Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Barbra Streisand
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Barbra Streisand made an impact.
Barbra Streisand is a highly accomplished American entertainer with a career spanning over six decades. She's a singer, actress, songwriter, producer, and director, recognized for her significant achievements across various entertainment fields. Streisand holds the distinction of being the first artist to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, highlighting her exceptional talent and versatility.
September 1960: First Professional Engagement
In September 1960, Barbra Streisand had her first professional engagement at the Bon Soir nightclub, where she was the opening act for comedian Phyllis Diller, earning $125 a week.
1960: Ushering Job and Singing Audition
In early 1960, Barbra Streisand worked as an usher at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater for "The Sound of Music" and had her first singing audition, receiving encouragement to include her singing talent on her résumé.
April 1961: Television Debut on "The Tonight Show"
In April 1961, Barbra Streisand made her first television appearance on "The Tonight Show" with Orson Bean substituting for Jack Paar. She sang Harold Arlen's "A Sleepin' Bee", receiving praise from Phyllis Diller.
1961: Participation in Women Strike for Peace
In 1961, Barbra Streisand participated in activities of the anti-nuclear group Women Strike for Peace.
1961: Semi-Regular on PM East/PM West
Later in 1961, Barbra Streisand became a semi-regular on PM East/PM West, a talk/variety series hosted by Mike Wallace and Joyce Davidson.
March 22, 1962: Opening of "I Can Get It for You Wholesale"
On March 22, 1962, "I Can Get It for You Wholesale" opened at the Shubert Theater. Barbra Streisand's performance received rave reviews, and she earned a Tony Award nomination and the New York Drama Critic's prize for Best Supporting Actress.
May 1962: Appearance on "The Garry Moore Show"
In May 1962, Barbra Streisand appeared on "The Garry Moore Show", where she sang "Happy Days Are Here Again" for the first time, establishing it as her signature song.
December 1962: First Appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"
In December 1962, Barbra Streisand made her first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show", marking the start of several appearances on the show and gaining a fan in Liberace.
1962: Appearances on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson
In 1962, Barbra Streisand appeared on "The Tonight Show" half a dozen times with Johnny Carson, becoming a favorite of his television audience.
1962: Participation in Women Strike for Peace
In 1962, Barbra Streisand participated in activities of the anti-nuclear group Women Strike for Peace.
1962: Cast Recording of "I Can Get It for You Wholesale"
In early 1962, Barbra Streisand participated in the cast recording of "I Can Get It for You Wholesale" at the Columbia Records studio.
1963: Appearances on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson
In 1963, Barbra Streisand continued to appear on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson, maintaining her popularity with the television audience.
1963: Release of Debut Album and Concert Performances
In 1963, Barbra Streisand released her debut album, "The Barbra Streisand Album", which reached the top 10 on the Billboard chart and won three Grammy Awards. She also released her second album and performed one-night concerts in various cities.
1963: Released Debut Album
In 1963, Barbra Streisand released her debut studio album, "The Barbra Streisand Album", which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. This marked the beginning of her successful recording career.
1964: Broadway Performance in "Funny Girl"
In 1964, Barbra Streisand returned to Broadway with an acclaimed performance as Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl", introducing her signature songs "People" and "Don't Rain on My Parade." She was nominated for a Tony Award but lost to Carol Channing.
1964: Album "People" Topped Billboard 200
In 1964, Barbra Streisand's album "People" topped the US Billboard 200 chart, further solidifying her success in the music industry.
1965: First Solo Television Special
From 1965 to 1968, Barbra Streisand appeared in her first four solo television specials, showcasing her talent and expanding her reach to television audiences.
1966: Success with "Funny Girl" in London
In 1966, Barbra Streisand repeated her success with "Funny Girl" in London's West End at the Prince of Wales Theatre.
July 1968: Fundraising Concert for the Poor
In July 1968, Barbra Streisand, with Harry Belafonte and others, performed at the Hollywood Bowl in a fundraising concert sponsored by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to benefit the poor.
1968: Emmy Award for Television Special
From 1965 to 1968, Barbra Streisand appeared in her first four solo television specials, including the Emmy Award–winning "My Name is Barbra".
1968: Starring in Funny Girl and Winning an Academy Award
In 1968, Barbra Streisand starred in her first film, a reprise of her Broadway hit Funny Girl. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the role in 1968, sharing it with Katharine Hepburn.
1968: Starred in "Funny Girl" and Won an Oscar
In 1968, Barbra Streisand starred in the critically acclaimed film "Funny Girl" and won the Academy Award for Best Actress at the 41st Academy Awards, marking a significant achievement in her acting career.
