Why Barbra Streisand Was “a Bit” Scared to Hit Studio With Bob Dylan to Record New Duet

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Barbra Streisand is having breakfast.

It’s around 1 o’clock in the afternoon on a Wednesday, and the renowned artist is treating her three cherished Coton de Tulears to blueberries. Despite having other tasks at hand, she seems content as she juggles duties, as there’s work involved in promoting “The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume Two”, an upcoming album of duets set for release on Friday, June 27th. This second installment, following the Grammy-nominated “Partners” from 2014, sees Streisand collaborating on lyrics with artists such as Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Sting, James Taylor, Hozier, Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande and others.

The list of artists involved in this music project is a star-studded one, a lineup that appears to be exclusive even for someone as renowned as Streisand. Speaking over the phone from her Malibu, California residence, Streisand expresses her delight and gratitude about the situation. She’s also expressing her gratitude for her voice managing to handle recording 11 new songs, an achievement made possible after a demanding schedule that included narrating her best-selling memoir “My Name Is Barbra” for The New York Times.

In that instant as the EGOT winner stepped into the recording studio, her voice was remarkably hoarse. Yet, it felt significant – almost like a pivotal point. In silent supplication, she implored for her vocal abilities to hold steady. As she prepared to sing the song, to her surprise, her voice responded. This moment left me speechless, and I struggle to articulate its essence. I hope my words can convey a fraction of that experience. Truly, it was an album destined to be created.

Here’s a fan’s perspective of an interview with Barbra: A delightful chat filled with heartwarming comments about Miss Violet, one of her beloved dogs, and even a memorable “butter-perfect” moment as she clearly articulates it for us all, “b-u-t-t-a.” Barbra also shares some exciting news about her upcoming documentary project with Frank Marshall and Alex Gibney, and hints at the possibility of gracing the stage once more.

How are you?

I’m just splitting blueberries with my doggies, we’re eating.

That sounds like a great afternoon.

It’s my morning.

Well, good morning to you. First of all, what an honor, I’m so grateful for the time.

You’re so sweet. Thank you.

Amidst the weight of current events, it brought me immense delight to play your latest album repeatedly yesterday, losing myself in those harmonious duets and immersing myself in the soothing sounds of your enchanting voice for hours. Are you open to releasing a new album at this moment?

I feel great about it. What are you thinking?

As a music lover in these turbulent times, an album filled with heartfelt love songs and harmonious duets serves as a soothing retreat from the ongoing world events.

Music has a remarkable ability to reveal the warmth, the passion, and the love that exist in the world instead of focusing on hatred. It’s like perfect timing.

Absolutely perfect timing! It seems as though you’re the unique artist capable of releasing a duet album that would bring together music legends such as Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and James Taylor alongside contemporary pop sensations like Ariana Grande and Mariah Carey, creating an extraordinary blend.

Isn’t it great? I’m very lucky.

Can you talk about your creative process. How do you decide who to duet with and on which song?

My music producers, Peter Asher and Walter Afanasieff, along with my long-standing A&R representative Jay Landers, presented me with numerous options. Having recently completed a six-week audio book recording schedule, five days a week for six hours each day, I was left with a very hoarse voice. Upon arriving at the studio to record my first song, I recall feeling a significant moment. In that instant, I earnestly prayed to God to grant me my singing voice. As I opened my mouth to sing the song, I found my voice was surprisingly present, which took me by surprise. This experience is difficult to articulate, but I hope you can grasp its essence. Essentially, this album felt destined for creation.

Wow. Your prayers were answered because your voice sounds so silky and stunning.

Like butta. B-u-t-t-a.

Yes, exactly.

I was taken aback because I’m not typically expressive with my voice. I’ve never had the motivation or the understanding about it. I was also quite indolent and always preoccupied. Somehow, prayer seemed to take over, I can’t quite put my finger on it. I couldn’t describe the sensation. When I entered the room with my producers and engineer, who’s incredibly talented, it felt like they were giving me a standing ovation. I thought, perhaps I’ve done well here. I could hear it in my headphones. I pondered, where did that emerge from?

You’ve never done any warmups or even tricks of the trade to keep your voice in shape?

I’m not motivated enough, truth be told. I find it hard to articulate this. I make an attempt, but soon enough, I lose interest within five minutes and feel compelled to return to something more engaging, like the news or another topic that catches my attention. It’s a trait I’m quite content with possessing.

It’s clear that you’re hitting the right notes! This new album is actually the second installment of ‘Partners,’ which was dropped in 2014 and even garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Notably, this series featured duets with exclusively male vocalists. So, I’m curious: what led to the decision to collaborate with Ariana, Mariah, and Laufey on this particular project?

As a champion for women’s empowerment, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to collaborate with some fantastic female artists on this album. Why pass up such a chance to make beautiful music together?

What were the conversations to get Mariah and Ariana together, and what was the recording process?

It seems I’m having a moment of forgetfulness. Was I the only one involved when we worked on some songs? Typically, I record my vocals first, and then others work around me. In this particular instance, I believe the ladies wanted to contribute their parts as well. Ariana is quite swift, so she might have done hers quickly. Mariah, on the other hand, preferred a more leisurely approach, taking her time with the process. She’d try it one day, then another, I think. I was caught in the middle, being the eldest among these powerful and beautiful voices.

