It is fascinating to have witnessed the evolution of Barbra Streisand's
universal appeal through the years. Her popularity has grown to such an
impressive magnitude that the mere mention of her name automatically brings
audiences to their feet. Such was the case at the recent Sondheim birthday
tribute in Hollywood. Barbra stole the show. And she didn't even sing. All she had to
do was show up.
Can
you imagine what it was like during Barbra's 1966 concert tour, An
Evening with Barbra Streisand? As this relatively new performer took to
various stages in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago and Newport, the crowds
probably sat back and patiently waited to see what she could do. Yes, they might
have seen her on Ed Sullivan or Dinah Shore. But in person, that
was different. Was she really as good a singer as all the hype? They wanted
proof positive. For those
skeptics who paid around $10 to attend these shows, the answer was to unfold
during the course of a two hour singing performance that they would never
forget.
Barbra's tour of 1966 helped advance the legend that was to ultimately become
the Barbra Streisand of today. Her tour was dynamic, comical and unique. Above
all, it was a great showcase for her extraordinary talent. The tour positioned
Barbra as a performer who would quickly rise to a level of success unparalleled
by most.
The
audiences (and skeptics) who were there in 1966 probably look back at those
particular ground breaking concert experiences and say with revelation and pride,
Barbra, I knew her when...