1968: Academy Award for Best Actress
In 1968, Barbra Streisand won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in "Funny Girl," marking a significant triumph in her acting career.
1969: Appearing in Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll
From 1969, Barbra Streisand appeared in Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll a total of 10 times.
1969: Started Attempting More Contemporary Material
In 1969, Barbra Streisand began attempting more contemporary material in her music, though she found herself out of her element with rock music.
1969: Starring in Hello, Dolly!
In 1969, Barbra Streisand starred in Hello, Dolly!, which was based on a musical.
1969: Formation of First Artists Production Company
In 1969, Barbra Streisand, along with Paul Newman and Sidney Poitier, formed First Artists Production Company to secure properties and develop movie projects.
1970: Special Tony Award
In 1970, Barbra Streisand received a Special Tony Award, which recognized her outstanding contributions to Broadway theater.
1970: Starring in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever and The Owl and the Pussycat
In 1970, Barbra Streisand starred in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, which was based on a musical, and The Owl and the Pussycat, which was based on a Broadway play.
1971: Gained Success With Stoney End Album
In 1971, Streisand gained newfound success with the pop and ballad-oriented album 'Stoney End', produced by Richard Perry. The title track, written by Laura Nyro, became a major hit for her.
1972: Setting up Barwood Films
In 1972, Barbra Streisand produced a number of her own films, setting up Barwood Films.
1972: Starred in "What's Up, Doc?"
In 1972, Barbra Streisand starred in the screwball comedy "What's Up, Doc?", showcasing her versatility as an actress.
1972: First Artists Production with Up the Sandbox
In 1972, Barbra Streisand's initial outing with First Artists was Up the Sandbox.
1972: Headlined benefit concert
In 1972, Streisand headlined the benefit concert "Four for McGovern", organized to support anti-war candidate George McGovern's presidential campaign. A live recording of the concert was subsequently released.
1973: Starring in The Way We Were
In 1973, Barbra Streisand starred in the drama The Way We Were with Robert Redford, for which she received an Academy Award nomination as Best Actress.
1973: Relationship with Jon Peters
In 1973, Barbra Streisand started a relationship with Jon Peters, who became her manager and producer.
1974: Starring in For Pete's Sake
In 1974, Barbra Streisand starred in the screwball comedy For Pete's Sake with Michael Sarrazin.
1974: "The Way We Were" Album Topped Billboard 200
In 1974, Barbra Streisand's album "The Way We Were" topped the US Billboard 200 chart, further solidifying her success in the music industry.
1976: Winning Second Academy Award for "Evergreen"
In 1976, Barbra Streisand earned her second Academy Award for Best Original Song (with Paul Williams) for "Evergreen", from A Star Is Born, in which she also starred.
1976: Academy Award for Best Original Song
In 1976, Barbra Streisand won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Evergreen", this made her the first woman to receive the latter.
1979: Released "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" with Donna Summer
In 1979, Barbra Streisand released "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" with Donna Summer, which became a commercially successful duet, reaching the top of the US charts.
1979: Starring in The Main Event
In 1979, Barbra Streisand starred in the screwball comedy The Main Event, co-starring Ryan O'Neal.
1980: Released Guilty album
In 1980, Barbra Streisand released her best-selling album to date, 'Guilty', produced by Barry Gibb, which contained the hits "Woman in Love," "Guilty," and "What Kind of Fool."
1980: "Guilty" Album Topped Billboard 200
In 1980, Barbra Streisand's album "Guilty" topped the US Billboard 200 chart, further solidifying her success in the music industry.
1980: Appearing in Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll
Until 1980, Barbra Streisand appeared in Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll a total of 10 times.
1981: Last Top 10 Hit Until 1996
In 1981, Barbra Streisand had her last top 10 hit on the Hot 100 until 1996 with the release of "I Finally Found Someone".
1981: Starring in All Night Long
In 1981, Barbra Streisand starred in All Night Long, after which her film output decreased considerably.
1983: Release of Yentl
In 1983, Barbra Streisand released Yentl, for which she was producer, director, and star, after it was turned down by every Hollywood studio.
1983: Released and Directed "Yentl"
In 1983, with the release of "Yentl", Barbra Streisand became the first woman to write, produce, direct, and star in a major studio film. The film won an Oscar for Best Original Score and a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Musical, and Streisand received the Golden Globe Award for Best Director.
1984: Baskin's contribution to "Emotion" album
In 1984, Richard Baskin composed the lyrics to "Here We Are At Last" on Barbra Streisand's album Emotion.
1984: Established Hollywood Women's Political Committee
In 1984, Streisand co-founded the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC) with Jane Fonda and other industry figures to advocate for liberal causes.
