an estimated 15 million copies worldwide.
How many albums has Barbra Streisand released?
Throughout her six-decade career, Barbra Streisand has released 36 studio albums and 84 albums in total. Among her latest are Evergreens: Celebrating Six Decades on Columbia Records and Yentl: 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, both released in October 2023.
What is Barbra Streisand’s most iconic song?
Among her many hits, Streisand’s most famous songs include “Evergreen” from A Star Is Born (1976), “Woman in Love” (1980), and “The Way We Were” (1973). Each of these reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the charts for over 20 weeks.
When was Barbra Streisand’s most recent concert?
Barbra Streisand last performed live on August 6, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago. As of now, that remains her most recent concert appearance.
Why did Barbra Streisand stop touring?
Streisand stepped back from live performing due to stage fright and personal discomfort. On Carpool Karaoke in 2018, she admitted, “I don’t get nervous-nervous, but I don’t enjoy it. I get scared. I just don’t want to disappoint people.”
How many Emmy Awards has Barbra Streisand won?
Streisand has won five Emmy Awards. She earned her first Primetime Emmy in 1965 for My Name Is Barbra and received two more in 1995 for Barbra Streisand: The Concert. Her most recent Emmy win came in 2001 for Timeless: Live in Concert. She also won a Daytime Emmy in 2001 for producing the documentary Reel Models: The First Women of Film.
How many Oscars has Barbra Streisand received?
Barbra Streisand has won two Academy Awards: Best Actress for Funny Girl in 1969, and Best Original Song for “Evergreen” from A Star Is Born in 1976.
How many Grammy Awards does Barbra Streisand have?
She has won 10 Grammy Awards, along with a Grammy Legend Award and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, four of her recordings have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame: the songs “People” and “The Way We Were,” as well as Funny Girl and The Barbra Streisand Album.
How many Tony Awards has Barbra Streisand won?
Streisand became an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner in 1970 when she was awarded a special Tony for “Star of the Decade.” While not a competitive win, the honor cemented her legacy in theater.
Will Barbra Streisand tour again?
While a full tour is unlikely, it’s hard to rule anything out entirely. Streisand has often billed shows as “final performances,” only to return to the stage again. So while she may not tour extensively, there’s always a possibility of one-off performances.
What is Barbra Streisand’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Barbra Streisand’s net worth is estimated at around $400 million, placing her among the wealthiest entertainers in the industry.
FAQs
What was Barbra Streisand’s breakout role on Broadway?
Barbra Streisand’s breakout role came with her Broadway debut in the 1962 musical I Can Get It for You Wholesale, where her performance earned her critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination. This role marked the beginning of her rise to stardom in theater and music.
How did Barbra Streisand start her singing career?
Streisand began her singing career performing in nightclubs and off-Broadway venues in New York City. Her unique voice and stage presence quickly drew attention, helping her build a loyal fan base and attract opportunities on Broadway and in the recording industry.
What makes Barbra Streisand unique in show business history?
Barbra Streisand is the only person in history to receive all of the top American entertainment and cultural honors, including an Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy, Golden Globe, CableACE Award, National Endowment for the Arts recognition, and a Peabody Award, as well as major lifetime achievement honors.
Did Barbra Streisand come from a musical family?
Yes, her mother, Diana Kind, had aspirations of a musical career and was once a singer before becoming a school secretary. This early exposure to music likely influenced Streisand’s artistic interests, although her rise to fame was largely self-driven.
Who are Barbra Streisand’s siblings?
Barbra Streisand has a brother named Sheldon Streisand and a half-sister, Roslyn Kind, from her mother’s second marriage. Roslyn Kind is also a singer and performer.
Where did Barbra Streisand go to school as a child?
Streisand attended the Beis Yakov Jewish School in Brooklyn during her early years. Her upbringing in a Jewish household and education played a role in shaping her identity and cultural perspective.