Barbra Streisand has been a formidable presence in the entertainment industry since she launched her professional singing career 65 years ago in the vibrant city of New York. As the first performer to achieve EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), her illustrious legacy encompasses music, theater, film, and television. Now at the age of 83, Streisand is set to release her latest album, “The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two.” This collection features an impressive lineup of duets with renowned artists including Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Laufey, Hozier, Sam Smith, James Taylor, Sting, Tim McGraw, and Josh Groban. Notably, both Ariana Grande and Mariah Carey will lend their voices to the track “One Heart, One Voice.”
The release of “The Secret of Life” comes less than two years after Streisand published her extensive 970-page memoir, “My Name Is Barbra,” which includes an accompanying 48-hour audiobook narrated by Streisand herself. In addition to her musical endeavors, she is currently in production for a multi-part documentary about her life, directed by Frank Marshall. Despite her prolific output, Streisand humorously claims, “I’m very lazy. I don’t like to have to work,” emphasizing her desire for freedom over commitments.
Streisand attributes much of her continued work to her longtime producing partner, Jay Landers, who has been an A&R executive for over 30 years. “I always wanted to end my career… doing ‘Gypsy,’” she reflects, acknowledging that time is fleeting. “When Jay talked about this [album], I thought, ‘This is a good idea.’” She praises her collaboration with producers Peter Asher and Walter Afanasieff, stating that she and Jay became the executive producers to ensure her creative vision was honored.
In a recent episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Streisand about her new album. Our conversation began with a personal note as she referenced my essay about undergoing open-heart surgery at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, where the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center is located. “What a lovely thing that my heart center could help you,” she expressed, revealing her connection to the facility.
When discussing her creative process, Streisand emphasized that the song takes precedence over the choice of duet partner. “The song comes first,” she said, highlighting the importance of the music and lyrics. Reflecting on her collaboration with Sam Smith on “To Lose You Again,” she remarked on the emotional weight of the lyrics, which often reflect themes of loss and nostalgia.
Streisand revealed that she doesn’t typically listen to her own recordings after their completion. “I never listen to my records after I make them,” she admitted. This raises an intriguing question: what happens if one of her songs plays on the radio? “If I hear something from 20 years ago, I’m just evaluating the sound,” she explained, demonstrating her analytical approach to her music.
The inclusion of Ariana Grande and Mariah Carey on “One Heart, One Voice” was a significant choice for Streisand. “They’re the hottest, biggest, most wonderful voices,” she remarked, expressing her excitement over their participation. With Grande’s recent announcement of her role in the upcoming “Meet the Parents” film, Streisand had some humorous banter about their respective roles in the project.
As for the title of her new album, Streisand explained that it is inspired by her collaboration with James Taylor on the song “Secret O’ Life,” which reflects on the passage of time. “As I get older, I am appreciating the passage of time,” she noted, hinting at the deeper meanings behind her music.
When asked about the possibility of performing live again, Streisand expressed her doubts but acknowledged that a small part of her might consider it. Shifting the conversation to political topics, she shared her concerns about the current state of the world, stating, “I’m so sad for what’s happening.” Reflecting on the future, she expressed hope that a woman president may emerge in her son’s lifetime.
In a touching moment, Streisand recounted discovering her son Jason’s musical talent, listening to a song he had sung that was written by her friend Quincy Jones. “I had to call him and say, ‘What the hell, Jason?’” she laughed, clearly proud of his abilities.
With a career that has influenced multiple generations, Barbra Streisand continues to create and inspire. Her new album, “The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two,” showcases her enduring talent and dedication to her craft. Listeners can expect an emotionally rich experience as Streisand collaborates with some of the biggest names in music today.
This conversation with Streisand has been edited for length and clarity, and you can listen to the full interview on the “Just for Variety” podcast, available wherever you enjoy podcasts.
