56 pages 1 hour read

Barbra Streisand

My Name Is Barbra

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2023

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Background

Cultural Context: Barbra Streisand’s Artistic Impact

Barbra Streisand is often considered one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century: Her multi-hyphenate career has spanned over seven decades, and her music, movies, and performances have made a significant impact on Western culture as she blazed a trail for women in the entertainment industry. Streisand is one of the most successful and decorated recording artists of all time and one of the few performers to win an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) for her work. She is also known for her philanthropic and political work in the fields of women’s heart health research, education, and women’s rights.

Streisand has recorded dozens of albums, several films, and multiple television specials. She began her acting career in the theater, where she charmed audiences with her powerful voice and direct sense of humor. Though she only did two shows on Broadway, Streisand is considered a theater legend who redefined what it meant to be a leading lady. She is well-known for originating the role of Fanny Brice in the musical Funny Girl on Broadway and in London, as well as in its film adaptation and in the sequel Funny Lady. In her movies, Streisand challenged the norms of how women were presented on screen.