On various occasions throughout the years, I’ve crossed paths with Mariah and previously collaborated with Ariana. The last time I took to the stage live [at the United Center in Chicago, August 2019], she was there joining me. We ran through our act the day prior in my hotel room, and the following day we put on a performance of “Enough Is Enough”. Now, you should know that the audience numbered approximately 70,000 people, much like the crowd I sang for at Sun Devil Stadium in Arizona during A Star Is Born. Can you fathom it? For my initial stage appearance, I shared, “I understand this is a rock concert, but tonight I’d like to share a song I recently wrote for the movie called ‘Evergreen’, and I hope you enjoy it.” That was the first time I ever performed my own composition.

Wow.

It was exciting. That number, 70,000 — whoa.

After you brought up the topic of performance, it’s hard not to wonder if, when people listen to this song you did with Ariana and Mariah, or any of your other songs for that matter, they might be curious to know if there’s a possibility of seeing you perform those tracks live?

I never say never. Who knows what’s in store?

Based on your reading of the interview by David Remnick in The New Yorker, it’s clear that you’re aware Bob Dylan didn’t skip the recording process for “The Very Thought of You.” As you correctly mentioned, you both stood up for a total of three hours during the recording session.

That’s right.

And that it was “three extraordinary hours.” Can you tell me more about your time with Dylan?

Initially, everyone felt a bit apprehensive since I was informed that no one, not even my producers, could accompany me to the recording studio. This left me feeling both anxious and excited about meeting him for the first time in person. Unfortunately, my husband wasn’t permitted to join. He often attends my sessions as he enjoys being there. Bob arrived with his spouse. I ended up giving him a copy of my book, inscribing it with something like, “At the same time we were 19, wandering Greenwich Village in search of work.” Interestingly enough, he was performing at the Bon Soir around the same period as my first real professional singing job. Initially, I aimed to be an actress, so I took on those jobs and participated in a talent contest beforehand to cover my apartment expenses.

Reflecting back, it’s fascinating how our paths crossed in what seems like either the ’70s or ’80s. Now, my memory isn’t the sharpest when it comes to specifics, but that’s probably why it took me so long to write my book. I started working on it over a decade ago and even had help from a researcher. Questions like “When did I do this?” or “What year was that?” often popped up because my recollection isn’t always precise. It feels like it’s just on the edge of my mind, dear. [Streisand, speaking directly to her dog] What seems to be troubling you, honey? Do you want another blueberry, sweetheart? What was I saying again?

You were talking about the book.

Appreciate your attention. By the way, I must clarify something about the book’s page count. Contrary to what many people are saying, it is not 992 pages. In fact, I recently verified this and found that it has 966 pages. I was curious as to why there seemed to be a misunderstanding regarding its length. If one includes acknowledgements or the back matter, do you have a term for that? I’m uncertain about what that practice is called.

The index?

One of the terms I encountered was intriguing, as my editor suggested avoiding listing everyone’s names since readers could simply check the index at the end of the book to find out if their name appears. Essentially, what she meant was that the story spans a lengthy 966 pages.

It seems everyone has finished reading through all those pages. Your discussion about the book reminded me of another project you’ve been working on – a documentary about your life, right? I recall from last September that you are collaborating with Frank Marshall and Alex Gibney on this project. How is it progressing?

It appears they’re working diligently on the project, given their busy schedules. I’ve only had a brief glimpse of what they presented to me and my record label, but it seems promising. The piece was well-made. So far, I’ve had just one interview with them, but they’ve been speaking with people close to me, which has been beneficial. Honestly, I haven’t seen the final product yet, as I’ve only done one interview so far.

Returning to the album topic. The video of your Paul McCartney duet on “My Valentine” you shared is fantastic! When Paul mentioned he had “moments of terror” during the recording, I presume it was due to his nerves. Could you share how you experienced those recording sessions?

Ah, it seems there’s an issue with my pet, Violet. Oh dear, what could be wrong? It appears she wants more food, but I’m sorry to say we’ve run out of blueberries. Here, take a look for yourself, there’s nothing left in the bowl. That’s our sweet girl, Violet.

Hi, Violet.

You might say that it had been quite some time since he last performed his song. It was amusing because he seemed a bit rusty, as if relearning something he hadn’t touched in years. He, after all, wrote the piece long ago, while I only recently learned and sang it a few times. Yet, witnessing him was such a delightful experience. He has an extensive collection of wonderful songs, some of which have become popular and well-known. He’s truly a treasure. He’s as endearing as a doll, incredibly sweet. I still remember the occasion – meeting him in England, possibly during my stint with Funny Girl. Somehow, he invited me to his home, where he lived with his first wife, Linda. It was such a gracious gesture. Incidentally, I sang one of his songs, “With a Little Help From My Friends,” on one of my albums. I can’t recall the album’s name, but what stands out is that he wanted to meet me and extend a sweet invitation for our get-together.

Aren’t you a fan of listening to albums? In case you release an album similar to this one, how do you interact with criticisms, feedback, or public response that comes your way?

I really appreciate positive feedback, especially when it accurately reflects the narrative. Now, here’s my husband picking up an empty cereal bowl. I’ll be finishing my coffee momentarily, dear. By the way, how should I interact with the reception?

Yes.

People with long-standing connections to my record company, such as Jay Landers or Ken Sunshine, may forward some information to me.

My last question: How is life in Malibu now after the fires?

We were forced to depart from our home. I required a wash, so we headed to a motel. However, the trauma of a fire five years ago still lingers as a chilling tale. This incident was truly harrowing, I must admit; it left me feeling unsettled amidst the current global events and unrest in our nation. It’s deeply troubling. In fact, it makes me yearn to set sail on a boat and voyage far away.

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2025-06-23 17:25