1984: Donated building to Hebrew University
In 1984, Streisand donated the Emanuel Streisand Building for Jewish Studies to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in memory of her father.
1985: Released The Broadway Album
In 1985, Barbra Streisand released 'The Broadway Album,' returning to her musical-theater roots. It achieved unexpected success, holding the No. 1 Billboard position for three weeks and earning quadruple platinum certification.
1985: "The Broadway Album" Topped Billboard 200
In 1985, Barbra Streisand's album "The Broadway Album" topped the US Billboard 200 chart, further solidifying her success in the music industry.
1986: Released Live Album One Voice
In 1986, Barbra Streisand released the live album 'One Voice'.
1986: Established The Streisand Foundation
In 1986, The Streisand Foundation was established. It has since contributed over $16 million through nearly 1,000 grants to various causes.
1986: HWPC contributed to Democratic Party gains
In 1986, the HWPC, which Streisand co-founded, contributed to the Democratic Party gaining majority control in the U.S. Senate elections.
September 1988: Recording a Duet with Don Johnson
By September 1988, Barbra Streisand recorded a duet of "Till I Loved You" with Don Johnson, whom she was dating.
1988: Broadway Album Project Scrapped
In 1988, Barbra Streisand scrapped her second Broadway album despite recording several cuts. Only "Warm All Over" and a reworked version of "All I Ask of You" were released.
1991: Produced and Directed "The Prince of Tides"
In 1991, Barbra Streisand produced and directed "The Prince of Tides", continuing her work as a director and producer in the film industry.
1991: Release of The Prince of Tides
In 1991, Barbra Streisand released The Prince of Tides, for which she was producer, director, and star.
1991: Released Just for the Record Compilation
In 1991, Barbra Streisand released a four-disc box set titled 'Just for the Record', a compilation spanning her entire career with live performances, greatest hits, rarities, and unreleased material.
1992: Appearance at APLA Benefit and Inaugural Performance
In 1992, Barbra Streisand's appearance at an APLA benefit and her inaugural performance hinted that she was becoming more receptive to the idea of live performances.
1992: HWPC funded Bill Clinton's presidential election
In 1992, the HWPC, with Streisand as a member, funded Bill Clinton's presidential election and supported the election of more women senators.
June 1993: Released Back to Broadway album
In June 1993, Barbra Streisand released 'Back to Broadway', which debuted at No. 1 on the pop charts.
September 1993: Announced First Concert Appearances in 27 Years
In September 1993, Barbra Streisand announced her first public concert appearances in 27 years, leading to a multi-city tour in the summer of 1994.
1994: Honored with Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award
In 1994, Streisand was honored with the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award from the ASCAP, recognizing her philanthropic efforts.
1994: Launched Multi-City Tour
In the summer of 1994, Barbra Streisand launched a multi-city tour following her announcement in September 1993. Ticket prices ranged from US$50 to US$1,500, making Streisand the highest-paid concert performer in history at the time.
1995: Spoke at Harvard about the role of the artist as citizen
In 1995, Streisand spoke at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government about the role of the artist as citizen, advocating for arts programs and funding.
1996: Produced and Directed "The Mirror Has Two Faces"
In 1996, Barbra Streisand produced and directed "The Mirror Has Two Faces", further showcasing her talent as a director and producer.
1996: Released "I Finally Found Someone" duet with Bryan Adams
In 1996, Barbra Streisand released "I Finally Found Someone" as a duet with Bryan Adams for her self-directed movie "The Mirror Has Two Faces." The song was nominated for an Oscar and became her first significant hit in almost a decade.
1996: Release of The Mirror Has Two Faces
In 1996, Barbra Streisand released The Mirror Has Two Faces, for which she was producer, director, and star.
1996: Awarded Filmmaker of the Year
In 1996, Streisand was awarded Filmmaker of the Year Award for "lifetime achievement in filmmaking" by ShowEast and Peabody Award.
1997: Released Higher Ground album
In 1997, Barbra Streisand returned to the recording studio, releasing 'Higher Ground', a collection of inspirational songs, which debuted at No. 1 on the pop charts.
1999: Returned to the Concert Stage on New Year's Eve
On New Year's Eve in 1999, Barbra Streisand returned to the concert stage after a hiatus, with the show selling out in a few hours, eight months in advance.
December 31, 1999: Highest-Grossing Concert Show
Barbra Streisand's December 31, 1999 show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena was the house record and highest-grossing concert of all time.
September 2000: House Record at Madison Square Garden
Barbra Streisand's October 9, 2006 show at Madison Square Garden set the third-place record, but the first- and second-place records are held by her two shows in September 2000.
