My Name Is Barbra

 

      Of course Barbra Streisand was fabulous before her legendary television debut, "My Name Is Barbra", aired in 1965.  But to the general public, she was still considered a curiosity.  People weren't quite sure whether to take her seriously or not.  Then, "My Name Is Barbra" aired... and her television debut became a pinnacle moment in music history, and a legend was born- all at a mere 22 years old.  Filmed in glorious black and white, it's a thrilling and sensational moment in television history.  If people didn't know who Streisand was before "My Name Is Barbra", they sure did the next day.  Not only was the show itself a runaway  ratings smash, but it made Barbra the most famous woman on the planet, besides Elizabeth Taylor.  The show was immensely popular, and the freshness and boldness that went into this production is still impressive even today.  Barbra had balls, and her braveness to do it different than the rest paid off.  It's a fantastic hour of song and show that tosses out the traditional variety show format of the time and amazingly drops the whole guest star thing.  Barbra has no guest stars- no silly and staged banter.  She is the show. Divided into three segments, Barbra is a true tour de force- astonishing the viewer with her raw talent.  It was truly groundbreaking at the time, and it's still a dazzling piece of showmanship. "My Name Is Barbra" is rightly considered one of television's most legendary moments- putting it up there with Elvis and The Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and Madonna on the VMA's.  This is perhaps Barbra presented in her finest hour.  And it's worth it alone just for the fabulous Bergdorf Goodman segment.And the two soundtracks to the television special is a must-have for any self-respecting fan of Streisand or lounge music.  Utterly delicious.