September 2000: Announced Retirement From Public Concerts
In September 2000, in advance of four concerts in Los Angeles and New York, Barbra Streisand announced that she was retiring from playing public concerts. Her performance of the song "People" was broadcast on the Internet.
2001: Released Christmas Memories album
In 2001, Barbra Streisand released 'Christmas Memories', a collection of holiday songs.
2003: Released The Movie Album
In 2003, Barbra Streisand released 'The Movie Album', featuring famous film themes backed by a large symphony orchestra.
2004: Humanitarian Award from Human Rights Campaign
In 2004, Streisand received the Humanitarian Award from Human Rights Campaign for her activism in civil liberties, including religion, race, gender equality, freedom of speech, and gay rights.
2004: Starring in Meet the Fockers
In 2004, after an eight-year hiatus, Barbra Streisand returned to film acting in the comedy Meet the Fockers.
2005: Released Guilty Pleasures album
In 2005, Barbra Streisand released 'Guilty Pleasures', a collaboration with Barry Gibb and a sequel to their album Guilty.
2005: Purchasing the Rights to Mendel's Dwarf
In 2005, Barbra Streisand's Barwood Films purchased the rights to Simon Mawer's book Mendel's Dwarf.
February 2006: Recorded "Smile" With Tony Bennett
In February 2006, Barbra Streisand recorded the song "Smile" with Tony Bennett at her Malibu home, which was included on Bennett's 80th birthday album, Duets.
September 2006: Filmed Live Performance of "Smile" with Tony Bennett
In September 2006, Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett filmed a live performance of the song "Smile" for Tony Bennett: An American Classic, directed by Rob Marshall.
October 9, 2006: Third-Place Record at Madison Square Garden
Barbra Streisand's October 9, 2006 show at Madison Square Garden set the third-place record.
November 20, 2006: Ended 2006 Streisand Concert Tour
On November 20, 2006, Barbra Streisand concluded her 2006 concert tour at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
November 21, 2006: Tony Bennett Special Aired on NBC
On November 21, 2006, the Tony Bennett special "Tony Bennett: An American Classic", which included Streisand's duet with Bennett, aired on NBC and was released on DVD.
2006: Live in Concert 2006 album debut
In 2006, Barbra Streisand's "Live in Concert 2006" album debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, making it her 29th Top 10 album.
2006: Donated to the Clinton Foundation
In 2006, Streisand donated $1 million to the William J. Clinton Foundation to support Bill Clinton's climate change initiative.
2007: Gave First Concerts in Continental Europe
In the summer of 2007, Barbra Streisand gave concerts for the first time in continental Europe, including performances in Zürich, Vienna, Paris, Berlin, and other cities.
February 2008: Listed as No. 2-Earning Female Musician by Forbes
In February 2008, Forbes listed Barbra Streisand as the No. 2-earning female musician between June 2006 and June 2007, with earnings of about $60 million.
November 17, 2008: Returned to the Studio to Record 63rd Album
On November 17, 2008, Barbra Streisand returned to the studio to begin recording what would be her 63rd album, with Diana Krall producing.
December 2008: Considering Directing The Normal Heart
In December 2008, Barbra Streisand stated that she was considering directing an adaptation of Larry Kramer's play The Normal Heart, a project she had been working on since the mid-1990s.
2008: Supported LGBT rights
In 2008, Streisand supported LGBT rights and backed the "No on 8" campaign, an unsuccessful attempt to defeat California Proposition 8.
September 26, 2009: Performed One-Night-Only Show at the Village Vanguard
On September 26, 2009, Barbra Streisand performed a one-night-only show at the Village Vanguard in New York City's Greenwich Village.
September 29, 2009: Released Love Is the Answer album
On September 29, 2009, Barbra Streisand and Columbia Records released the studio album "Love is the Answer", produced by Diana Krall.
October 2, 2009: British Television Performance Debut on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
On October 2, 2009, Barbra Streisand made her British television performance debut with an interview on 'Friday Night with Jonathan Ross' to promote her album.
October 2009: Auctioned items for her foundation
In October 2009, Streisand auctioned 526 items from her art and furniture collection, with all proceeds benefiting her foundation. Items included a costume from Funny Lady and a vintage dental cabinet.
2009: Gifted to Women's Cardiovascular Research Program
In 2009, Streisand gifted $5 million to endow the Barbra Streisand Women's Cardiovascular Research and Education Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's Women's Heart Center.
February 1, 2010: Joined Recording of We Are the World 25 for Haiti
On February 1, 2010, Barbra Streisand joined over 80 other artists in recording a new version of the 1985 charity single "We Are the World" to support relief aid for Haiti after the devastating earthquake.
2010: Starring in Little Fockers
In 2010, Barbra Streisand reprised the role of Roz Focker in Little Fockers, the third film from the Meet the Parents trilogy.
December 2011: Appeared at fundraising gala for Israel Defense Forces
In December 2011, Streisand appeared at a fundraising gala benefiting Israel Defense Forces charities.
2011: MusiCares Person of the Year
In 2011, Barbra Streisand was honored as MusiCares Person of the Year by the Grammy Foundation for her artistic achievements in the music industry.
2011: Awarded Board of Governors Humanitarian Award
In 2011, Streisand was given Board of Governors Humanitarian Award for her efforts on behalf of women's heart health and her philanthropic activities by Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and L'Oréal Paris Legend Award in 18th Elle Magazine Women in Hollywood.
2011: Shooting of My Mother's Curse
In early 2011, Paramount Pictures began shooting the road trip comedy My Mother's Curse, with Barbra Streisand executive producing. Shooting began in spring 2011 and wrapped in July.
October 11, 2012: Barbra Live Performance at Barclays Center
On October 11, 2012, Barbra Streisand performed a three-hour concert at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, her first public performance in her home borough. She was joined by Chris Botti, Il Volo, and her son, Jason Gould, and paid tribute to Donna Summer and Marvin Hamlisch.
December 2012: Release of The Guilt Trip
In December 2012, My Mother's Curse, now named The Guilt Trip, was released, with Barbra Streisand as executive producer.
2012: Raised funds for Women's Heart Center
In 2012, Streisand raised $22 million to support her women's cardiovascular center, bringing her personal contribution to $10 million. The program was then officially named the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center.
September 2014: Release of "Partners" Album
In September 2014, Barbra Streisand released "Partners", a duets album featuring collaborations with various artists. The album topped the Billboard 200, selling 196,000 copies in its first week, making Streisand the only artist to have a number-one album in each of the last six decades.
November 2014: "Partners" Album Certified Gold
In November 2014, Barbra Streisand's album "Partners", which was released in September 2014, was certified gold.
2014: Black List Script for Catherine the Great Biopic
In 2014, the script for Catherine the Great biopic produced by Gil Netter made the Black List.
January 2015: "Partners" Album Certified Platinum
In January 2015, Barbra Streisand's album "Partners", which was released in September 2014, was certified platinum, becoming her 52nd gold and 31st platinum album.
May 2015: Viking Press Announces Anticipated Memoir
In May 2015, Viking Press announced their anticipation in publishing Barbra Streisand's long-awaited memoir in 2017, which was set to cover her life and career.
2015: Plans for Directing Catherine the Great Biopic
In 2015, plans emerged for Barbra Streisand to direct a feature biopic about Catherine the Great, starring Keira Knightley.
April 2016: Advanced Negotiations for Gypsy Film Adaptation
In April 2016, Barbra Streisand was in advanced negotiations to star in and produce a film adaptation of the musical Gypsy, to be directed by Barry Levinson.
May 2016: Announcement of "Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway"
In May 2016, Barbra Streisand announced the upcoming album "Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway", which was scheduled for release in August 2016, and a nine-city concert tour.
2017: Expected Memoir Release
In 2017, the anticipated release of Barbra Streisand's memoir, covering her entire life and career, was expected from Viking Press.
2017: Gypsy Project Reportedly Abandoned
In early 2017, Streisand reportedly exited the Gypsy project, and it failed to move into production.
June 2018: Confirmation of New Studio Album "Walls"
In June 2018, Barbra Streisand confirmed that she was working on a new studio album called "Walls", which was scheduled to be released on November 2, 2018.
November 2, 2018: Release of the Album "Walls"
On November 2, 2018, Barbra Streisand released her new studio album "Walls", featuring the lead single "Don't Lie to Me", a criticism of the political climate in America under Donald Trump's presidency.
June 2020: Gifted Disney shares to George Floyd's daughter
In June 2020, Streisand gifted George Floyd's daughter, Gianna Floyd, shares of Disney stock.
2020: Promoted voter rights
In 2020, Streisand continued her voter rights advocacy by tweeting a link to VoteRiders, a nonprofit that assists citizens with obtaining voter ID.
September 22, 2022: Invited to be ambassador for UNITED24
On September 22, 2022, Streisand was invited by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to become an ambassador for the UNITED24 platform, focusing on medical aid. Streisand helped raise $240,000.
April 25, 2024: Release of "Love Will Survive"
On April 25, 2024, Barbra Streisand released the single "Love Will Survive", from the television series The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
